Shakespeare once said all the world’s a stage and that is certainly the case for Jamie Ashwell, an Education Events & Tours Apprentice for the Royal Opera House, who is predominantly based at the new Production Park in Thurrock.
Jamie, 20 from Grays, already had an offer from a university to study a Stage Management degree but decided the best route for him was of ‘leading man’ in the role of an Apprentice.
He said: “Working for the Royal Opera house is an incredible thing for me because they are a world leading organisation within the arts. With an Apprenticeship you work on real projects and get two years of intensive support and training in a work place environment.”
“Doing an Apprenticeship has many advantages; one of course is money because you get paid to be an apprentice. Secondly you work with leading practitioners in the industry which you wouldn’t necessarily get when going into a job or doing a uni course.”
Jamie admitted that there were of course pressures working in a real environment and with people who have done it for years, but he really relishes the whole atmosphere as it gives him the drive to push on.
He added: “I feel in my time I’ve been with the Opera House I’ve learnt many new skills and not necessarily all through training. My social skills have improved for example, my confidence is a huge thing, I feel really confident to work with people at such a high level in national leading projects. I’m young and fresh and want to show want I can do.”
One such project Jamie has led came when the Olympic torch passed through Grays whilst he helped semi-stage manage an event the Royal Opera House held outside the Thameside Theatre.
Jamie has also been rubbing shoulders with Royalty as he explained: “One of the many highlights of my Apprenticeship was when I met the Duke of Kent, he came to the site here because he wanted to find out what we do and also what we do for the community in Thurrock. I got to shake his hand and have a short conversation with him. He pointed at the other members of staff and said ‘keep learning from them.”
That is clearly something Jamie is aiming to do and he is really enjoying the opportunity that has been given to him. You could almost say that he sees this Apprenticeship as a dress rehearsal for his future career in the Arts.
Jamie concluded: “Understanding all the things that go into a production, from walking around backstage and various department is great, it’s a very inspiring place to beand I’m sure will help me with my career in the future.”
