Guest post and interview by Josh Brown
TheatreCraft, the largest, free careers event for young people seeking an off-stage career in theatre, returns to the Waldorf Hilton Hotel on Friday 3rd November.
The annual event will hold further significance throughout the industry following an independent report commissioned by the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, which has found that the education sector is channelling young people away from off-stage careers, labelling theatre as a ‘high risk option’ and offering a notable lack of guidance around training routes into the industry.
The report went on to identify TheareCraft as an important response to these issues, having actively championed the vibrant array of careers in the sector for fourteen years.
This week, we at Official London Theatre caught up with emerging photographer, Rory Ohlmeier, who was part of TheatreCraft’s Junior Media Team in 2015, was invited back to shoot the event in 2016, and will return this year too.
To learn more about TheatreCraft’s Junior Media Team opportunities and to apply to be involved at this year’s event, visit their website here – and don’t forget to register your place too! Keep up to date with TheatreCraft on Twitter and Facebook.
Tell us a little bit about yourself Rory.
I’ve just finished my first year at Falmouth University studying photography and I love it! Over the summer I’m working with a fantastic company, my3Dtwin, who use 64 DSLR cameras to photograph, scan and print amazing, photo realistic models of people. It’s great fun and I’m learning so much in so many new areas!
Photography by Rory Ohlmeier
What photography projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a street documentary project and building up a new Instagram!
What kind of photography do you specialise in or particularly enjoy?
I specialise in documentary photography. I enjoy journalistic projects that bring light to issues which I feel are overlooked, or projects which have the potential to offer new perspectives on taboo subjects such as mental health, addiction and homelessness.
Photography by Rory Ohlmeier
How did TheatreCraft help to develop your professional career?
TheatreCraft gave me my first taste of live event photography and it was a brilliant experience. The only way to develop these skills is to be thrown into the environment and learn on the job. I was part of their media team in 2015, working as a photographer, and they took me on as a junior photographer for two years running since. This not only provides me with a fantastic addition to my photography CV and portfolio, but stands as a benchmark of my year to year improvements.
How valuable did you find working as part of the TheatreCraft Media Team?
I was part of their media team in 2015, working as a photographer. It provided me with some fantastic additions to my portfolio and also instilled confidence in me, providing me a platform to go on and develop professionally. It was a great opportunity to test myself – to see what worked and how I could improve.
You came back last year as a junior photographer and will be shooting this year’s event too, what are you looking forward to the most?
As well as looking forward to meeting the great people that always attend the event, I can’t wait to push myself even further. Shooting for TheatreCraft always has new challenges for me to address. I also can’t wait to compare what I do this year to what I’ve done in the past, as it’s always exciting to see how much you’ve improved!
Photography by Rory Ohlmeier
What’s the most exciting aspect of photographing live events?
For me it’s the challenges, whether it’s getting a great smile, shooting in difficult lighting, being unobtrusive or finding new ways to be creative while still providing professional shots. I also absolutely love photographing people!
What would you say to anyone thinking about applying to be part of this year’s Media Team for TheatreCraft?
Absolutely go for it! The marketing and media team are so welcoming and will make sure you have all you need to create some great, career-changing work. It really can build the foundations to make your passion a full-time job, and then you’ll never need to work a day in your life!
To learn more about TheatreCraft’s Junior Media Team opportunities and to apply to be involved at this year’s event, visit the website here.