Technical theatre: lighting students visit ROBE in the Czech Republic

In the run-up to Christmas, a group of students and staff from RADA's Technical Theatre and Stage Management department visited Robe lighting in the Czech Republic, giving them a chance to tour the factory and see a demonstration of some of their latest products.

Euan Davies, Simi Majekodunmi, Ariane Nixon and Cameron Affleck are all training on RADA's BA (Hons) in Technical Theatre and Stage Management, specialising in lighting. They were joined by students from Rose Bruford College and colleagues from the industry including lighting designer Johanna Town and lighting consultant Theo Farringdon.

The annual trip gives our third year students an incredible opportunity to keep at the cutting edge of lighting technology. With 90% of their manufacturing process in-house, Robe is able to retain control over the way its products are made, and students were offered valuable insight into how a moving light comes into being. This year in particular they were able to see Robe's new flagship fixture, the Mega Pointe, which can cross over between the worlds of rock and roll and theatre; and the DL7, currently the only seven-colour LED moving light on the market, which gives an impressive quality of light closely replicating traditional tungsten incandescent lights.

RADA has been supported by Robe for the last three years in what is the lighting firm’s biggest partnership with a drama school. The relationship means students benefit not only from the loan of state-of-the-art equipment, but also Robe’s technical support and expertise, and the opportunity to be involved in product development feedback.

Our thanks go to Ashley Lewis (UK Key Account Manager for Theatre, TV and Film at Robe) and Dave Whitehouse (International Theatre Product Manager for Robe) for hosting the trip. Click here to find out more about studying Technical Theatre and Stage Management at RADA.

Matt Leventhall, Head of Production Lighting