This month Kate Newall went behind the scenes with the Technical Apprentice, Liza Ryan.

Can you give me a brief overview of what you do at Dance City?

I’m the apprentice Technician here which means I’m learning how to do the sound for shows, how to stage manage and how to do the lights for shows too. As well as that I help the two technicians keep track of how the building is running.

What is your background? What did you do before you worked at Dance City?

My background is an unusual one, I’m involved in a circus just on the other side of Newcastle. I joined them when I was 11 years old! They taught me most of the life skills I have today and obviously the circus skills too such as hula hooping, unicycling, juggling and many others. When I hit the age of 16 they let me volunteer with them to teach some of the younger classes and I loved it!
What’s your favourite part of the job?

Its hard to say really what my favourite part of the job is, I just love every bit of it! But I guess if I had to pick something then it would be the stage management part. I like how I get so see both sides of the performance as in what happens on and off stage.
What advice would you give someone if they wanted to do a similar role?

I’d say go for it! Be prepared to get your hands dirty and enjoy every minute of it!
What hobbies/interests do you pursue outside of work?

When I’m not at work I like to go to the circus and catch up on some training and say hi. And if I manage to get there at the right time I like to help out in the classes I used to teach, the kids love hearing about what I get up to here.