Applications Close for Production Futures Make Noise Competition

Competition closes following applications from groups representing more than 11,000 young people…

Production Futures has closed applications for its Make Noise competition, an initiative which aims to introduce the 12-18 age group to career opportunities in live event production. 

Funded by LIVE Trust and supported by Audiotonix, Make Noise launched at the Production Futures ON TOUR event at Manchester’s AO Arena in April. The nationwide competition offered schools, colleges, youth theatres, charities, home-education groups, and community organisations, the opportunity to win one of 20 Audiotonix STEAM DJ Mixer kits to build and keep.

The build-it-yourself, two-channel mixer introduces participants to the principles of the science behind audio engineering through practical, creative learning, providing a tangible connection to the technology and skills behind live events.

Hannah Eakins, CEO of Production Futures, comments:

“From the outset, Make Noise was about reaching young people rather than simply the number of applications. To receive a large number of completed applications from groups representing more than 11,000 young people is phenomenal, particularly for a pilot initiative with detailed application criteria.

“One of our biggest ambitions was to connect beyond schools and colleges, and the wider reach into communities has been both a highlight and an important learning experience. Some of the applications are incredibly heartwarming, and we cannot wait to review them in detail. We’re hugely grateful to LIVE Trust and Audiotonix for making this possible.”

Helen Culleton, COO of Audiotonix, shares Hannah’s enthusiasm:

“The response to the Make Noise campaign demonstrates the appetite that exists for practical, creative ways to introduce young people to audio technology, not just as DJ’s, but around what skills and qualifications they are going to need to be successful in the world of audio technology, a huge global industry that we love. Building a STEAM DJ Mixer gives participants the chance to discover how the equipment works, and we hope excites them to take the science and or creative subjects at school that will allow them to develop the skills they’ll need to create the sound they hear. It is particularly encouraging to see this opportunity extending into community settings, helping more young people discover an interest in sciences and audio engineering, and the careers it can lead to.”

Jon Collins, CEO at LIVE Trust, sees the benefits of focusing on the next generation:

“We're delighted to be funding Production Futures 'Make Noise' project through LIVE Trust. There are so many roles in the live music sector that often go unnoticed. Giving young people visibility of those roles, along with the opportunity to build their skills, networks and develop their early careers, is key to building a sustainable future for our industry.”

Current UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was Mayor of Manchester when Make Noise was launched in the city, and recognised the value of the campaign:

"Greater Manchester is home to a world-class live events and creative sector, and it’s really important that we support pathways into good jobs in these parts of our economy. Programmes like Make Noise are a great way to introduce young people to technical skills in live production and open doors to opportunities across the industry”.

Production Futures and Audiotonix will now review the applications to select the 20 winning groups. The response to the competition provides valuable insight into how the organisation can continue broadening access to production careers through education and community networks.

For more information, visit productionfutures.com. For more information about Audiotonix STEAM, visit audiotonix.com.