Alumni Spotlight: Saskia de Jager
Saskia completed her Master’s degree in Live Event Design at the Academy of Live Technology and has since gone on to build a career as a touring lighting technician.
Saskia completed her Master’s degree in Live Event Design at the Academy of Live Technology and has since gone on to build a career as a touring lighting technician. We recently caught up with her while she was back on campus in Studio 001, rehearsing for the Jason Derulo tour. Saskia shared her journey from student life to touring the world, and reflected on how her time at the Academy helped shape her career.
Why did you decide to study at Academy of Live Technology (ALT)?
It started off as something to do in Covid. I thought it would be a good use of my time but it ended up being one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. It was the most fun year I think I've ever had. Before Covid, I was working with the circus doing lights and touring round the UK with the circus, which was a bit different.
What skills did you learn at ALT?
We learnt a lot on the technical side. I was focusing mainly on sound and video because I could do lighting from beforehand. But I did do a lot of programming and really honed in on my skills on Avolites.
How did you end up working as a freelance lighting technician after leaving ALT?
Originally, I was going to work full-time for a lighting and design company but I needed to get my drivers licence, so in the process of trying to get my drivers licence, I started freelancing. It worked out well for me, I got a break in the summer with Red hot Chili Peppers as a lighting tech. I did get my drivers licence but because of that job, I didn't need to go full-time, and I've just been freelancing ever since.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
My favourite thing about my job now is 100% the people. You kind of have to have a couple of screws loose to be in this industry so we're all very similar. The long days, which can be awful, are just made so much better by the people you're working with and you forge close bonds really quickly. It's such a a social career to have.
How did studying at ALT help prepare you for working in the industry?
The most valuable thing I gained was confidence. Beforehand, I was pretty insecure and unsure of myself and that year really gave me the confidence to put myself out there and grow as a touring technician.
How does it feel to come back to Production Park as a professional?
Coming back as a professional feels like a full circle moment for me. I remember when I was studying here, seeing the productions come in and I was like “maybe one day I'll be part of one of those productions” and now I am. I feel all grown up and it's just so nice to be back.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work on tours?
The best bit of advice I could give to someone who wants to start touring is to just go for it. Don't doubt yourself, don't second guess yourself, just 100% throw yourself in at the deep end. The worst that can happen is that you fail but at least you tried and that's more than most.
Saskia’s journey from postgraduate student to touring lighting technician highlights how quickly a career in the live events industry can develop with the right skills, confidence and opportunities. Her story is just one example of how studying a postgraduate course at the Academy of Live Technology can help you refine your technical abilities, expand your professional network and take the next step in your career.
If you're looking to build on your existing knowledge and gain hands-on experience in a world-class production environment, explore our postgraduate courses and discover where a Master’s degree from the Academy of Live Technology could take you.
