The Lighting Programme, an opportunity for graduate lighting designers and technicians, has announced the participants of its 2021/22 edition.

The programme is run by SLX, a lighting and production company based in Bristol. It aims to foster young, upcoming talent within the industry – especially important in the post-Covid era, where many are struggling to recruit.

This year five students were selected instead of the initial offer of four places, due to the exceptionally high standard of applications.

The five students, all of whom graduate next year, will gain experience working a number of jobs at venues around the UK, the first of which is a fit-up inside the London Palladium. They will also be introduced by SLX to key industry figures at events such as PLASA/ABTT London. Included in the programme they will have access to equipment for use on their course projects.

The five students selected this year, as well as the school at which they are currently studying, are:

Jessica Brigham – Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts

Alexander Hannah – Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

Guy Knox-Holmes – Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Ciaran Lillis – Guildford School of Acting

Oliver McNally – The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Jessica Brigham, student at LIPA explained what she is most looking forward to as being part of The Lighting Programme: “I’m most excited to meet everyone at SLX and learn from them, including the other students who have a place in the programme!”

RCS’s Oliver McNally adds: “I am most looking forward to the networking opportunities that I can gain, this will prepare me for graduation and give me opportunities for employment.”

SLX CEO Alastair Currie commented: “The Lighting Programme is an excellent initiative for us to engage with the students and colleges. I am delighted that we are in a position to offer this support to aspiring young people as they start their journey in our wonderful and creative industry. I very much look forward to meeting the students over the coming months.”