Alumni Spotlight: Maddi Pell

After graduating from the University of Lincoln in 2023 with a first-class BA (Hons) in Technical Theatre and Stage Management, I decided to pursue a career as a freelance stage manager. The resources and guidance I received throughout my course, along with the support from my

lecturers, were instrumental in helping me take this leap. Leveraging the connections I made during the course through guest lecturers, placements, and platforms like Mandy and the Freelist from the Stage Management Association (SMA), I was able to secure my first freelance roles. Staying connected with my coursemates and lecturers also proved vital in maintaining a strong professional network.

Shortly after graduating in September, I landed my first significant role as Stage Manager/Operator for OPRA Cymru, a Welsh opera company. From late September to early October, I toured Wales on their production of “Peth Bach’di Cawr” (A Giant’s A Small Matter), a fully Welsh-language opera. This was a new and exciting challenge for me, as I had never worked on an opera or a show in a different language before. The experience broadened my understanding of the industry and allowed me to develop new skills.

Utilising the contacts I made during my time on placement in Nottingham have been invaluable to my career so far, leading to multiple opportunities to work with them again in a professional capacity. Transitioning from shadowing the stage management roles during my placement to working alongside and managing shows like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Full Monty on my own has been incredibly rewarding.

In December 2023, I took on the role of Assistant Stage Manager (Book Cover) for the pantomime “The Wizard of Oz” in Kettering, which was a fun and exciting experience. I’m thrilled to have been invited back by the same company to work as their Deputy Stage Manager for this year’s panto, “Beauty and the Beast.”

Having enjoyed my touring experience in Wales, I decided to focus more on touring theatre in 2024. In February, I joined Tangled Feet’s tour of their show “Belonging” as Assistant Stage Manager. The tour, which ran from February to June, took us to various theatres and primary schools, further enriching my experience in the touring theatre scene.

Now, roughly a year after graduating, I’m excited to be returning to Lincolnshire for rehearsals of “Hancock’s Half Hour.” And excited to be working as the Stage Manager for this mid-scale production, which will be touring across the UK.

Looking back on the past year, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about the future. The experiences I’ve had, from touring with Welsh opera to managing pantomimes and mid-scale productions, have solidified my passion for stage management and touring theatre. I’m eager to continue building my career and taking on new challenges in the creative industry.