In the past few months, I've been exploring the idea of embarking on another three years of formal academic education to further my lighting design expertise. I have found that although my creative and leadership skills are quite developed, as is my ability to pick up digital skills like drafting and programming, but when it comes to the electrical side of the industry, my confidence takes a dip.
In order to quickly scout out many possible candidates for schools, I attended URTA's (University Resident Theatre Association) virtual interviews. This was a long day of "speed dating," speaking with the lighting design professor at about twenty different schools, each for fifteen minutes, mostly consecutively with some breaks. But despite this social challenge (as interviews are not my favorite thing in the world), I was very glad that I had this opportunity to be exposed to several programs that I hadn't even heard of.
After lots of emails and additional Zoom meetings, I was lucky enough to receive a few exciting offers from schools, including one from Anne McMills at San Diego State University (SDSU), where my brother currently attends undergrad. I am very thankful for Anne's thoughtful advice throughout the process, as well as her willingness to answer all of my questions and be sure that I had all the resources I need (as were many of the other professors). I also have to note that Anne's Assistant Lighting Designer Toolkit textbook is an amazing resource for any newbie to the ALD position!
Unfortunately, though, I did end up declining the offer to study at SDSU, as well as some other schools. I've realized that I simply do not want to be going to school anymore, at least at the moment. I need to get out of the classroom environment, away from the (amazing) mentors, and thrust myself into the real world to try my hand. I feel confident in my ability to learn on the job, ask questions, and know my place. Attempting to earn an offer from a graduate school, in retrospect, seems like evidence of a lack of confidence...and I may have a bit more of that now.
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