Students on these courses are training to be sound recording or lighting engineers respectively; they will be in charge of every technical aspect of the event from pre-production to rigging and operating the show, staged at the college’s professional theatre venue, the Cockpit Theatre. "We want to give the students an opportunity to produce, rig, light, record and operate a major event of this type," commented music technology course Tutor Steve Hepworth. "This is the only way you can give students a feel for what happens at a real event, and give them an opportunity to receive invaluable experience. We have a variety of audio-visual technology and live music to deal with, along with demonstrations. You will see and hear students deliver presentations showcasing the history and influence of Sound Technology products via sound to picture, live music and lighting. There will also be special effects demonstrations giving the audience the opportunity to see behind the scenes and observe the live production process and co-ordination required from a typical show control support crew. All technical support teams will be on view to the audience as part of the event.
To ensure that the students experience current sound and lighting technology and equipment, the college enlisted the assistance of several major sound and lighting companies who are lending their support to the event. Key amongst these are DHA, XTBA, Avolites, Strand Lighting, Martin Professional, Stagetec, Le Maitre, ETC Europe, AC Lighting, Flying Pig Systems, Lightfactor Sales, Moving Light Company, White Light, Rope Assemblies, Pulsar, Zero 88, VLPS, Essential Lighting Group, Rosco, Stage Electrics, RG Jones, Britannia Row and Autograph Sound, along with PLASA, the APRS and ABTT.
"The industry is very supportive," says City & Guilds theatre electrician course tutor Ernie Charlamange. Companies like to have students who have experience with their systems, but many also know that it is good just to help train future engineers." The City of Westminster College has a long history of students graduating into technical jobs in the sound, lighting and AV industries. Industry representatives are more than welcome to go along to the Cockpit Theatre from Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th June, on the Tuesday and Wednesday to see the pre production and technical installation work happening and on Thursday for the event itself.
For invitations and further information please contact Steve Hepworth on +44 020 7258 2729 or via email at the address below.
(Ruth Rossington)
