Amazonia
Production Assistant
Young Vic Theatre
October 2008 – January 2009
Amazonia was a new, semi-devised co-production between the Young Vic and People’s Palace Projects and was the Young Vic’s 2008 Christmas show.
Working as Production Assistant (a role that I negotiated for myself with the Young Vic’s Production Manager Chris Clay) I worked and collaborated closely with all senior members of the production team to help with the project’s realisation. The production was very challenging for all involved, involving a large yet over-stretched budget and a huge set that transformed the main house of the Young Vic into a large floor-to-grid tree surrounded by pools of water. My successful completion of this role as a university work-placement led to my being offered a similar short-term professional role at the Young Vic that I unfortunately had to turn down due to other work commitments.
My responsibilities included:
- Observing and assisting the work of the Young Vic’s Production Manager:
o Attending and taking an active part in meetings for both Amazonia and several other concurrent Young Vic productions
o Offering input and alternative solutions to technical and production issues
o Sourcing and placing orders for equipment and materials
o Completing smaller production management tasks
- Liaising and collaborating with the Associate Designer Ben Gerlis to produce technical solutions appropriate to the aesthetic of the show
- Working closely with the Young Vic’s Head of Workshop Paul Halter to produce 3-Dimensional scale drawings (using AutoCAD) of the set for his carpenters and metal-workers to work from [NB – not bench drawings]
- Devising an accurate scale plan of the main house seating configuration for the show (in accordance with Technical Standards and DDA Regulations) and running the seating Get-In
- Working with the Young Vic’s Head of Stage Dave Tuff to devise a solution for the safe installation, use and maintenance of a linked water system, pump and filter for the three practical pools
- Crewing the show during Fit-Up, Technical Rehearsal and Preview performances. Devising and writing cue plots for the show
“Simon quickly integrated into the production department and the show’s production team. During his placement he was assigned a variety of individual tasks, including CAD drawings, research for me, costing and sourcing items for the production and team tasks including the fit up and technical rehearsals for the show. He approached all tasks with enthusiasm, and importantly asked for clear instruction and guidance if he felt unsure of anything. Once he felt confident with the assigned task he demonstrated a level competence, such that I felt confident leaving him to work independently.” Chris Clay Production Manager Young Vic Theatre
