BACKSTAGE BADDIES

Are you ready to claim your place in the industry? Join the movement. Own the stage. Rule the backstage.

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Powering the Next Generation of Offstage Talent

The music industry thrives on creativity and innovation, but behind every show, festival, and studio session are the technical masterminds making it all happen. Backstage Baddies (BB), a groundbreaking program by Girl Grind UK in partnership with Pirates.com proudly funded by Youth Music Charity, is here to change the game, one bootcamp at a time.

Over nine transformative months in Birmingham’s Digbeth area, BB will equip 63 women and non-binary individuals with the skills, confidence, and connections to step into traditionally male-dominated offstage roles.

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What is Backstage Baddies?

BB isn’t just about learning a skill, it’s about building a career, forming a network, and disrupting outdated norms in the music industry. Participants will dive into three immersive, three-day bootcamps, covering everything from live sound engineering to event management, alongside 50 hours of mentorship and booster sessions with industry professionals.

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The BB Experience: Learn, Network, and Thrive

At BB, participants won’t just sit in a classroom; they’ll get hands-on experience in real-world settings, learning from the best in the business. Here’s what’s in store:

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BB Bootcamp 1: Mastering Live Sound

Step into the world of live sound engineering, front-of-house (FOH) operations, and audio technology. From setting up concert rigs to managing soundchecks, this bootcamp prepares participants for careers in live music production and touring.

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BB Bootcamp 2: Studio Production & Vocal Engineering

Ever wondered how your favorite tracks are mixed and mastered? This bootcamp focuses on studio sound engineering, music production, vocal production, and mastering techniques, giving participants the tools to produce high-quality music professionally.

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BB Bootcamp 3: Running the Show – Event Management & Sponsorship

Behind every great event is a powerhouse team. This final bootcamp covers event planning, festival directorship, sponsorship strategies, coordination, and fundraising, helping participants develop leadership skills in the live events space.

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Why BB? Why Now?

The numbers don’t lie, women, especially diverse and regional women, remain underrepresented in offstage music roles. BB is changing that by providing access, knowledge, and direct industry pathways, ensuring that participants leave with:

• Practical, industry-standard skills that make them highly employable.

• Valuable connections with professionals and mentors who can open doors.

• Confidence and experience to break into the music industry with real-world expertise.

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Impact That Lasts

BB is more than a training program, it’s a movement. Here’s what participants and industry backers can expect:

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• Empowerment Through Skill-Building – Whether it’s learning to mix sound for a live show or planning a festival from the ground up, BB gives participants the tools to step into the industry with confidence.

• A Thriving Network of Backstage Leaders – From mentorship to community-building, BB creates a lasting impact by fostering relationships that continue beyond the program.

• A More Inclusive Industry – With every graduate stepping into the industry, BB pushes forward a more diverse, representative music scene where talent, not gender, dictates success.

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Who Should Join?

If you’re a woman or non-binary individual who’s ready to take the next step into music production, sound engineering, or live event management, BB is for you. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to advance your skills, this program will provide the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive.

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For Funders & Investors: Be Part of the Change

Backstage Baddies is more than just a training program, it’s a direct intervention in an industry that needs change. Your support will empower the next wave of female and non-binary talent, ensuring that music production, sound engineering, and event management become more diverse and inclusive. By backing BB, you’re not just funding a program, you’re investing in the future of music.