Behind the Scenes at BEAM Hertford – The Sele School
July 22, 2026
13 Year 8 students enjoyed a unique behind-the-scenes experience of work session at BEAM Hertford, gaining an insight into the range of careers that support the performing arts and entertainment industry.
The visit gave students exclusive access to areas of the venue that audiences rarely see. The group toured the main theatre, dressing rooms, studio performance spaces and cinema screens, learning how a modern entertainment venue operates and the different roles required to bring productions to life.
During a demonstration on the main stage, students were introduced to some of the specialist technical equipment used in theatre production, including stage curtains and scenery systems. Students heard that while larger theatres often employ people in highly specialised roles, smaller venues rely on multi-skilled technical teams who may work across areas such as lighting, pyrotechnics and stage operations.
Students then took part in a series of hands-on activities. Working with the theatre’s technical team, they were challenged to design and programme stage lighting, communicating their ideas to BEAM’s lighting programmer and directing changes to colour and intensity to create different effects. They also had the opportunity to use a stage-safe pyrotechnic firing system, experiencing first-hand how special effects are controlled during performances.
The visit highlighted the broad range of career opportunities available within the creative and cultural sector, including technical theatre, venue management, cinema programming and production roles. Students learned about the different routes into the industry, including volunteering, university courses and apprenticeships, helping raise students’ awareness of the variety of pathways that can lead to a career in theatre and live events.
By providing direct access to industry professionals and real workplace experiences, BEAM Hertford helped students gain valuable insight into the skills, roles and pathways that support one of the UK’s most vibrant sectors.
