Lighting the path to a career in technical theatre – How the Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre helped apprentice Amber Crowle find her calling

Established in 2021, following the passing of Curve’s Head of Production Andy Nairn, The Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre have honoured Andy’s legacy and passion for mentoring emerging technicians.

Since then, the programme has supported four talented Creative Venue Technician Apprentices who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to learn technical theatre skills.

Here, recent apprentice Amber Crowle talks about what The Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre has meant to her and why her future in technical theatre looks bright.

Can you tell us a bit about your background before applying for the apprenticeship?

I’d always done pantomime groups, but as a performer. I went to university but dropped out during COVID because I realised I was on the wrong course. I then went to college to study Performing and Production Arts, and that was when I realised there was a career in technical theatre.

I saw there was an apprenticeship at Curve, applied, and never looked back.

Before that, how much did you know about backstage and technical theatre?

Very little. It was through my college course that I started to branch out into technical theatre. I did a bit of research, but I came into the apprenticeship with very little knowledge.

Did the apprenticeship open your eyes to what technical theatre involves?

I learned so much, especially in the first few weeks, just seeing how each of the teams worked together.

I spent four months in each department (Lighting, Sound and Stage and Automation) before deciding to specialise in Lighting. There were also times when I would jump across departments if needed, so I gained a good understanding of how everything connects.

What was it about Lighting that appealed to you?

It just clicks in my brain. It’s something I understand, and I like all the possibilities that come with it.

I originally studied Computer Science and Coding at university, so lighting desks and programming were really appealing to me. At first, I thought I would only be interested in programming, but I’ve realised I really enjoy stage electrics and follow spotting too.

For people who might not know, what does follow spotting involve?

[Follow spotting involves operating a spotlight which tracks a performer around the stage.]

You have to work out the size of the spot, which colours you are using, how intense the light needs to be, when you turn it on, who you are following, and whether there are any switches.

In BANK OF DAVE – which I returned to Curve to work on recently – we also had live colour drops. I’ll have a frame of gel that gives a specific colour, then when an LX cue is called, I have to quickly remove that frame and make sure I’m in time with the lighting operator.

It takes focus, rehearsal, and precision.

Lighting is more complex than many audiences might realise. What have you enjoyed learning?

There are so many different areas: the creative side, the technical side, the computer side, programming, and the desks themselves.

How important was it to understand all the technical departments, rather than just lighting?

Really important. During fit-ups, when you are putting a show into the theatre, it helps so much if you understand what the other departments need.

It means you can work more efficiently as a whole team, rather than thinking only about your own department.

Which productions did you work on during your time at Curve?

I started on EVITA at Christmas 2023. I also worked on A CHORUS LINE, MY FAIR LADY, and other touring productions.

They were all very different and technically demanding in different ways. I did a lot of follow spotting to begin with, which helped ease me into the Lighting department. On A CHORUS LINE, I did a lot of stage crew work, and on MY FAIR LADY I had an LX (Lighting) Swing role, covering follow spots and stage electrics. I also operated my first show, which was very scary.

That sounds like a major step forward. Did it give you confidence for what came next?

Definitely. It gave me so much experience to take with me afterwards.

Curve is such an exciting place to learn because it is an automated house, with automated fly bars. When you combine that with Lighting design, the possibilities are incredible.

What have you worked on since finishing the apprenticeship?

I did a small tour with Haven Holiday Parks on their MAD HATTER CIRCUS last summer. Then I went out to China with SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN as a Lighting Assistant, which was the most incredible experience.

Did the apprenticeship prepare you for working internationally?

Yes. Internationally, there are different health and safety requirements, different ways of working, and sometimes you have to communicate through different languages.

There are so many challenges, but the apprenticeship equipped me with general knowledge and experience of theatre that I could adapt and take with me.

Has technical theatre been the right move for you?

Definitely. In theatre, everyone leaves after seeing a show feeling happy that they have experienced something amazing.

Being part of bringing that joy to people makes you feel good after every show.

Do you know what you would like to do long term?

I’m still figuring that out. I’m definitely more Lighting-biased, but I’m open to moving into other departments too.

There are so many different areas in Lighting alone. Designers do not always programme, and programmers have a specific role too, so there are lots of possible paths.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying for an opportunity like this?

Go for it. I came into the apprenticeship with very little knowledge, and it gave me the chance to learn across departments, specialise in Lighting, work on major productions, and take those skills into other theatres and other countries.

For anyone who is curious about what happens backstage, it can open up a completely new way of seeing theatre.

Throughout June 2026, Curve is raising funds to support future Creative Venue Technician Apprentices, as well as supporting regular workshops, Curve Young Community Tech companies and more.

Can you help future backstage professionals like Amber transform their passion into a career?

Donate to The Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre today and help provide careers and training opportunities at Curve.

We are grateful for the support of all our donors, including the Mackintosh Foundation.

You can listen to this conversation with Amber and more in the June episode of Curve in Conversation.