ETC is committed to mentoring students who have an interest in lighting and stage technology. One way the company achieves this is through its annual LDI Student Sponsorship, where a select group of students is awarded an all-expense-paid trip to the LDI trade show as a way to help launch their careers. The students have the opportunity to go the behind the scenes with ETC, to learn about the latest technologies, and to network with some of the industry’s key figures. The sponsorship also pairs the students with industry luminaries who serve as mentors, offering advice, inspiration, and encouragement as they transition into the working world.
One of this year’s international student winners, Ryan Shuker is pursuing a bachelor of dramatic art, specializing in lighting design for theatre and events, from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney, Australia. He has had internships with the Melbourne Theatre Company, Opera Australia, and with lighting designer Damien Cooper. In 2013, Shuker worked on the Australian tour of Disney’s The Lion King, and at the Sydney Theatre Company. He has also done production management and sound design and served as head electrician, sound technician, and technical assistant during productions at his university.
