Skylar Turnbull Hurd wins the Michael Northen Award from the Association of Lighting Production and Design

Congratulations to graduate and Lighting Designer Skylar Turnbull Hurd who has won the 2024-25 Michael Northen Award from the ALPD (Association of Lighting Production and Design).

The award is named for Michael Northen, the first ever credited British Lighting Designer. The Fund was set up by Michael Northen shortly before he passed away in 2001. It takes the form of a £500 prize awarded to a student who shows exemplary talent in lighting design, as well as some free software and kit, as well as professional mentorship. It is the most prestigious prize in the country, if not the world, for emerging lighting designers. Only those who are current students or within 2 years of graduation can apply.

This award was originally made in conjunction with the White Light Bursary, but since 2004 the ALPD has administered the scheme and organises the presentation of awards as a fitting tribute to Michael who was a founding member of the ALPD and a previous President. The fund itself is held by The Mousetrap Foundation, an organisation committed to encouraging young theatre practitioners. The ALPD therefore awards the bursary each year in conjunction with The Mousetrap Foundation.

This is the fourth time a RADA graduate has won the award, other RADA graduate winners include Elliot Griggs (2011), Lucia Sanchez Roldan (2019), Eilidh Davies (2020).

Image shows Wild Cherries by Daniel Keene
Director Kristine Landon-Smith
Associate Director Poppy Clifford
Designer Roma Farnell
Lighting Designer Skylar Turnbull-Hurd