Two aspiring arts professionals are getting a behind-the-scenes look at live event production as part of this year’s Lighthouse Young Producers programme in Poole.
Tiger Deffee, from Cranborne in Dorset, and Kady Nankivel, originally from South Dakota in the United States, are working on key events at the arts centre this summer, including NT Connections and Poole Pride.
The ten-week placement gives participants real-world experience across different departments at Lighthouse, helping them understand how large-scale cultural events are delivered.
Tiger, a Performing Arts student at Bournemouth and Poole College, said the experience had helped her appreciate the full scope of putting on a show. “As an actress, it’s good to be more aware of what goes on behind the scenes and learn about other people’s roles.”
Kady, who is studying for a Masters in Historical Costume Design at Arts University Bournemouth, found out about the programme through a social media post and was keen to apply. “I’ve worked in theatre most of my life but producing is new for me,” she said. “I’ve never made a budget in my life so this is all part of learning how a theatre really runs.”
So far, the pair have supported the delivery of the National Theatre’s Connections Festival, which saw over one hundred young people perform at Lighthouse, and have also contributed to design work and event support for upcoming shows and community activities.
Kady said she was looking forward to staying on to see Lighthouse’s pantomime season, while Tiger said working on Poole Pride was a highlight of the programme so far.
Their placement continues into the summer.