Stage Electrics and Lighting Design

[James Chillman]

Hello,

 

I'm looking into course's for further education in lighting and one of the ones that looks most interesting is the course at RADA. I'm hoping to make it to there open day in december for the technical course's but was wandering if any one was there at the moment doing that course and could tell me what its really like. e.g. how much practical work there is, are the any exams etc.

 

Any information would be great.

 

James

[Freddie]

I found techiechick.org over the summer.

[peter]

Moderation: Original link fixed and subsequent posts removed. 29/11/04 09:07

[bigus]

Hi

 

Dont know a lot about RADA, but I'm in my first year at RSAMD in Glasgow on the Technical and Production Arts course. The first year and a bit consits of teaching in all areas then in January of your second year, you can choose what areas you specialise in. Including Lighting Design and Production Electrics. It's a great course with fantastic facilities.

 

If however you want something that is specifficaly lighting orientated look at Rose Bruford in Kent, they have a specific lighting design course.

 

Hope this helps.

[Paul J Need]

Hi

 

Dont know a lot about RADA, but I'm in my first year at RSAMD in Glasgow on the Technical and Production Arts course. The first year and a bit consits of teaching in all areas then in January of your second year, you can choose what areas you specialise in. Including Lighting Design and Production Electrics. It's a great course with fantastic facilities.

 

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

As an ex-student at RADA (1984 I left) and ex member of staff (1989 I left) the course is not as it was before all the changes to all Drama colleges came in to play in the mid-90's There are too many students, not enough productions, and therefore the number of shows actors, stage managers, lighting sparks/designers are not enough to provide the same level of training as one would expect. Too much time is spent in the classroom and not on stage ( just too many people and not enough staff/stages to work on)

 

My advice: Just get some cards printed with "Lighting designer" on them ...... save yourself £20,000 in fees and student loans

[Ken Coker]

Want to be a lighting designer? Go and do a degree in something else like philosophy, maths etc and then do a one year MA in lighting design. You could also, if you were of a technical bent, come and do my BSc and then take a one year MA - something that a number of students have found useful.

 

I have yet to be convinced that the current approach to lighting design education in the UK is anything above the level of teaching a craft skill over a very long period. However, as the teaching of lighting design may well be the subject of my doctorate I would welcome informed views on the matter. (Given the time it's taken me to complete my MSc I wouldn't hold your breathe!!)

 

hohoho

 

 

Ken

[Paul J Need]

Want to be a lighting designer? Go and do a degree in something else like philosophy, maths etc and then do a one year MA in lighting design.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Ho Ho HO!! Hey Ken!

 

Better still, get a qualification in electrical installation or plumbing or bricklaying.... then at least one get earn a crust while waiting for the phone call from one's agent...... Ho ho ho! Plumbers are in more demand than LD's; earn more; more sociable hours; less travelling; less crappy digs to live in and you get to meet some very mice people I'm sure who appreciate what you do !!!

 

Then get a card with "Lighting Designer" printed :)