Hansjörg: Jason, can you tell me a little bit about your own background prior to studying at Rose Bruford and joining the MA Light in Performance course?
Jason: When I was nine years old, I watched concert videos of X-Japan who are a famous Japanese rock band, and I started to be interested in lighting. Since then, I’ve taught myself enthusiastically with books and YouTube videos. This led me to work in lighting over 10 years, and studying stage lighting at Seoul Institute of the Arts, the most famous art college in my native country, South Korea.
Hansjörg: Why did you want to join the MA Light in Performance course?
Jason: If I could describe the learning style in one word, I would say “open-minded”. My tutor Hansjörg never said things like “you have to use side light in this situation” or “don’t use that colour”. He just continued provoking the intention in my design. I believe this process allowed students on the course to become more creative lighting designers.
A project highlight was the Woyzeck session with a theatre director, Joe Hill-Gibbins. It was a session designing the scene of Woyzeck with lights, from a director’s perspective. This was really, really impressive because the approach to designing for theatre is definitely unique. This session allowed me to understand a scene creatively and completely changed my perspective. The many classes you take on the course aim to train creative artists with open questions and methods.
Hansjörg: What would you say are some of the highlights of studying for this course at Rose Bruford?
I think the masterclasses were some of the best moments on the course. Several world-leading lighting designers are involved in the programme, and they share their unique approach to lighting design. I was able to ask them direct questions, something I wondered when I’d seen their design in-person or just in YouTube clips, which is such a unique opportunity.
Jason: Students can explore various genres with the great experts. Some universities tend to focus only on theatre, however, MA Light in Performance provides experiences in dance, theatre, concerts and more. This is very important for early years lighting practitioners. I was previously interested in working for the concert touring industry, but as I experienced rock festivals and rock concerts, I changed my mind and was more interested in musical theatre. Real-world experiences help decide your future career, and it really helped my career decisions.
I think the masterclasses were some of the best moments on the course. Several world-leading lighting designers are involved in the programme, and they share their unique approach to lighting design. I was able to ask them direct questions, something I wondered when I’d seen their design in-person or just in YouTube clips, which is such a unique opportunity.
Hansjörg: Do you have any advice for future students or potential applicants to the course, particularly from abroad?
I can confidently say that if you are wondering what the secret of British lighting design is, join in MA Light in Performance course. I can guarantee you will not regret it.
Jason: I always wondered, what makes British lighting designers so creative? And why British lighting design seems more artistic compared with others? Now I understand why it’s different, what is special. I can confidently say that if you are wondering what the secret of British lighting design is, join in MA Light in Performance course. I can guarantee you will not regret it.
Hansjörg: What are your future plans after completing the degree?
Jason: My first goal is to join a West End production as a lighting designer, within the next five years. I’m working with some productions currently as a lighting designer, and at the National Theatre as a technician. I’m building my career and networking, with the aim of becoming a successful lighting designer in the UK. My next goal is to be an aesthetics researcher. I’m particularly curious about the visual forms that people prefer. I then hope to explore neuroaesthetics and evolutionary biology, enabling me to design more attractively.
Find out more about studying MA Light in Performance and apply now.