Postgraduate Spotlight: Corrie Ashton on Studying MA Live Event Design at ALT
MA Live Event Design student Corrie Ashton discusses her immersive Major Project, and reflects on how postgrad study helped shape her skills, confidence and future ambitions.
We caught up with MA Live Event Design student, Corrie Ashton, following the completion of her postgraduate Major Project, Order Born of Chaos - an immersive, hand-drawn stop motion installation exploring the origins of the universe.
Alongside discussing the creative and technical development behind the project, Corrie reflects on her experience studying a postgraduate degree at the Academy of Live Technology, from discovering a passion for projection mapping to learning within the industry-led environment of Production Park.
From hand-drawn animation to immersive live experience design.
Can you tell us a little bit about your project postgraduate major project?
Order Born of Chaos is an immersive, hand-drawn stop motion animation installation exploring the origins of the universe. The piece was loosely inspired by Greek mythology mixed with the Big Bang Theory, designed to be an abstract conception of what came before the universe we recognise today; and the incomprehensible beginning of everything.
The piece follows a journey from the void to emergence, chaos to expansion, using 580 individually drawn frames to build a constantly shifting visual environment. No two frames are the same and through the chaos a cohesive image is formed.
What did you design considerations did you make when producing your major project?
The work was designed specifically for a circular projection space, placing the viewer at the centre of the experience. By surrounding the audience with image, the aim was to move away from traditional screen-based viewing and instead create something more spatial and embodied. To immerse the viewer so that they feel one with the creation and situated at the nucleus of the transformations.
Sound played a further role in shaping the experience. Working with a fellow postgraduate student, we developed a soundscape, experimenting with spatial audio so that sound moved around the room, enhancing the sense of immersion and allowing viewers to feel part of the unfolding environment rather than just observing it.
Limiting the audience to small groups a small area at the centre was marked down for the best audio-visual experience. Each attendee received a flyer outlining the concept, and a cinema ticket to fully adopt the viewing experience.
This was not just a screening, but an immersive cinematic experience.
Technically, the project involved configuring multiple projectors to create a wraparound image, alongside producing the animation frame-by-frame using digital tools
What made you decide to study your specific postgraduate degree at ALT?
I chose to return to studies to get further experience and knowledge in the live events industry and found MA Live Event Design was the best suited course for the path I’m on.
I originally found out about the postgraduate courses after attending a short course run by Academy of Live Technology. I then had a meeting with Aby Cohen (Head of Postgraduate Studies) who informed me on the different courses available. From there we were able to decide which postgraduate course would suit my skills and future ambitions.
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
Postgraduate Major Project - Order Born Of Chaos
What were you doing before you decided to study your postgraduate degree?
I was working as an events coordinator, alongside my own events ventures. I’ve been organising events since I was 15 and it has been my true calling in life. I found the idea of being able to further my studies a highly enticing opportunity and what better place to do it than in one of the leading specialised higher education providers.
What have you enjoyed most about your degree and what skills have you learnt?
I’ve learnt a lot about the inner workings of the industry and enjoyed hearing from the industry professionals who are passionate about what they do. I’ve enjoyed being on a functional site the most, where alongside learning you get to see the industry in action. It helps give context for what's possible.
I’ve focused on projection mapping during my course and found it to be something I’m really interested and passionate about. Before I started, I had no knowledge in this area. I hope to continue learning more about projection mapping and hopefully find opportunities within this sector once I finish my studies. Studying here has definitely helped spark a newfound passion for this.
What is unique about studying on Production Park?
In comparison to my experience of undergraduate study at a traditional university, Production Park feels much more specialised and embodies more of the events industry. I only wish I knew about it sooner so that I could have done my undergraduate degree here too.
What are you hoping to do once you finish your degree and how do you feel your degree will help with this?
Having an MA from Production Park is something I feel will greatly elevate my CV and make me stand out for future opportunities. It’s a well-known industry name and I see it as a great asset.
I’m aiming to continue my own ventures running and coordinating events, but having the new knowledge and experience from my postgraduate degree has given me confidence in my abilities and added value to my skillset and experience.
What advice would you give someone thinking of studying a postgraduate degree at ALT?
It's a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning about the industry and bettering their skills.
