The ALPD announce that applications are now open for the Design Lumière Scheme 2026

Established by the ALPD in 2015, the Lumière Scheme is an exciting professional development programme that provides pathways into the industry for emerging lighting designers. 

After a successful partnering with Glyndebourne in 2022, 2023 and 2024 the ALPD are delighted that this partnership will take place once again in 2026.

A pathway scheme for emerging lighting designers, the Design Lumière Scheme gives the successful candidate valuable experience of working professionally as an assistant lighting designer for six months.  For the first part of their Scheme, the Lumière will be attached to Glyndebourne.  Repertory opera presents unique challenges and opportunities for lighting design due to its demanding schedule, rotating productions, limited rehearsal time and even more limited lighting time. Glyndebourne offers the Lumière the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in this process, whilst working with and learning from a highly experienced team in one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. 

Interspersed with time at Glyndebourne, the Lumière will be matched with a number of established lighting designers; assisting them both nationally and possibly internationally. Alongside this, each Lumière will receive a bespoke package of mentoring and support, a toolkit for how to survive and thrive as a lighting designer: anything from getting an agent and building a portfolio to navigating challenging situations. The Lumière may have the opportunity to take on associate lighting designer roles toward the end of their attachments.

Previous Lumières include: Charlotte Burton, Rachel Cleary, Jason Addison, Alex Musgrave, Ed Saunders and Danny Vavrečka.

Imogen Clarke, our 2024 Design Lumière said, writing in Focus Magazine: “I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity of being Lumière … It was a brilliant eight months and this scheme has really developed my craft and built my confidence.”

Applications are welcome from anyone who has a minimum of one year’s professional experience working in the industry. (The ALPD cannot accept anyone who is currently in full-time education or has just graduated.) 

The ALPD are committed to inclusivity and are actively encouraging applications from those who feel they are currently under-represented in the UK theatre industry. We would also like to encourage applicants who may have moved away from theatre for various reasons and want to return to the industry.  You do not need to be a member of the ALPD to apply for the Design Lumière Scheme.  Applications close at midnight on 12th October.

Further information about the position and how to apply can be found at: https://www.thealpd.org.uk/training/the-alpd-lumière-scheme.