calwalker1
Member
Hello all
I have no idea where to start so I'm just going to go for it. I am a student who is in year 11 (2011) and I am fairly interested in working in the production industry (LX, Sound, SM, Fly {these things interest me but I haven't done much with the last two}) when i am older (when I say interested I am at the stage where I am almost 95- 110% certain). One of the main things I want to specialise in is lighting (however at school at the moment I mainly do sound).
I have been involved in my schools technical department for 3 years now and I have worked up from cable roller to head tech. making purchases, designing and training people. One of the main things I have noticed working in this field at a school level is that most people do it because it is fun. I do it because I find it very interesting and absorbing (I don't know how to explain that amazing feeling on opening night of a big show that you've designed and everything just comes together however I'm assuming that you will know what I am talking about)
The More Relevant Section. Which is less rambling from here
I want to start getting serious about this sort of work as a career and one thing I was thinking of is going to a university and getting a masters in lighting design. or sound design. Or stage management. At WAAPA, VCA or NIDA
I am still looking at all the different fields and I dable in all of these at the moment so I will work out what I really love closer to the day (so to say, not literally). What advice do people have when it comes to getting into these places when I have to interview and be amazing to get a placement.
My main concern is at the moment I am very technical (eg I understand concepts such as HTP and LTP and DMX and 3 Phase) and not so design oriented, while I can (and do) design shows I have no idea if they will cut the standard. Does anyone have any recommendations on how I can do "design exercises" with shows as I work for my school where we do design large shows and I am able to be very creative however we only run 3 or 4 shows a year, and on the other end of the scope I volunteer at another another theatre where their idea of contemporary design is a small amount of colour on the large plain back wall cyc (but not to much as they freak out) and we run a show every second month.
so yeah. Ramble Over. My main question:
University courses in lighting design. any advice. getting ahead in the career any advice.
I know someone will tell me to read other posts but the way I look at it. every persons situation is different and I wanted to tell mine.
Thanks everyone for your help. this are some really big questions but I know someone will have the big answers to match
I have no idea where to start so I'm just going to go for it. I am a student who is in year 11 (2011) and I am fairly interested in working in the production industry (LX, Sound, SM, Fly {these things interest me but I haven't done much with the last two}) when i am older (when I say interested I am at the stage where I am almost 95- 110% certain). One of the main things I want to specialise in is lighting (however at school at the moment I mainly do sound).
I have been involved in my schools technical department for 3 years now and I have worked up from cable roller to head tech. making purchases, designing and training people. One of the main things I have noticed working in this field at a school level is that most people do it because it is fun. I do it because I find it very interesting and absorbing (I don't know how to explain that amazing feeling on opening night of a big show that you've designed and everything just comes together however I'm assuming that you will know what I am talking about)
The More Relevant Section. Which is less rambling from here
I want to start getting serious about this sort of work as a career and one thing I was thinking of is going to a university and getting a masters in lighting design. or sound design. Or stage management. At WAAPA, VCA or NIDA
I am still looking at all the different fields and I dable in all of these at the moment so I will work out what I really love closer to the day (so to say, not literally). What advice do people have when it comes to getting into these places when I have to interview and be amazing to get a placement.
My main concern is at the moment I am very technical (eg I understand concepts such as HTP and LTP and DMX and 3 Phase) and not so design oriented, while I can (and do) design shows I have no idea if they will cut the standard. Does anyone have any recommendations on how I can do "design exercises" with shows as I work for my school where we do design large shows and I am able to be very creative however we only run 3 or 4 shows a year, and on the other end of the scope I volunteer at another another theatre where their idea of contemporary design is a small amount of colour on the large plain back wall cyc (but not to much as they freak out) and we run a show every second month.
so yeah. Ramble Over. My main question:
University courses in lighting design. any advice. getting ahead in the career any advice.
I know someone will tell me to read other posts but the way I look at it. every persons situation is different and I wanted to tell mine.
Thanks everyone for your help. this are some really big questions but I know someone will have the big answers to match
Last edited: