For Strictly Come Dancing’s Lighting Director David Bishop created a special opportunity for two NRG students to join the 2023 show’s ‘Strictly Blackpool’ lighting crew.
The two NRG students, Clara Sousa-Shaheed and Charlie Bailey, received a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating a production.
Clara studies the BSc (Hons) Event Production at Confetti Institute of Creative Technology in Nottingham and Charlie is on the Theatre, Festival and Event Production BA (Hons) course at Bath Spa University.
“My time in Blackpool was invaluable. I am so inspired and in awe of the week and the work. Collaborating with an accomplished team, in a unique venue of such scale, whilst gaining essential industry skills is a rare opportunity for a student – and being part of NRG facilitated this,” Clara commented.
“I had an amazing experience and learnt a lot – it was very hands-on! I was involved in rigging and cabling up fixtures and could observe in the gallery and watch David and his team programming during rehearsals. During the show, I assisted with changing specific lighting on stage for each couple. I have expanded my skill set, built my confidence and met some more industry professionals. The lighting team were welcoming and inclusive and happy to help if I wasn’t sure about anything. To be in the amazing Blackpool Tower Ballroom for the week and part of the biggest week of the Strictly season – is something I will never forget,” Charlie said.
“This was the first opportunity I’ve had to support students in this way, and it worked superbly well thanks to the support of the production team at Strictly, as well as the team from NRG.From start to finish, the process of creating the opportunity and choosing the participants was both smooth and effective and Clara and Charlie were far more like full members of the team than work experience students,” Lighting Director David Bishop stated. “I applaud their commitment to get stuck in from start to finish, their appreciation of asking questions at the most appropriate times, and the way they immediately bonded with the team. I have full confidence both will enjoy great future success in technical production, and really hope to find opportunities for them to join us again in the near future.”
NRG Initiative Manager Jane Monk added, “It’s an exciting time for NRG! We’ve also introduced a new product training programme as part of the initiative – which now allows us to offer a balanced platform to support students on their lighting journeys, building their confidence and expanding their network of industry contacts.”
