Panel discussion at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts

Congratulations to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London  who hosted an inter-school event featuring a panel discussion and a student networking event on 16th January. The event was moderated by Anna Matthews, Head of Lighting at LAMDA and featured: 

• Deanna Towli - Head of Lighting, Royal Court Theatre
• Vic Brennan - Freelance Programmer
• Jasmine Williams - Project Manager, Neg Earth
• and Briony Berning - WIL Ent and Ayrton

"It was a safe space and it felt great to be able to bring up the importance of representation and mentorship. How impactful it is to see someone you relate to, doing the thing. And acknowledging what can feel like barriers to entry. Happy to expand on these thoughts with anyone who shares an interest. The students were great too, and asked some powerful questions around how to best place themselves for a career in lighting, and whether as a woman you are required to work twice as hard. To summarise, we discussed approachability and presence as being key. Face to face interactions, building your Linked In and upskilling as much as you can. Whether or not we have to work twice as hard as women, I’ll open that up to the room! What do we think? I’m really interested in this particular idea..." Jasmine Williams