A Theatre Design & Production alumni from The University of Wales Trinity Saint David created props and scenery for the BRIT Awards that was held recently at the O2 Arena in London.
Jake Linzey is the Managing Director of Leviathan Workshop, an award-winning company that specialises in prop making and puppets. His company was responsible for producing props and scenery for KSI, Anne-Marie & Digital Farm Animals performances at the BRIT Awards. After finding out about the work, Jake reached out to industry colleague, UWTSD props & scenery lecturer Dave Atkinson to assist with the build of an element of the design for this production.
Jake had asked Dave to make a selection of suitcases and travel trunks which were to then be clad in faux leather. Dave welcomed the opportunity as it is a prime example of demonstrating the skills taught to first years Set & Production Design students and demonstrated that these transferable skills are the same regardless of whether you are making for a small-scale theatre show or a high-end national event broadcast live on television.
Second-year students also assisted with the build of the cases and gained invaluable industry experience and portfolio work. The cases were delivered to the O2 Arena, where they were assembled into a scenic riser and dressed by Leviathan’s onsite team.
This is the second time Leviathan has asked Dave Atkinson to provide support for the BRIT Awards, having worked previously on the 2019 BRITs for Little Mix. Jake Linzey said,
“The BRIT’s is an incredibly fast turnaround, and you have to be able to rely on your creative partners to deliver, I reached out to Dave and the students who did a fantastic job.”
As a UWTSD graduate, Jake is committed to being involved with the course and so has delivered guest lectures as well as working on modules. As a result, he would like to give back to the University adding,
“I remain keen to offer practical industry experience as a working relationship between Leviathan Workshop and the Creative Industries in UWTSD Carmarthen.”
UWTSD Theatre Design & Production lecturer, Dave Atkinson said,
“Our BA Set Design & Production course is well known around the UK for its students’ practical capabilities and transferable skills. We look forward to continue to develop the UWTSD brand in the creative industries, which, in turn, will broaden the networking between students and an array of industry professionals.”
