Meet our graduates: Jai Morjaria
FdA in Technical Theatre and Stage Management and BA (Hons) progresson year, 2016
It was complete luck that I came across technical theatre.
I actually clicked on a pop-up advert when I was doing some research into careers and courses during my A levels, and loved the sound of it so much I left school two days later.
Once I started finding work in the industry, I discovered the different training options available. When I was working as a follow spot operator in the West End, I came across some associates who were RADA graduates and recommended the training there. I did the FdA in Technical Theatre and Stage Management, and then applied and did the BA (Hons) progression year specialising in lighting.
Training at RADA is one of the hardest experiences you’ll have in your life, but because of that it will also be the best time of your life. In my opinion, there’s no other course that can prepare you the way that RADA does for the industry.
RADA also offers financial support when you need it: I was going through a tough time while I was training, and they along with the South Square Trust supported me through the three years.
Since graduating in 2016, I am now a full-time freelance lighting designer travelling both nationally and internationally. Recently I have lit shows at the Hampstead Theatre, Greenwich Theatre, Orange Tree Theatre, Arcola Theatre, Theatre503 and on board the QM2 for Cunard; for theatre companies including Complicite, Akademi and the National Youth Music Theatre; and for opera with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican.
I do not believe in ‘just lighting a show’ – I believe the lighting should enhance and compliment the story and performance. I enjoy experimental and abstract lighting, being able to create new and innovative perspectives on the performance. I try to use the latest and alternative technologies to create unusual and surreal effects.
