Next Robe Generation (NRG) – a networking community for all lighting students pursuing a career in the entertainment lighting world – helped two students join the lighting crew for Strictly Come Dancing’s Blackpool episode.
Lighting director David Bishop created a special opportunity for Clara Sousa-Shaheed and Charlie Bailey to receive a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating the show.
Both were able to immerse themselves in the lighting crew from the load-in to the load-out, which involved everything from pushing flight cases to changing floor lights during the dances.
Strictly’s Blackpool special featured 122 Robe luminaires.
“My time in Blackpool was invaluable,” said Sousa-Shaheed. “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!”
Bailey added: “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.”
Lighting director David Bishop stated: “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. Clara and Charlie were far more like full members of the team than work experience students!”
