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My experience taking part in the Olympics Opening Ceremony

17 August 2012

Sean McManus dressed for industrial revolution sequence in opening ceremony I mentioned previously that I had been quiet on the blog this summer because I had been working on two books and a show. Well, the show was the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, where I was a volunteer performer in the industrial revolution sequence. It was such a fantastic experience, a real 'once in a lifetime' opportunity.

During the rehearsals, I didn't keep a diary, but I did jot down a few notes, and I knew I was taking part in something special so I tried to really drink it all in, as much as I could. At our first rehearsal, we heard the music for our segment. We weren't played it again for several weeks, but I heard it in my head every few days until then because I'd focused so hard on remembering it the first time.

We weren't allowed to take photos during the rehearsals, so I don't have any photographs of most of the experience. As a keen photographer, it's quite unusual for me to have so few photographs for such a significant event in my life, but we all started snapping away backstage when the dress rehearsals began and we were in costume.

I've now written an article about my experience taking part in the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, from the first audition to the final flaming ring, and including some of my photographs. I wrote it mainly for myself, so I would have something I could read in years to come to remind me of the the whole experience, but I hope that others (both in the show, and those just curious about how it came together) will enjoy it too.

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