Backstage Academy has rebranded as the Academy of Live Technology (ALT) and opened a second campus at Rock Lititz in the US to complement the work of the original UK site which is located in Production Park, Wakefield.

A statement from ALT reads: “Since Backstage Academy was founded in 2011, the live experience industry has changed at a rapid pace; new creative and immersive technologies are reinventing how we produce live events and experiences. We recognise that as the industry evolves, so should we.

“From May 2023, Backstage Academy is changing its name to the Academy of Live Technology. The decision to update our name and brand is part of a considered process of evolution to better align ourselves with the changing industry.

“Our new name reflects who we are for both today and tomorrow. What we teach goes beyond ‘backstage’ – we’re at the heart of creating live experiences and entertainment. From virtual production to live event design and everything in between, our specialist courses are designed to meet the demands of industry.

“We have chosen our new name to reflect the world we’re preparing students for. Technology drives our industry forward and is integral to all kinds of job roles – whether it’s using the latest equipment and software to design and deliver experiences, or managing and leading that team. The Academy of Live Technology represents us as a place where students not only find their feet in the industry but feel empowered to have an impact – a place where creative, technical and professional skills all come together to drive the future of industry.

“Our new name and brand come as part of our ongoing expansion plans and developments both on and off campus, which includes the development of dedicated spaces for students and social spaces on campus, and curriculum changes as part of our ongoing commitment to improve student experience.

”On opening a second campus at Rock Lititz in the US, the Academy says: “Our unique campuses both at Production Park and Rock Lititz enable our students to access to global work opportunities, embedding themselves in the industry from day one and benefitting from our award-winning international industry partnerships. Our new, global brand will unite the two campuses and create international learning opportunities for students.

“Our ambition remains the same – an institution dedicated to training the next generation of live experience professionals. But our new name reflects the breadth of how we do this. The word ‘live’ embodies the type of experience students have with us – they’re not just learning it - they’re living it.”