The Lighting Programme began in 2018 as the “student bursary”, offering a group of five students free equipment rentals for their final-year college projects. Since then, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform where like-minded students can connect, network, and gain firsthand industry experience.
Over the years, the programme has provided a wide range of opportunities, including workshops led by the SLX team and suppliers, work experience placements, networking events, equipment demonstrations, and more. Our goal is not only to expand participants’ knowledge through hands-on experiences but also to create valuable opportunities for them to meet influential industry professionals and build meaningful connections.
The success of our Lighting Programme over the years is largely due to the leadership of Katy Lowe, our Dry Hire Manager, and Ruari Cormack, our Business Development Manager. Katy’s industry experience and passion for nurturing talent, combined with Ruari’s technological expertise and keen eye for detail, make them an ideal team to lead the programme, adding depth and structure to the initiative.
Katy and Ruari have seen the transformative impact of the Lighting Programme firsthand. They recall the excitement of students as they progressed through their final year projects and workshops, where they not only gained technical skills but also enjoyed camaraderie and networking at social events.
“It’s incredible to see how this programme has brought students together, helping them build networks not only with industry professionals but also with their peers. The friendships and professional relationships they’ve formed are invaluable, giving them the confidence to connect with new people and share opportunities. From job adverts to training, the support they offer each other is a testament to the programme’s impact on their growth and success.” – Katy Lowe, Dry Hire Manager.
Notable highlights include the chance for students to work alongside the English Touring Opera teams at their preshow and the opportunity for hands-on experience in a professional venue, such as the London Palladium, where the cohorts of 2021/22 and 2022/23 worked on site.
Additionally, the workshops provided by the programme have been instrumental in equipping students with practical skills, from learning how to work with companies like SLX to understanding the nuances of freelancing. The recent involvement in the Macbeth preshow for the 2023/24 cohort exemplifies the programme’s ongoing commitment to offering real world opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in the industry.
Students over the years…
Year 1: Ben Linwood, Georgia Wren, Alex Silvester, Ryan Searle, Ashley Holdom
Year 2: Alex Hannah, Jess Brigham, Oliver McNally, Guy Knox-Holmes, Ciaran Lillis
Year 3: Daisy Simmons, Ewan Fraser, Rhiannon Whitt, Olivia Charneux, Leo Wittwer
Year 4: James Callis, Jamie Burke, Nancy Strahan Sophie Schmidt, Tom Barge
Year 5: To be announced shortly, keep an eye out for more information!
All the students who have been part of our Lighting Programme have achieved remarkable success in the industry, with each contributing uniquely to the field. While it’s impossible to highlight everyone, a few standouts include Ben Linwood, whose steady progression through the industry exemplifies the programme’s impact, and Ryan Searle, who has made impressive strides in TV and film. Ciaran Lillis leveraged his connection with the ETO preshow to secure two tours going on to work with Joe Kirk at London’s prestigious Regents Park Open Air Theatre. Jess Brigham has opened her own theatre company and has made her mark with lighting designs at the Edinburgh Festival, while also shadowing leading designers like Chris Davey. Oliver McNally has worked on high-profile shows like SIX in the West End and working with us in Paris.
Daisy Simmons is making a difference by advocating for neurodivergent professionals in the industry whilst Rhiannon’s career has taken her to the Palladium and on tour with The Lion King. From the connections with Ambersphere made through the Lighting Programme, Jamie spend time on work experience with them and has enjoyed some loan equipment to benefit the RCS productions.
“It’s been a privilege to witness the individual development of each student as they transition into the industry. Getting to know them and supporting the growth of their networks, knowledge, and understanding has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve seen the impact in their designs, production quality, and professional demeanour, in the workplace and at social gatherings. I can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve in the future!” – Ruari Cormack, Business Development Manager.
Those who have completed The Lighting Programme have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their careers, establishing themselves as freelance lighting specialists, designers, and technical experts. This success would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of our suppliers, manufacturers, and industry professionals who have generously shared their knowledge and expertise through workshops, supplier sessions, and hands-on training over the years.
We are excited to welcome the next cohort of students and look forward to seeing how the programme continues to evolve over the next five years. To learn more about the Lighting Programme and how it can help you launch your career in the industry, click here.
“It is hard to believe we are entering our fifth year of this great initiative. I have been so impressed by all the students who have taken part in the Lighting Programme over the years. For me, it is so rewarding when I hear about the individual success of each of the students and that SLX may have played a part in their success.” – Alastair Currie, CEO.
Images from Nancy Strahan’s Into The Woods production read more here.
Photography Credit: Crag Fuller
