Live Events at Jason Derulo set up

On Tuesday 2nd February Brighton’s Live Events & Promotions students were given the opportunity to watch the set up for a Jason Derulo show at The Brighton Centre. The magical industry contacts of our Live Events tutor Anne-Marie (it’s all about networking people) opened all the doors to give the students a keen insight into just what it takes to make the audio-visual spectacle that a major event demands. This was a unique opportunity for the students to learn about all the roles within the live events industry and to see first hand some technical expertise in rigging, lighting and sound.

From 11am we were witness to a hive of activity as endless bits of equipment were unveiled and set up. Dancers rehearsed their final moves ahead of the show, whilst a case of chocolate donuts were even spotted being delivered in the background. Were they for Jason or the crew? We never found out but they looked delicious. Various members of staff took the time out from their busy schedule to talk the students through what they were doing and how they got started in the events industry. Finding the area you want to work in and gaining as much practical experience in that field (volunteering etc.) seemed to be a key. Good job our students are currently getting in touch with venues to ask for any opportunities to gain experience.

The shear scale of the event was particularly impressive and setting up the venue to keep 5000 Jason Derulo fans happy took a heck of a lot of work. Plus the nature of the touring production meant it would all have to be packed up again that night, phew! Discussions amongst the students range from whether they would like to work front or back of house to what they would have in their riders!

To top it all off Jason’s tour manager Amanda came up trumps and offered all the students free tickets to the show later on. What better way to get a full understanding of the whole process than to enjoy the gig too! Whilst not to everyone’s taste, we’re pretty sure we spotted each student busting at least one dance move and as for the tutors, well, the less said about their moves the better! The immortal phrase ‘never pass up a free gig’ rung out through the air as everyone finally made their way home, all a little more the wiser about what goes on behind the scenes.

Thank you to everyone at The Brighton Centre, SJM touring and of course the man Jason Derulo himself for being so accommodating and informative. And thank you to our amazing tutors and students for once again making Dv8 proud. If you think you would be interested in studying Live Events & Promotions at Dv8 Sussex find out more information here.

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