ALD launches the 2018 Lumiere Scheme
- Details
The scheme, which will run in continued partnership with Chichester Festival Theatre, underlines the ALD’s commitment to emerging talent, enabling them to work in mainstream theatre with established lighting designers, fostering important relationships with those whom they may work again as assistants or associates on future projects. They will receive first-hand experience of the collaborative nature of creative teams together with knowledge of how various departments work together, creating further opportunities in the industry as they develop their careers.
Having previously run two successful six-month pilot schemes, the intention is to build up to three Lumières per year.
ALD chair Johanna Town explains how this step will develop the role and status of the lighting designer, “Every year that we run the Lumière Scheme in three venues, it means that that there will be at least 36 shows happening in the UK with a paid assistant working on them. Surely the producing managements will start to take notice, so that lighting designers can have the support we need to make better art… and with investment in people.”
The Lumière Scheme is designed to transform the working life of a lighting designer through opportunities and connection. As a successful participant of the pilot scheme, Rachel Cleary states, “Having now come to the end of my period as a Lumière, I cannot believe how lucky I am to have been part of this wonderful new scheme. Being able to work on a variety of different shows and with so many amazing people has been such a fantastic opportunity.’
The successful applicant of this year’s Lumière Scheme will, amongst other qualifications, be based in the UK, be a fully-paid member of the ALD, have lighting design experience, demonstrate a solid understanding of lighting and the production process and possess a strong commitment to developing a career as a lighting designer.
The scheme will start on 27 April, 2018, working at Chichester Festival Theatre for six months before spending the second half of the project being mentored directly by a selected group of well-known LDs. The closing date for applications is 6pm on 31 January 2018.
For further information and to apply for the ALD’s 2018 Lumière Scheme, head to www.ald.org.uk/training/the-ald-Lumière-scheme.
(Jim Evans)
