In what is already a milestone year for the ALPD – one which has seen the association not only mark its 60th anniversary but also change its name to reflect its membership more closely – the ALPD has launched an evolution of its apprenticeship pathway, the Lumière Scheme.
Built on the success of the traditional Lumière Scheme, which provides a pathway into the industry by creating professional opportunities that include both practical training and professional experience for emerging lighting designers, the new Production Lumière Scheme was established as a pilot in 2021 to assist young and emerging lighting technicians in the theatre industry.
The first-ever Production Lumière Scheme was planned and launched initially as a virtual process due to the continuation of COVID-19 restrictions within the theatre environment. However, circumstances, as well as generous donations, have since made it possible for the 2021 Lumières to benefit from a week of on-site paid work experience alongside their mentors, with all the vital, associated networking opportunities that brings.
As such the five successful Lumière applicants were paired with suitable and professionally established mentors. The Lumières engage in a series of structured discussions based around each stage of the production process, as well as some group-based masterclasses with leading industry professionals.
As the roles of production electrician and lighting programmer continue to evolve, the Production Lumière Scheme honours the dual strands of production electrics and programming.
The 2021 ALPD Production Lumières are Izzy Waugh, mentored by programmer Victoria Brennan; Lewis Byfield, with production electrician mentor John Delaney; Louisa Craig, mentored by programmer Dan Street; Rachel Stanwood-Jones, mentored by programmer Sarah Brown; and Dan Heesem, for whom production electrician, Fraser Hall is mentor. Stuart Porter and David Ayton run discussions and masterclasses for the Lumières with guest speakers.
ALPD Lumière Working Group Chair, Charlotte Burton is delighted with the success of this year’s scheme and the additional work-based opportunities that have been possible.
“Its been wonderful to launch the Production Lumière Scheme in our 60th year, alongside our name change to the ALPD, as it puts production at the heart of what we do as an association. The support of our brilliant mentors and generous donations mean we have been able to provide more for the Lumières with the bonus of getting to do a placement with their mentors,” Burton said. “This on-site placement and the weekly discussions give the Lumières the chance to learn from leading industry professionals and develop their skills. We are very excited to be expanding the Scheme for both production and design roles.”
