During this Scottish Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration of apprenticeships that runs between 4th and 8thMarch, Capital Theatres celebrates the success of the organisation’s first ever scenic flying technical theatre apprentice, Liz Dokukina.
Launched in October 2023, in partnership with Edinburgh College, that is one of Scotland’s largest colleges, this apprenticeship offers a unique training experience where Liz has learned the operation of a traditional theatrical rigging system, known as ‘the art of flying’, which lifts scenery to-and-from the stage. This distinct flying apprenticeship is in high demand within the industry as it is an area typically difficult to gain experience in. For Liz, the apprenticeship offers hands-on training in a live theatre setting and an SCQF Level 7 Diploma in Technical Theatre and Production Operations qualification. For Capital Theatres, it represents a welcome opportunity to preserve key technical theatre skills and provides a valuable route into employment for young people.
The Festival Theatre has one of the largest counterweight fly systems in the country, consisting of 75 fly bars each holding up to 400 kilograms of weight. As part of her apprenticeship, Liz is learning how to safely operate this theatrical flying system that moves backdrops and scenery in and out of the audience’s sight.
Despite joining the theatre just a few months ago, Liz has excelled in all aspects of her work and has already flown her own show, Carlos Acosta’s On Before, for the first time. Later this month, she is due to visit the Millenium Centre in Cardiff to work on Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands before it heads to Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre in May.
Liz Dokukina said “It is a fantastic opportunity, and I am so glad that it exists, especially as someone who has a passion for theatre but didn’t have any technical qualifications. Now I can learn hands-on while studying towards a qualification and also earning a living. It’s been really fun – it’s a dream coming into work knowing that you’re going to have a good day. I love the learning process. With every show that comes in, there’s a new technique for me to learn.
Everyone at Capital Theatres has been so supportive and learning from my mentor Mark Pringle (our resident flyman) has been absolutely fantastic! He so clearly understands his craft, having started at the Festival Theatre when it opened 30 years ago, and it is a privilege to learn from him. The team has created a brilliant learning environment, and I am in very safe hands.”
Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford said “We are delighted to be able to deliver this apprenticeship with colleagues at Capital Theatres. Our joined-up approach ensures that Liz is benefitting from the unique blend of industry and education that apprenticeships offer, ensuring Liz will have the necessary skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in Technical Theatre.”
Following the success of Liz and the first Technical Theatre Modern Apprenticeship, Capital Theatres is launching a second apprenticeship later in 2024, continuing this hands-on training experience in a live theatre setting alongside study towards an SCQF Level 7 Diploma in Technical Theatre and Production Operations.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 