On March 24th 2005, Richard Pilbrow, chairman of Theatre Projects Consultants, returned to London to be present at the 40th anniversary celebration of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art's (LAMDA) prestigious Stage Management and Technical Theatre Course.

Richard Pilbow with current LAMDA class

In 1965 Richard was approached by the college's principle, Michael MacOwan, to help establish a course for the London Academy which would address the training of students in stage management and technical theatre.

The Theatre Projects Trust provided the services of Robert Stanton as Course Director, while many other Theatre Projects' staff supplied tuition including: David Collison and Tony Horder (sound), Molly Pilbrow and members of the TP lighting design team (lighting), Brian Benn (production management) with Laurence Blackmore and David Chivers (company management). The training provided a unique interface between the drama school and the world of professional theatre.

The course has stood the test of time and has proved to be extremely successful in teaching students core skills that are complemented by practical 'hands-on' training, which provides invaluable experience for their future careers. In fact, the skills learned during the course are so desirable to future employers that well over 90% of LAMDA graduates find relevant employment within six months of completing the course. Previous graduates of the course have gone on to work for a variety of prominent companies, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain and the Royal Academy of Dance.

As part of the celebrations, eminent individuals associated with the technical theatre course were invited to participate in the 40th anniversary celebration, which included an afternoon's conversation with current students of the course. Representatives from Theatre Projects Consultants and the Theatre Projects Trust who were present included Richard and Molly Pilbrow, Anthony Field, and Iain Mackintosh.

L to R:Iain Mackintosh (TPC), Peter James (LAMDA), Molly and Richard Pilbrow (TPC), David Chivers (TP Associates), and Tony Field (TPC)

Richard Pilbrow spoke at two sessions during the afternoon, entitled Two Conversations. The first session described the discussion with Michael MacOwen which led to the formation of the course. Richard also gave the students a brief outline of his various careers as a lighting designer, producer, author, and theatre consultant. The second conversation was a more detailed discussion, led by Anthony Field, which reflected on Richard's career to date and which prompted many more entertaining anecdotes of experiences working in the theatre.

L to R:TPC's Richard Pilbrow, Tony Field, and Iain Mackintosh

Theatre Projects has always been proud of its strong association with LAMDA, and the recent anniversary of the Stage Management and Technical Theatre Course has provided the two organizations with the perfect opportunity to celebrate this ongoing relationship.