Lighting up career paths for students
The Fred Foster Student Mentorship Program helps entertainment technology students make the transition into the professional working environment. Through a series of online networking events, the program introduces students to many of the industry’s brightest talent, while also illuminating what life is like out in the field. Ultimately, students are matched with a mentor from the industry who will offer career guidance and technical advice for the next year and often beyond.
Make connections with industry mentors
Make connections with industry mentors
North American program
The North American program is comprised of a series of events that take place during the summer and fall. During these events, students will meet many different lighting professionals who will potentially become mentors to the students. The sessions also serve to give students an inside look at multiple disciplines and areas in the lighting industry. Students who are currently studying in North America are eligible for this program.
International program
To offer a tailored experience for international students, ETC has started a new branch of the Fred Foster Student Mentorship Program. The international program identifies lighting professionals working in the region of each student who is selected. Lighting practitioners and students from across the globe are introduced during a one-time event. Students who are currently studying outside of North America are eligible for this program.
Sample timeline for North American program
JUNE
- Virtual Kick-Off meeting with ETC program sponsors and all students to meet each other and discuss program expectations
JULY-SEPTEMBER
- Social Event with students introducing themselves to a group of designers during a large Zoom event, shortly followed by breakout rooms for casual and lively discussions
- ETC hosts a series of Designer Roundtables with entertainment professionals discussing specialized topics
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
- Student Spotlight Sessions with students and mentors discussing student work in small groups
OCTOBER
- Mentors are assigned to students as they kick off discussions about career interests and goals
Specialized topics
Each year, we aim to create a well-rounded series of events that covers multiple areas in the lighting profession. We especially aim to cover areas that align with the current student group’s career interests. Below is a handful of topics we’ve covered in the past.
- Light plot workshops
- Lighting for theatre & dance
- Lighting for film & TV
- Lighting for themed environments
- Lighting for live music
- Lighting for opera
- Projection & media design
- Working at ETC
Sample timeline for North American program
JUNE
- Virtual Kick-Off meeting with ETC program sponsors and all students to meet each other and discuss program expectations
JULY-SEPTEMBER
- Social Event with students introducing themselves to a group of designers during a large Zoom event, shortly followed by breakout rooms for casual and lively discussions
- ETC hosts a series of Designer Roundtables with entertainment professionals discussing specialized topics
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
- Student Spotlight Sessions with students and mentors discussing student work in small groups
OCTOBER
- Mentors are assigned to students as they kick off discussions about career interests and goals
Specialized topics
Each year, we aim to create a well-rounded series of events that covers multiple areas in the lighting profession. We especially aim to cover areas that align with the current student group’s career interests. Below is a handful of topics we’ve covered in the past.
- Light plot workshops
- Lighting for theatre & dance
- Lighting for film & TV
- Lighting for themed environments
- Lighting for live music
- Lighting for opera
- Projection & media design
- Working at ETC
Who should apply
Students must meet the following criteria to apply.
- Graduate students working toward a master’s degree or PhD
- Students in their final year of undergraduate courses at the university level during the fall semester
- For the international program, students from outside of North America who are pursuing a university degree in lighting design, theatre technology or a related field
When reviewing applications, we seek students who already have some experience in production and have a strong desire to enter the lighting profession and build a relationship with a mentor.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Design and Technology
The craft of storytelling is the foundation of the entertainment design and technology industry. ETC believes that the creators and consumers of our industry are best served when voices from all communities are included in the storytelling content and process. ETC acknowledges that the entertainment design industry has a history of inequity, injustice, and underrepresentation. We seek to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within our industry.
The Fred Foster Memorial Student Mentorship Program aims to provide resources and support to a diverse range of students pursuing a career in entertainment design. We are committed to continuously refining our recruiting process to make it inclusive to students and mentors from underrepresented groups. It is our intention to make intergenerational knowledge sharing more inclusive and accessible through this unique professional development pathway.
Applications for the 2022 program close on March 31
Submit your application
Words from past recipients
“It really exposed me to a world that I could only have dreamed of and made me feel that there are real tangible career opportunities in the future that would not result in me giving up my art. I cannot express how much that means to me. I was exposed to some incredible people and now have several invites to New York, London, and LA.”
Ronan O’Shea
“The mentorship events that ETC sets up immediately immersed me into the network of this Industry. Suddenly, I found myself face to face with my lighting inspirations- and they were interested in me! This is not easy- as it is a challenge to be able to articulate your artistic endeavors and goals with confidence to a group of such notoriety. However, that is part of the growth that this program with ETC invites you to have.”
Jasmine Lesane
“Because of this program, I’ve been able to have one-on-one conversations with people I could never have dreamed of meeting before; let alone speaking to them about our love of lighting! It’s led to interviews, virtual 'coffee chats,' and connections across the lighting industry that I am very thankful for.”
Mitchell Jakubka
“I can say confidently that the mentorship experience was and is essential in my post-graduate life. I have made countless connections and have received generous help from my mentors in terms of portfolios, resumes, and career advice.”
Aria Sivick
Honoring Fred Foster (1957-2019)
ETC was founded by a group of college students and has grown into a global leader in lighting and rigging technology. Throughout his career, ETC Founder and CEO Fred Foster recognized the significance of mentorship in any lighting professional’s career. Yet, he understood how challenging it is to establish connections with potential mentors.
Fred started this program in 1999, seeking to use ETC’s resources to help build the next generation of lighting greats. The Student Mentorship Program is just one way that Fred’s legacy lives on. We are honored to carry on this treasured tradition.