Scholarship Winner Presley Thurlow on Studying at the Academy of Live Technology

At the end of last year, Presley Thurlow was awarded the Showlive SFX Experience LIVE Scholarship - a one‑time $5000 award designed to support emerging live‑event professionals as they pursue their education. Presley received the scholarship for their impressive achievements so far and their clear passion for growing within the live events industry.

We caught up with Presley to talk about what the scholarship means for them, why they love this industry, and how studying at The Academy of Live Technology (ALT) at Rock Lititz is helping prepare them for the future.

Q&A with Scholarship Recipient Presley Thurlow

How do you feel this scholarship will help you on your journey towards entering the industry?

I will be putting the scholarship towards my education moving forward with Pennsylvania College of Art and Design and The Academy of Live Technology. My education is extremely important to me so being able to put this scholarship towards a program that will be so beneficial to helping me gain experience and opportunities in this industry.

What made you want to work in the live events industry?

I got my start working lighting for school and community theatre purely as a hobby. Once I got to High School I decided that I wanted to mix my experience in technical theatre, with my love for music and pursue a career in concert technology.

What area of the live events industry is particularly interesting to you, and is there a specific area you’re focusing your attention on?

While I am excited to learn about all different paths, my focus at the moment is lighting and management. Since I got my start in lighting design, it has always been the path that I was most interested in pursuing professionally. In working with lighting, I have always loved the effects that lighting and color can have when creating a mood or idea. But also, how differently a performance can be depending on the usage of lighting, or even the lack of it.

How has studying at ALT prepared you for the industry, and how has it opened opportunities for you?

ALT has given me the opportunity to expand on my current experience in fields like lighting, while also giving me the freedom to explore other paths. This program has also opened up so many opportunities to make connections and create lasting bonds with so many other creative people who are so passionate about this industry.

What makes Rock Lititz a good campus to study on for someone entering the live events industry?

I think Rock Lititz is and awesome campus to study on because it is such an interesting hub for industry creatives. You’re not just learning about the industry, you’re working hands on and alongside industry professionals to actually understand it, and I think that is what makes the program so unique.

Any tips or advice you would give anyone interested in working in the live events industry?

Just go for it and take every opportunity you can. It is such a unique career that comes with so many amazing experiences. It is truly unlike anything else. With that, you need to take advantage of every opportunity that you are presented with, because you never know when one small decision could completely change your path.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about studying BFA Live Experience Design & Production at ALT?

This program is so unique because rather than just learning about the industry, we are taught by industry professionals and given valuable hands‑on experience.

What has been a standout moment for you so far whilst studying at ALT?

I am only in my second semester at ALT, but so far my favorite event has been the end of semester concert. The different classes all worked together to put on a completely student run concert. Different classes ran audio, rigged all of the lighting equipment, and built the stage. The reason why this event in particular stood out to me is because ideally, I would like to work specifically in concert tech, so being a part of actually putting one together in class was really cool.

Thinking About Joining Presley at ALT?

Presley’s journey shows what’s possible when passion meets hands‑on experience in a world‑class training environment like Rock Lititz. If you're serious about building a future in concerts, touring, live events, or immersive experiences, the BFA in Live Experience Design & Production could be your next step.

Explore the course and start shaping your path into the industry.