Backstage Builders CIC Collaboration
We are proud to collaborate with Backstage Builders CIC in order to lower the barrier of entry into filmmaking within the scenic arts for film and media to those in the North East of England. This page is all about who Backstage Builders CIC is and how we're working together.
Backstage Builders Offering to NFC Members
Discount for a Backstage Builders Membership for those with an active NFC
Membership:– £4 per month or £40 per year
Guidance and support to filmmakers when possible in regards to scenic and prop questions
Guidance and support from Backstage Builders CIC on NFC Official Short Film Productions
Please note: In order to take advantage of these offers, you must have a valid NFC Membership. You will be asked to provide proof or NFC will be asked to confirm you have valid membership in order to receive discounts.
For the full list of Backstage Builders CIC Membership offers please view details of their membership here.
Who is Backstage Builders CIC?
Backstage Builders CIC is a creative social enterprise based in the North East, dedicated to opening up the backstage world of theatre, film, TV, and live events to young people who may never have the chance to experience it.
They specialise in hands-on scenic painting, set design, prop-making, and creative problem-solving workshops, working with schools, youth groups, theatres, and community organisations across the region.
Their mission is simple:
To make backstage creativity accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for all.
Trish Mayes is a North East–based freelance scenic artist, prop maker and set designer, and Managing Director of Backstage Builders CIC.
With over 20 years of experience, her passion for theatre began in youth amateur dramatics, where she developed hands-on skills across backstage roles. Running her own business strengthened her ability to manage projects from concept to completion, work closely with clients and creatives, and balance artistic vision with practical constraints.
In 2019, following a life-changing injury, Trish retrained in Fine Art at the University of Sunderland and gained a degree in Production Design for Stage and Screen from Northern School of Art. This marked a turning point, establishing her studio practice and enabling her transition into full-time scenic art and prop making. She has since delivered work for organisations including Northern Stage, the BBC, Live Theatre, Leeds Heritage Theatre and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
Working collaboratively, she transforms design concepts into practical, high-impact scenic outcomes, combining creativity with strong technical knowledge. Trish is championing accessible pathways into backstage careers and celebrating the transformative power of creative collaboration.
Support for NFC Official Short Films
NFC is working with Backstage Builders CIC for our 2026 NFC Official Short Film Shafted which will include NFC's first set builds for a short film.
Trish and her team will be leading the volunteers within the art department, overseeing set builds and providing recommendations on how to make this film the best it can be.
Having graduated from The Northern School of Art and having extensive reach within the North East scenic scene, her knowledge and contacts will be invaluable to the success of this project.
Industry Talks & Practical Workshops
We're so excited to be doing more Industry related talks and hands on workshops with Backstage Builders CIC in 2026. Let us know some workshops that you would be interested in having them come to teach!
All of our talks and workshops are free to attend as it garners our mission of lower the barrier of entry into film and media within the North East.
The Impact so far...
We've only just announced this collaboration in May 2026 but can't wait to see what this section will look like later this year!
Come back to read more about our work together at a later date.