Experience is the best thing in the world and is what most theatres look for. Obviously a qualification gives employers the knowledge that the person is at least interested in the industry and gives you a good heads up on the basics if not more, (...

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Experience is the best thing in the world and is what most theatres look for. Obviously a qualification gives employers the knowledge that the person is at least interested in the industry and gives you a good heads up on the basics if not more, (sorry I’m not wise to what your actual course entailed).

Doing casual work is a very good step in the right direction, the more you can get the better.

Be prepared for long hours and little to no money, but the challenge should thrill you.

If you can find a Trainee Scheme then I would definitely apply as the more hands-on you can do the quicker you will learn and the quicker you will find work with better prospects!

London is very expensive to live and work, ideally start small in a rural theatre maybe or keep on at the theatre you have had casual work.

Don’t expect to be able to do everything within a year, I’ve been in the industry 10 years and I will never stop learning.

Try your local amateur groups, most are willing and grateful for any help offered. But most of all bug your local theatres and ask to see if you can shadow them on a variety of shows as you should get to witness all aspects of theatre from start to finish you never know they may eventually offer you a position, be persistent!

My initial reaction would be that you should get some practical experience under your belt first to ensure that you know what route or routes to progress.

Not having any formal qualification in technical skills isn’t necessarily a pro...

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My initial reaction would be that you should get some practical experience under your belt first to ensure that you know what route or routes to progress.

Not having any formal qualification in technical skills isn’t necessarily a problem and I would suggest approaching local theatres or rental companies to see if they have casual work opportunities available.

In most instances the rental companies will judge you initially on ability and then train for skill. A good starting point would be to look at the PLASA list of members and search on the region appropriate to you.

Once you have then decided which discipline you prefer you should then look at what courses are available to add skills.

Moving to London is a costly option and I would be surprised if the same opportunities did not exist throughout most regions in the UK.

I regularly hear people asking the same question as you and there are many possible routes into becoming a lighting designer.
I firmly believe that the real art of lighting design comes from being creative through the exploration of the stor...

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I regularly hear people asking the same question as you and there are many possible routes into becoming a lighting designer.
I firmly believe that the real art of lighting design comes from being creative through the exploration of the story/text.

This isn’t something that you can teach so being on a technical/design course is not always the best route for everyone. I completed a degree in lighting design from the Central School of Speech and Drama and learned a lot about technical theatre but not so much about design.

My immediate advice to you would be to continue to develop your skills as a technician in as many venues as you can. I would also suggest contacting professional lighting designers and shadowing them to learn how they approach a design, everyone is different and you could learn a lot just from watching how someone else lights a show.

Doing a degree/technical course will give you the opportunities to shadow other designers/peers, which can be invaluable.

In terms of the best place to do this, London gives you fantastic opportunities to not only learn but to also practice the art. I spent a year lighting productions for small theatre company’s for free and learned a lot about my practice and design skills.