What I enjoy most about the course is the practical work and the projects we get to do. We have a close-knit group, which makes everything more enjoyable—we share jokes and support each other while working hard.
One of the best parts of the course is getting hands-on experience. Every Friday, we operate sound and lighting for Music Matinee in the anechoic chamber, working alongside music students. We also produce a magazine-style show in the TV studio, taking inspiration from programs like The One Show. Creating these projects helps us improve our technical skills and expand our understanding of industry-standard equipment, which is very important for our future careers.
Since I arrived, the college has invested in new, up-to-date kit that prepares us for the real industry. I’ve learned a lot from both my teachers and my classmates. I now feel confident enough to run the lighting for a show and understand technical terms like equalizing sound and rigging lights properly.
We haven’t been on many trips yet, but we’re planning a trip to London for a musical in June, which everyone is involved in arranging. There’s also the possibility of a residential trip to New York next year, which I’m hoping to join. We’ve also had visits from industry professionals, including Clinton Rogers from the BBC, who shared his experience with us. His visit was incredibly beneficial. He explained industry deadlines and expectations, which made us more confident in our abilities—so much so that we managed to film our show successfully on the first take.
This experience has definitely boosted my confidence, and I feel more ready for a future in the industry. It’s helped me understand the importance of professionalism and staying calm under pressure.
I come to college on the bus, it’s a long journey, but I believe it’s totally worth it. The course offers a unique and niche subject that I couldn’t find anywhere else, and the facilities, including the theatre, are some of the best I’ve seen—sometimes even better than industry standards.
Overall, I feel confident that I’m on the right track, thanks to the college’s support and the real-world experience I’ve gained.
After college, I plan to go into the industry working with professional touring companies, specialising in lighting and sound. The course has given me a lot of support and practical advice on how to get there. I’ve also started exploring university options to further my education in this field, and I aim to decide in my second year.
WILL
CONTENT CREATION