New Adventures has released Backstage Futures, a new short film celebrating the skilled technical and backstage teams who make live performance possible, and spotlighting the pathways being created for the next generation of theatre professionals. Narrated by former placement participant Saul Johnstone, who now works on New Adventures touring productions, Backstage Futures shows what can happen when opportunity, support and talent come together.
The film goes behind the scenes of New Adventures’ touring productions to reveal the breadth of roles that sit at the heart of theatre, from lighting, sound and stage management to wardrobe, stage, wigs, hair and make-up. It also highlights the company’s growing Placements Programme, launched in April 2024 to offer meaningful technical opportunities across its major tours.
Since launching, the programme has hosted more than 60 placements across New Adventures’ touring departments, giving participants hands-on experience in a professional environment, the chance to build confidence and networks, and a clearer view of what a future career backstage could look like.
Backstage Futures shines a light on the people who welcome, mentor and champion placement participants, and on the technical teams whose skill and generosity help make New Adventures productions possible. Through the Placements Programme, New Adventures is continuing to open doors into backstage careers and support more people to find their place in the theatre industry.
Watch the film below.
