With over 200 lights on the main rig and a gathering of industry peers and decision-makers, the TPi Awards provided an extraordinary opportunity for NRG students to showcase their skills.
In December, NRG put out a call for students interested in joining Robe’s Creative team. The response was overwhelming, leading to a rigorous selection process. Seven students were chosen and invited to Robe UK for training in RoboSpot and Avolites, along with a preview of the event rig. One student was assigned to assist Robe Lead Creative Designer Nathan Wan in the main room, while another was tasked with lighting the TPi Awards’ after-show bar with another illuminating outside of Evolution London using iBOLT fixtures.
City College Norwich Production Arts student, Harley Roebuck – Assistant LD to Wan in the main room – commented: “This was an unbelievable experience. I gained invaluable knowledge, skills, and met a plethora of new contacts that I will have throughout my career.”
Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies Event Production student, Clara Sousa-Shaheed – LD for the main bar area – added: “This was a lot of fun, and a realistic insight into the high-pressure environment. As the bar designer, I felt I had the ideal level of responsibility, working alongside Nathan Wan.”
Falmouth University Technical Theatre Arts student, Ben Oakey – LD outside with the iBOLTS – stated: “I had an amazing experience working with the team at Robe. I also learnt several things from little useful shortcuts for programming on Avolites consoles and gaining useful insights into the industry. The best part was also being one of the first to use iBOLTS on a live event.”
Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies Event Production student, Becky Winrow said: “I had an incredible experience and gained a lot of valuable skills. I was involved with the rigging and cabling fixtures and had the opportunity of being a RoboSpot Operator for this event.”
Academy of Live Technology Live Event Production student, Louis Geard – RoboSpot Operator – remarked: “I had a great time. Trying to find the winners table on the RoboSpot was a challenge – but a lot of fun!”
University of South Wales Lighting Design Technology student, Josh Eksteen commented: “This was an amazing opportunity for students like me to participate in a large-scale production, providing ample opportunities to learn and grow as professionals within the industry.”
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Stage Management & Technical Theatre student, James Harvey – RoboSpot Operator – enthused: “Not only did I learn some new skills but met some great people and had networking opportunities that are unmatched.”
As a token of appreciation, the crew will be treated to a three-day trip to the Czech Republic to visit Robe HQ and witness the product design and manufacturing process. Additionally, they have been invited back as guests of TPi Magazine at next year’s Awards.
Summing up his experience working with NRG, Wan concluded: “It’s always a great pleasure to work with some of the next young talent which is coming into our industry.”
For more information about NRG, contact: jane.monk@robeuk.com
