Spotlight on Rai Boreel
Theatre Technician

Rai, can you tell us about your personal and professional growth over the last 2 years? What have been some key milestones or changes during this time?

Going into a field of work which I had little to no experience in was challenging, but I do not regret it. I have grown a lot as a person and a technician - my confidence in learning new skills has had a boost and since starting my new full time job as inhouse technician (a key milestone) for Jacksons Lane Arts Centre I finally feel like I am doing work that gives me both security and enjoyment.

What challenges have you faced along the way, especially transitioning into the tech industry from a creative background?

Financial challenge - not having the money to pursue formal training I have had to rely on Future Formed networking, self-study and my own personal network to gain experience and acquire new skills.

One of the goals of the Future Tech programme was to try and diversify the sector. From your perspective, do you see broader representation now compared to 5 years ago? If not, what do you think still needs to change?

I think staff tend to be diverse at technician level, but the higher in position you go the whiter and more cis male it gets. This needs to change.

What was it like supporting Soho Labs?

Really great! The labs are such a great way for (budding) performers to blossom, experiment and explore. It was wonderful being the assistant on Soho lab artist development programmes. It was also very insightful to be present at the tech rehearsals.

You had a placement at the Pleasance Theatre, how was that experience in terms of programming and what you learnt?

My work placement at the Pleasance was fantastic! It was a great place to ease into the world of theatre tech for small to midscale venues. I learnt some basic programming for the studio and the main house and actually operated a main house show at the end. I got hired as a casual technician after my placement and since then I have done just about everything that can be done for the venue - from programming and operating shows to relaying the stage, PAT testing and disassembling the whole interior of their downstairs studio (which has since been shipped to Chichester Festival Theatre). When I started at Camden People's Theatre I already had 1½ years of experience working at the Pleasance behind me so it’s been easier in that sense. However, I’d never done shifts as the only technician in the building before and that was good to experience. Camden is also a great theatre with lovely staff and interesting shows.

Coming from a background in acting and performance, how did you make the shift into tech and what does the future look like for you now?

I wanted more job security and after meeting other people who were combining their creative job with tech work I decided to try and do the same. The future right now is looking good in terms of job security. I’m hoping to stay with Jacksons Lane Arts Centre for the foreseeable future.

What would you say to someone considering joining the Future Tech programme but feeling unsure?

Go for it. It is such a great opportunity to explore the world of tech and the many paths you can take in it. Even if it’s just to meet new people who might become valuable contacts for other opportunities.

Lastly, in what key ways has Future Formed helped shape your journey?

Future Formed has helped me take the first step into tech by offering free training and a week of paid work placement. It would have been so much harder to get into this world without paying lots of money (which I don’t have) for training and I am very grateful to Future Formed for giving me this invaluable start. Furthermore they put me in contact with Soho Labs who hired me shortly after and for that I am also very grateful.