It’s impossible to overstate what a FANTASTIC session this is! Enthusiasm, passion and commitment to their craft emanates from them both, and their sessions are delivered with a light touch and an infectious sense of humour that keeps the students completely engaged. Listening to Sam and Julia talk through everything that goes into rehearsing, running and calling a massive event like the Olympic Opening Ceremony is an absolute privilege and one which our students find incredibly inspiring. This session is a firm favourite amongst the students, and Orange Jackets will definitely be invited back to run future sessions.

Ciara Fanning

- Head of Stage Management

RADA

“We were totally blown away by your Masterclass and it has certainly given some inspiration and hope to the students (and staff) during this strange time we currently find ourselves in. It was definitely the best end of term finale we could have wished for”! 

Jacqui Findlay

Stage Management Course Director

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

"Sam and Julia delivered their Masterclass to over 40 SM students across all 3 years of their degree course. And what an engaging, entertaining and enlightening afternoon it was. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Stage Management whether a beginner or seasoned professional. It reminded me why I went into this profession in the first place and why it’s still something I love."

Peter Maccoy

Senior Lecturer, Theatre Production

Course Leader Stage Management

“Sam and Julia’s talk to the stage management students at Guildhall was inspiring and entertaining – a great double act. They truly illustrated not only the depth and breadth of this industry but also the passion and fun that the industry inspires. The students were empowered about their individual futures”.

Gill Allen

Programme Leader, Production Arts

Guildhall School of Music and Drama

"The Lir will be inviting Sam and Julia back at any future opportunity we have - their Olympics Masterclass is a must-do experience for any students studying the craft of Stage Management and Technical Theatre. Engaging, well prepared, and like nothing I've seen before, this is a once-off opportunity to showcase how exciting, complex, and pressured a career in Stage Management can be! "

Kate Ferris

Head of Stage Management

The Lir Academy 

"Sam and Julia provided an enriching, engaging, and extremely entertaining seminar that provided valuable industry insight for our stage management students. Their relaxed, approachable manner showed, through exclusive videos, anecdotes, and extensive Q&A sessions, a very human side to the world of global-scale events. We will definitely be using Orange Jackets again and would absolutely recommend Sam and Julia without hesitation".

Nick Rogerson

Lead Lecturer

Stage Management Programme

"Sam and Julia’s Masterclasses were engaging, informative, interactive and most importantly full of fun, joy and positivity.  I could clearly see our students were absorbed, and the advice and stories that Sam and Ju were telling will be invaluable to them as they begin to embark on their own careers. THANK YOU!"

Adam Legah

Subject Leader

Stage & Events Management

"The Mountview Production Arts students loved Sam and Julia’s Olympic Masterclass – it was one of the highlights of the lockdown. Not only was it thoroughly engaging and informative, it also highlighted the positive attitude needed to flourish in this industry".

Helen Barratt

Head of Stage Management

"The opportunity to hear first-hand of the challenges, the highs and lows, and ultimately the joy of producing one of the most memorable events of the 21st century so far is a genuine inspiration to any graduating student entering in to the industry. No situation is unsurmountable for this team, even during “lockdown”, Sam and Julia delivered!"

Daz James

Senior Lecturer in Stage and Production

Course Leader for MA Stage & Event Management

"Thank you so much for the Masterclass, I’ve already had several messages from students saying how fantastic and inspiring it was and both of you as well.  I’m going to do my best to ensure we get you in every year"!

Alix Abram

Bristol Old Vic School Stage Management Tutor / Joint Head of First Year

"I found the online version of the Olympic Masterclass as stimulating and interactive as the face to face version. Nothing was lost in the online delivery and the excitement and passion of you both as presenters and practitioners was clearly conveyed".

Claire Porter

Backstage Academy Stage and Production Management Course Leader

SEE WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT US STATESIDE!

"The “International Events” masterclass that Sam Hunter and Julia Whittle created for the MFA Stage Managers at Columbia University was a major highlight of our academic year!   Our students gained so much from them. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Orange Jackets to create exciting, relevant, and fun coursework for our students”!

Michael J Passaro

- Associate Professor of Professional Practice

Head of Stage Management

"There is a quote about teaching that goes something like, 'A teacher affects eternity; one can never tell where their influence stops.' 

The effect Sam and Julia had on our BFA Stage Managers is immeasurable. They inspired them, they challenged them, they laughed with them, and left them filled with joyful exuberance. I couldn't have asked for more from a series of master classes."

Rachel R. Bush

- Associate Instructional Professor Stage Management

AEA SM Program Head, BFA Stage Management

"Sam and Julia brought so much joy and positivity to our zoom computer screens! The students not only learned a lot, but enjoyed themselves immensely. This team was a joy to work with in terms of setting up the sessions and figuring out details. If you are looking for a unique experience for your stage management students, I would highly, highly recommend Sam and Julia! It was truly incredible."

Cynthia Kocher

- Chair of Stage Management

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“These masterclasses were absolutely fantastic. Not only were Sam and Julia incredibly experienced and knowledgeable, but they were delightful and friendly. The conversations they had with my students about the breadth of their work was not only beneficial to my class but for me as well. These two have clearly gotten these masterclasses down to a science, and I’m glad I had them do all three – I feel as though we’d have missed out had we only done one or two. This was a wonderful opportunity for my class and I am very happy to have had a chance to have been a part of it”.

Dave Smith

- MFA Instructor of Design; Faculty of Fine Arts

University of Lethbridge, Canada

"For me, it was a student's dream. The most memorable moment for me was the chance to "call" the first 5 or so minutes of the Opening Ceremony sequence under Julia and Sam's careful attention. It was definitely one of the coolest moments for me as a student during my entire course of study, and I felt a thrill calling such a huge ceremony in the safety of the classroom. With their gentle guidance, I began to better understand the nuances of such a large event. Personally, it was a huge confidence booster!"

SM Student

Cal Arts

"If you are looking to keep your students motivated and spend quality time with these fantastic people then book this class now. Not only did they motivate my students, but also me.  Seeing people who share the same ideals as you, who back up what you have been saying to your students and do it all through laughter and professional integrity, is fantastic. My only complaint is that we could not do it in person".

Chris Zaccardi

- Professor of Stage Management

PACE University