The ALD has announced that applications for its perennially popular Sponsored Student Scheme for the year 2021 are open, and that also running alongside the scheme, for the month of September only, is a promotion targeted at the other individual membership categories, for discounted subscription rates for the rest of the membership year to March 2021.
The Sponsored Student Scheme is funded by ALD Corporate Members and is targeted towards students who have not previously been members, offering the opportunity of free ALD membership until the end of March 2022.
Membership within any category provides vital interaction opportunities and connection between established figures in professional lighting and video design, and the next generation of talented designers, programmers and technicians. Members also enjoy complimentary copies of the Association’s magazine Focus, as well as full access to the ALD website (and student micro-site for students) which provides a range of documents and resources designed to inform your contract negotiations, assist your working conditions and highlight issues affecting our members.
Jack Wills, of the ALD student working group explained why students should apply: “ALD student membership gives an excellent introduction to those entering or considering a career in the lighting and video areas of the live performance arts. It allows you to plug directly into a network, and through the experiences and literature offered by the Association, exposes the breadth of jobs and career paths available within the in the UK and around the world.”
Applications for the Sponsored Student Scheme can be submitted straight away via www.ald.org.uk/join, but must be received before Christmas 2020. Students will not have previously been a member of the association and will be studying full time on a UK course or recognised industry apprenticeship scheme and have an interest in the process of live performance lighting and/or video and projection.
For other individuals who have not been a member previously, or for at least three years, the fees to March 2021 are discounted from the pro-rata level for the remaining membership year, with further savings to be made if signing up to pay by monthly direct debit. In addition, those applications supported by a current member ALD Sponsor will also attract a discount on their fees as well. Full details of the schemes and applicable rates can be found at www.ald.org.uk/blog
The past six months have shown that the industry is stronger when it is unified and supporting its practitioners through advice, networking and information sharing. Joining your relevant association now will help the process to build that voice, and contribute to creating stronger representation for those working in the industry as it starts to open up again.