Lighting Technician

I studied at NHC nearly 8 years ago on the BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts course. Now I am the proud owner of SW Productions, a small technical theatre and production management company, based in Hertfordshire; with over six years of experience also the specialisation in advisement of technical audio, visual and lighting equipment.

Since graduation from NHC I have been building up my own production company covering Theatre and Live events. As well as freelance working in the entertainments industry projects that have arisen in which SW Productions have been hired in for the job.

NHC started me on my career ladder. The college and the lecturers gave me the confidence and inspiration to strive for more. I chose to study at NHC because I didn’t want to stay on at school; I wanted a change and some independence. I knew the course was valid and respected within the production industry. I think NHC seemed more professional and less like school than other colleges.

COURSES MENTIONED:

BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS

Study this course for two years at our highly equipped Centre of the Arts site. This National Diploma course aims to provide a range of performance skills with the assignment work being both practical and theoretical; it is always evaluated within a vocational context. The course teaches fifteen modules including acting, dancing, script writing and contemporary theatre performance. Public performance work is essential for the programme along with enrichment and employability skills. Students need to attend an audition to demonstrate their abilities and should have an interest and enthusiasm for performing arts. You also need four GCSEs at grade D or above or a BTEC First Diploma. From this students can either progress into higher education (as this course is equivalent to three A levels) or you can progress to a dance and drama school.

 
I’m so pleased I did choose to study here! The course was interesting, varied and provided specific training for my career aims. The lecturers at NHC are friendly & helpful, and the learning environment was really pleasant. The college keeps up with the latest technology and students use the latest top of the range software, the same software that gave me an excellent start.

I think the correct language to use in production industry, the technical and production management expertise and the contacts were the aspects I gained most from the course. Courses such as this help to teach the principles of how to put on a show but it has been the practical experience I have had that has taught me how to actually design and use lighting to the full effect.

If you’re just leaving school and not sure what to do next, I would say never stop learning! Go to college and get an industry recognised qualification to get your foot on the career ladder. The lecturers at NHC are really friendly and helpful; they go out of their way to support students. The timetable is also varied and interesting which is different to school.