August 20th 2024.
Craig Swindells, the Head of Production at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), has had an interesting career journey. He spent most of his life serving in the army, a tight-knit community that he considered his family. However, after leaving the army, he struggled to find a sense of belonging in his new civilian life. He tried a few different jobs, but nothing felt quite right until he landed a job as an Orchestra Technician at Scottish Opera.
When he first saw the job posting, Craig was intrigued, but he didn't think he had the necessary qualifications. However, he decided to apply anyway, and to his surprise, he got the job. Looking back, he believes his military training played a significant role in his success. The army and the arts may seem like polar opposites, but they share some common values like camaraderie, teamwork, and a strong drive to achieve their goals.
In his role as a production manager, Craig's main responsibility is to ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. This involves a lot of logistics, making sure everyone is in the right place at the right time. Unlike many other production roles, a background in the arts or music is not a requirement for this job. Instead, Craig's skills in organization and attention to detail are what make him excel in his role.
One of the perks of working for the RSNO is the opportunity to travel. In his time with the orchestra, Craig has gone on ten international tours, visiting countries like China and the United States. While it may seem exciting, being on tour can also be quite stressful. There is a lot to coordinate, and often, the team doesn't have much time for sightseeing. However, Craig enjoys the bonding experience of being on tour, almost like a big family trip with a bit of work thrown in.
A typical concert day for Craig starts early in the morning, around 10:30 am, when he meets the team and loads their truck with all the necessary equipment. They then make the drive to the venue, where they spend the next few hours setting up the stage and ensuring all safety regulations are met. Rehearsals with the orchestra and conductor take place in the afternoon, and Craig is constantly making adjustments to accommodate the musicians' needs.
After a quick dinner break, it's time for the show to begin. Craig and his team work behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly, and once the concert is over, they have to pack everything up and return to their base in Glasgow. It's a long day, but Craig enjoys the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction he gets from a successful production. However, switching off after such an intense day can be challenging, which is why Craig likes to relax with a glass of whisky before bed.
Craig's job may not be well-known to the general public, but he believes it is crucial to the success of any performance. Without someone like him managing the logistics and ensuring everything runs smoothly, the show would not go on. He takes pride in his work and is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the RSNO family. To read more about the fascinating lives of people in the arts, subscribe to Scottish Field and check out their Life With series.
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