Harlequin runs floor seminar for RADA technical students

Recently, Harlequin Floors was invited to present a seminar session for students studying the Technical Theatre & Stage Management course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Neil Fraser, Director of Technical Training at RADA, approached Harlequin as the recognised leader in the knowledge, expertise and development of floors for the performing arts. Some twenty students participated in the seminar day for this special training session, which was also an important compulsory module for their RADA Professional Developoment. The seminar was presented in the Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre by Mark Rasmussen and Ray Lloyds, both from Harlequin Floors. Mark commenced by explaining why special floors have been developed for the performing arts for the benefit of the performers and the technical requirements and testing the floors will need to meet. Mark continued with a review of some recent stage floor projects covering both new build projects and major stage refurbishments. Then it was over to Ray for a ‘hands on’ practical session learning how to fix floor panels together, to measure out, cut and how to correctly tape down flooring. Taping covered two techniques - top and under floor taping - and demonstrated the differences between these. By the end of the day the students had gained a valuable insight into the importance of having the right floor and acquired some first hand practical skills – even taking away a reel of Harlequin tape together with product information, the ever useful gifts of pens and the indispensible tea mug. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) offers world-leading vocational training for actors, stage managers, directors, designers and technical stage craft specialists. RADA was established in 1904 and has built an outstanding reputation as a world-renowned centre of excellence, offering the best possible facilities, exceptional teaching and strong links with the industries that employ our graduates. RADA’s student population is a diverse community, united by a shared passion for theatre-making. The Academy prides itself both on the professional standard of its student productions, which are attended by agents, casting directors and theatre practitioners, and on their track-record of employment in theatre, film and television."

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