Sam Bernstein (Theatre Technology)

Biography

What's been your highlight during your time at Guildhall?

Designing the lighting for Spring Opera Scenes was an immense privilege and certainly one of the most significant moments of my time at Guildhall. Undertaking my first design allocation while still in second year and in opera, a medium I’m relatively new to, was a challenge but it was a hugely enjoyable experience, and I was really pleased with the end result. It was also great to work with external and student creatives while also working with the production lighting, who did an amazing job of realising the design.

What's been your highlight in the industry?

My industry highlights have come from working in the corporate sector of live events lighting as the experience is so different from the drama and opera production processes we undertake at Guildhall, so applying the same skills, techniques and use of equipment has proved really interesting, especially as schedules are often even tighter!
Two jobs that stand out in my memory are a major corporate conference at Grosvenor for a multinational catering company and a private party in the main hall of the Natural History Museum.

What other passions and projects have you enjoyed exploring during your time at Guildhall?

While my primary interest remains in lighting, having a chance to undertake my first allocation in construction on Opera 1 exposed me to a completely different area of Production Arts and the production process and allowed me to pick up loads of skills that I can keep applying in every area of my career. It was also really rewarding to be able to build something tangible – looking at the set on opening night and knowing that I played a part in building that was very special.

What are you most interested in working in after you graduate?

I’d primarily like to work in lighting design and programming for theatre, dance and live events. I’m also keen to explore video engineering and production electrics professionally.