City of London School elevates theatre productions with new ETC LED lighting system supplied by White Light

White Light (WL) is proud to support City of London School as it advances its theatrical capabilities with a major investment in energy‑efficient ETC LED fixtures. The upgrade marks a significant step in the school’s ongoing commitment to creative excellence and sustainable practice.

Under the leadership of Drama Technician Joe Oliver, the school’s theatre has transitioned from ageing tungsten filament lanterns, many of which had reached the end of repairable life, to a modern, flexible LED system designed to enhance both learning and performance.

“We were in desperate need of upgrading our system, as our old lanterns were no longer repairable,” Joe explains. “Choosing ETC made perfect sense. The fixtures integrate instantly with our existing ETC GIO console, and they give us the tools to really elevate our shows.”

Working closely with WL’s Key Account Manager, Antony Vine, the school selected a range of ETC ColourSource fixtures to deliver full, even coverage across the stage and expand creative possibilities. The investment includes ETC ColourSource Spot V, ColourSource Spot Junior, ColourSource Fresnel V, ColourSource PAR Junior and ColourSource PAR V Zoom.

Joe comments: “This combination of fixtures provides the school with a versatile palette, supporting everything from intimate exam pieces to large‑scale musical productions.”

A distinctive aspect of City of London School’s drama programme is its student‑run technical team. Joe teaches students during lunchtime clubs, giving them hands‑on experience in lighting, sound, multimedia and stage management.

One of his biggest challenges is ensuring that every student has a meaningful role. “Sometimes it can be difficult to find a job for everybody,” he admits, “but I’d much rather have too many boys learning tech than not enough. They rise to every challenge.”

The new LED equipment is already transforming this learning environment. Students explored the system with “great delight,” quickly discovering the expanded colour range and creative flexibility now at their fingertips.

The school’s first production using the new rig was Little Shop of Horrors, which proved a roaring success. “The new colours available to us really helped enhance the show,” Joe says. “We’re still learning what we can achieve, but the possibilities seem endless.”

The moment the installation was complete remains one of Joe’s highlights: “Switching it all on for the first time and lighting the stage with a blaze of colour was fantastic.”

Joe has worked with WL for many years and credits the company’s technical guidance as pivotal to the success of the upgrade. “Antony Vine has been instrumental in helping choose the best selection of lanterns for our theatre,” he says. “There’s more to come, and I’m looking forward to working with Antony again very soon.”

Antony comments: “We are delighted to continue supporting City of London School as it evolves its theatre infrastructure, providing sustainable, future‑proofed solutions that empower creativity and nurture the next generation of technical talent.”

Photo courtesy of White Light.