Lighting designer
Simon Corder
47
Simon Corder, 47, started in the theatre as a followspot operator and this year has designed lighting for show in South Korea and London. He has no qualifications related to his work and has learned on the job.
"Lighting for the theatre is an art not a science"
Hometown
London
What do you do?
Self-employed lighting designer (and artist)
How long have you been at it?
About 25 years
What was your very first role in theatre?
Follow spot operator (the technician who operates the spotlights–often an apprentice role)
What have you done in theatre?
This year, lighting designer on:
* Dancing Shadows, Sensee Musical Company, Seoul, South Korea, directed by Paul Garrington
* Opera Holland Park’s La Traviata, directed by Elaine Kidd
* Whipping It Up by Steve Thompson at Bush Theatre and New Ambassadors Theatres, London, directed by Terry Johnson
I’m the retained lighting designer for King’s Hall, London until its October 2008 opening festival.
Have you got qualifications?
None
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Grown up
What do you do all day?
Yesterday I was in the office by about 11am, working on administration and various projects. After lunch I went to an open air opera venue where I am lighting a production, for the afternoon rehearsal. We worked on the lighting during the evening session, and continued with a lighting rehearsal until 2am. The late nights are not typical, but in an open air venue you have to work when it is dark.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Making work, travel, colleagues
And the worst?
Badly paid, insecure, travel
What’s your dream job in theatre?
I’d like to direct something, just to see what it’s like
Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Work hard. It’s a social industry, you have to develop good relationships with directors, designers, venues, producers, and fellow lighting designers. Lighting for the theatre is an art not a science, you have to have an open mind to images and ideas, and think in a creative way.
