Alumni Spotlight: James Hayward
Academy of Live Technology alumnus James reflects on his career in live events, sharing insights from working with global artists including Lana Del Rey, Jason Derulo, Becky Hill and Chris Brown.
Since studying Live Event Production at the Academy of Live Technology, James has built an impressive career working with a range of global artists. He is currently Production Manager for Lana Del Rey and Jason Derulo, and also works as Stage Manager for Becky Hill, Chris Brown and more.
We caught up with James while he was back on campus rehearsing with Jason Derulo at Production Park. During his visit, he generously opened up the production to current students, offering them a behind-the-scenes tour and the chance to meet and speak with the many departments that come together to make a live show possible.
From ALT student to Production Manager for Lana Del Ray
How did studying at the Academy of Live Technology (ALT) prepare you for the industry?
When I started at the Academy, I already had some lower-level touring experience. I came into the course wanting to broaden my understanding of the industry and learn the principles that would allow me to progress. My goal was to move from being an Audio Engineer and Backline Tech into Stage Management and Production Management, and the course gave me the knowledge and confidence to make that transition.
Did being based at Production Park give you opportunities as a student that you wouldn’t have had elsewhere?
Absolutely. Being based at Production Park gave me invaluable hands-on experience that I wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else. I made connections there that are still relevant and valuable to me more than ten years later. While studying, I took on various odd jobs with companies on site — painting stage decks, working as a runner for Academy events and those opportunities inevitably gave me a foot in the door.
What skills did you learn at ALT that you still use in your work today?
One of the most important things I learned at the Academy was adaptability and the importance of understanding how every part of the live events industry works. That broad knowledge has been crucial in my role as a Stage and Production Manager. It allows me to orchestrate tours efficiently and safely because I understand what each department needs in order to perform at the highest standard.
Can you give us a summary of what you’ve been up to since graduating?
Since graduating, I’ve filled multiple roles across the industry. For the most part, I’ve worked in Stage Management and Production Management, but I’ve also been a Set Carpenter, Backline Tech, Tour Manager and Production Coordinator. I’ve experienced a bit of everything, which helped me find where I perform best. I also spent ten years working with The Specials, alongside Mike Darling, who I met through the Academy.
You recently returned to Production Park with the Jason Derulo production. Can you tell us what your role is on this and what it involves day-to-day?
On Jason’s tour, I’m the Production Manager. My role is to oversee and take responsibility for everything back of house and everything the audience sees and hears sound, lighting, video, rigging, set, safety, wardrobe, security (to a degree), trucks, buses and, most importantly, budgets.
A key part of my job is advancing the shows, which means organising everything ahead of arriving at each venue. This includes arranging stagehands, parking, power, space, dressing rooms and all logistical requirements to ensure the show runs smoothly.
While I oversee all of this and ultimately take responsibility for it, the role is very much a team effort. I work closely with the Production Coordinator, and I definitely can’t take all the credit she’s exceptional at what she does.
How did it feel coming back to campus as part of the industry?
It was extremely nostalgic. I’ve been back a few times since graduating, but it was great to return and see how both the Academy and Production Park have developed. When I was studying there, it was just three buildings. It was also fantastic to see old friends and industry colleagues, including people now working at TAIT who I originally met at the Academy. It really highlighted how influential the Academy has become — many of the roles I once looked up to are now filled by people I studied alongside.
You recently returned to Production Park with the Jason Derulo production. Can you tell us what your role is on this and what it involves day-to-day?
On Jason’s tour, I’m the Production Manager. My role is to oversee and take responsibility for everything back of house and everything the audience sees and hears sound, lighting, video, rigging, set, safety, wardrobe, security (to a degree), trucks, buses and, most importantly, budgets.
A key part of my job is advancing the shows, which means organising everything ahead of arriving at each venue. This includes arranging stagehands, parking, power, space, dressing rooms and all logistical requirements to ensure the show runs smoothly.
While I oversee all of this and ultimately take responsibility for it, the role is very much a team effort. I work closely with the Production Coordinator, and I definitely can’t take all the credit she’s exceptional at what she does.
How did it feel coming back to campus as part of the industry?
It was extremely nostalgic. I’ve been back a few times since graduating, but it was great to return and see how both the Academy and Production Park have developed. When I was studying there, it was just three buildings. It was also fantastic to see old friends and industry colleagues, including people now working at TAIT who I originally met at the Academy. It really highlighted how influential the Academy has become — many of the roles I once looked up to are now filled by people I studied alongside.
You kindly arranged for current ALT students to look around do you think it’s important for the industry to open up opportunities to students where possible?
Absolutely. When I was a student, being given opportunities opened so many doors for me. The freelance Stage and Production Management work I secured over the past ten years all stemmed from simple volunteering roles and connections I made while at the Academy.
Sara Gleadhall, in particular, gave me countless opportunities and introduced me to key industry contacts. That support helped channel me from being a fairly directionless teenager into a focused professional with a clear career path. I genuinely credit the Academy and people like Sara — for playing a major role in my success. I still work with her to this day, all because of the opportunities the Academy provided.
What are your top tips for any students looking to get into the live events industry and follow in your footsteps?
First, ask questions and keep asking them until you fully understand. Take every lesson seriously and make the most of being surrounded by experienced professionals. After leaving the Academy, there were definitely moments where I wished I’d asked more questions about certain topics that would have helped me later on.
Second, take every opportunity you can. You never know who you’ll meet or what role they might offer you in the future.
And finally, make friends. I’ve come full circle and now work with around ten people from my year and course more than ten years later. Those relationships matter. The people studying alongside you today could very well be the ones hiring you tomorrow.
