From 2013 to 2014, Richard Jones trained at 101 Productions, Ltd. in New York through International Arts & Artists’ J-1 visa program. We recently got in touch with Richard, who spoke with us about his cultural exchange experience and his thoughts on making the transition from the United Kingdom to the Big Apple.
Looking back, what are your thoughts about your experience at 101 Productions?
Incredible - 10 months since leaving my 18 months away feels weirdly like a dream! I learned so much, both professionally and personally, and feel like I’ve returned to the UK with a whole new New York family, and many new ways of looking at my career.
What projects are you working on now in London?
I am now working for David Pugh Productions Ltd. on a variety of projects using many of the experiences I learnt in New York to good use!
What advice would you have for someone who is starting an exchange program?
Be open to everything; say yes to every opportunity that comes your way; talk to everyone you can; ask questions at every chance you get; go to bed tired every night!
What are some of the differences, if any, in working in theater in New York versus in London?
Everything is bigger and faster! Ultimately, it’s the same on both sides of the pond - to produce great theatre that is artistically and commercially successful … but the ways of getting there, thought process and roles that people take are all slightly varied. There is definitely more money involved in the United States - shows costs a lot more to mount on Broadway than they do in the West End in almost every area, and therefore there’s a lot more investors’ money on the line - but it means when you get a hit on Broadway, the financial rewards are also bigger. The presence of such a large subsidized sector of the theatre industry in the UK is also one of the major, major differences.
What does cultural exchange mean to you?
I think it means learning as much as possible about your industry around the world, to take home and hopefully impact your work process in a positive way - but also to hopefully bring your British ideas to a New York office. But whilst the work environment is a huge part of it - the idea of a cultural exchange is really to soak up and learn about the entire way a new city works!