Matt Oscroft

Profession:
Project Manager / Lighting Designer; Hawthorn

Date & place of birth:
August 12 1973; Nottingham, UK

Your first job after full-time education? 
I finished school at the age of 16 — I left on the Friday and by the Monday I was working at the Mansfield Civic Theatre (now The Palace) as a trainee lighting technician on a YTS scheme. I stayed there for the two year period; this role taught me everything I needed to know as a junior lighting technician, making cups of tea and how to clean the theatre manager’s car!

What were the highlights of your early career?
I remember loving everything theatre, so the day I was offered a position at the Theatre Royal Nottingham was pretty memorable. I always had aspirations of working there when I was younger, and for it to come true and stay there for a further six years was a great achievement. I remember people telling me to think about another career as it was difficult to get into. Even my careers advisor at school refused me advice as there was no chance of getting employment within the industry. Proving them wrong was a great feeling.

As theatre technician, what were your gripes with the touring production industry?
I think the main gripe every receiving house has apart from carrying the sound desk into the auditorium was the cheery fresh faces of the next production crew arriving at the dock door on a Sunday morning after you had just finished an all-night load-out. The similarity was also annoying, even though each show was different the basics all remained the same.

What made you cross from the theatre to a corporate lighting company?
To be honest, money. I remember being paid BECTU minimum at the theatre so to then receive a more corporate wage was very appealing. Also I felt I had reached a peak at the theatre. I was offered a tour with a musical two months before I was due to be married which I would have loved to do, however, I turned it down as i didn’t think it would go down well with my then fiancée, so the move to corporate seemed a natural progression.

And what were the positives and negatives about this move?
The positives were immense, namely the opportunity to work overseas. And just when you think you know everything in the industry, along comes another set of techniques, challenges and attitudes. The negatives include the lack of theatre productions, the amount of PowerPoint presentations I have to sit through and the time away from home.

What is it about Hawthorn that has enticed you to stay for 12 years?
At Hawthorn, your scope for promotion is good; the majority of the project managers here all started Hawthorn life as technicians, as did I. The company has grown so much over the last few years, however the friendly family atmosphere within the building is still present, and I have no reservations in going into the MD’s [founder Martin Hawthorn] office for a chat, which I think is a bonus for any company.

What was your personal experience of working on the TPi Awards 2010?
I enjoyed it, I was a little concerned initially as we are very corporate and our styles and designs reflect that, so stepping into what is predominantly a rock’n’roll environment was somewhat daunting. I guess we as a company felt like the new kid at school, as the production team in other departments were already established within the TPi family. Having said that, once on-site these feelings soon disappeared, this was helped by the friendly and welcoming attitude of all the TPi team.

What occupies your free time?
Horses, horses and when they are not taking up my time, more horses. My wife and I purchased an old farm in Lincolnshire and over the last six years we have personally renovated it into a small equestrian centre. We currently have four horses as my wife competes in the world of eventing. Three years ago we purchased a new foal which is taking up most of our time in training. I really enjoy this country lifestyle as it’s a million miles away from my technical 9-5 job.

Your desert island record? 
I wouldn’t know where to start as my music collection is so varied, but if I had to choose it may be ‘You To Me Are Everything’ by The Real Thing.

What was the last gig you attended as a paying punter?
It was Take That, The Circus Live tour at Coventry. I don’t think anything can top that.

What would be your advice to a teenage Matt Oscroft? 
Enjoy the opportunity and the experience of the industry. Listen and learn from others as you don’t know everything... whatever you may think.