Student Spotlight - Cameron Sutherland
“I’ve gained skills and knowledge in every area of Technical Theatre; stage management, lighting, sound, set, props, and flying. I would feel confident going into a job in any of these areas thanks to the knowledge I’ve gained from the course, and the support from my lecturers.”
🎭 With a growing demand for well-trained, capable support, there are no shortage of behind-the-scenes opportunities in the theatre and events industry. HND student, Cameron, talked us through what life at UHI Perth is like ⬇️
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Cameron Sutherland, and I’m originally from Aberdeen.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth?
I’m currently studying HND Technical Theatre and Production Arts. I’m in my second year on the course, having completed my HNC last year.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
UHI was one of the top results when I was researching Technical Theatre courses in Scotland online.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Before UHI, I was studying in high school at Bridge of Don Academy in Aberdeen. I was studying for my Highers and Advanced Highers in Drama, Modern Studies, Maths, French, English and Applications of Maths.
Throughout S6, I completed a Schools Link college course at North East Scotland College (NESCOL) in Aberdeen, studying Technical Theatre at NPA level. NPA Tech Theatre is where I feel I developed my passion for theatre and decided to pursue a career in this area.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I chose this course thanks to my NPA. I discovered my passion in Technical Theatre – particularly Stage Management - and realised this was an area I would like to pursue as a career. The content on the course sounded right up my street, and I liked the fact that you learn all the departments, so you get the chance to dip your toe in different areas and find your passion and where your love lies.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing about the course is the opportunities you get. There are always projects happening in the theatre, and you always have the chance to get stuck in with something. I enjoy the problem-solving aspects of the course, and the challenge of how you’re going to take the director’s vision for the show and make it a reality on the stage.
My classmates, and lecturers, are all fabulous too! I enjoy collaborating with everyone across the departments, from everyone within Tech to working with the Musical Theatre students – everyone is all so talented – and I have made some lifelong friends from the course.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
Cameron (front right) with the Footloose stage team
My most memorable moment was my first show call. After calling Threepenny Opera in first year, this was when I discovered this really was the course for me, and I felt a sense of pride in my work, and my skills.
Another standout moment for me was during Footloose when I was trusted by my Head of Department and lecturers to take on additional responsibilities to supervise and lead the stage management team. It was memorable for me as it helped me to realise I was capable of doing what I really want to, and I was proud of being trusted to manage the team successfully and ensure the show goes ahead.
Can you tell us about the productions you have helped to produce during your studies. What technical roles have you undertaken in the productions? What experience/lessons did you learn during the productions? What was your favourite production and why?
I’ve been a part of three UHI productions: Threepenny Opera during HNC and Footloose and Dear Evan Hansen during HND.
In first year, I was the Deputy Stage Manager for Threepenny Opera. This was a challenge for me, as it was my first time calling a show. However, thanks to the support of my committed Head of Department Jack Ewan, and dedicated lecturer Steven Reid, I was able to overcome my nerves and successfully call the show. After the show, I discovered that calling a show is what I love. I enjoy the challenge, and I enjoy being in control of the show, and being responsible for ensuring the vision of the show is kept consistent night-to-night.
Then during Footloose, I was the Stage Manager. Footloose is my favourite show that I have worked on. It’s such a fun and upbeat show, and I was involved from the start of the rehearsal process, which meant I had a really good understanding of the show when it came to calling it. I really enjoyed this role as I was responsible for leading the Stage Management team. In addition, I was responsible for showing the first year HNCs their role remits, and I was also guiding my Assistant Stage Manager Ellie during the shows and teaching her how to call.
Finally, I was involved at short notice on Dear Evan Hansen in March 2026. I was asked the week before if I would be able to call the show during the production week. I found this quite a challenge, as I had to build a prompt copy over a weekend, as I had been asked on the Friday and we were starting full-scale performance on the Monday morning. This show call was also really intense, thanks to the near-200 Lighting cues, 100 AV cues, as well as sound cues and revolve spins. It was full-on and really intense but so rewarding!
Dear Evan Hansen
I was also invited by Victoria to work on an external let show Hadestown, produced by Ad-Lib Arts and performed in the Goodlyburn Theatre. I really enjoyed this experience, as it was my first paid theatre job, and I was able to learn what is required in professional industry. Hadestown was also a fully sung-through musicals, which means there are lots of lighting and sound cues centred around the music. It was therefore crucial for me to time my cues right by learning the rhythms of the show and be able to understand the breakdown of the music so I could keep the timing right!
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I’ve gained skills and knowledge in every area of Technical Theatre; stage management, lighting, sound, set, props, flying. I would feel confident going into a job in any of these areas thanks to the knowledge I’ve gained from the course, and the support from my lecturers. I’ve been able to develop my leadership skills, as I had the privilege of leading the Stage Management team for Footloose.
I enjoyed my work placements, as they allowed me to experience what working life in the Industry was like, and found that I have definitely found the right career path for me.
Finally, as part of our Graded Unit in HND, we undertook two site visit trips to the Perth Theatre, and Whitehall Theatre in Dundee. I really enjoyed these trips, as we were able to have a go at stage flying. This was an experience I found interesting to learn about a technical area I had no previous knowledge of and just get stuck in and give it a go. I found these visits to be so beneficial, as they gave me a taster of how professional theatres work.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I have undertaken several work placements during my time at UHI Perth. In my first year, I was invited by NESCOL to return and work as Lighting Technician on their Christmas Pantomime A Christmas Carol.
During HND, I had the pleasure of doing three work experience placements. I was invited by NESCOL again to work as Lighting Technician for Treasure Island. This allowed to work with a wide range of different people and meet a load of amazing theatre people from different backgrounds.
I was also invited to be the Stage Manager for Perth Drama Club’s panto Aladdin and the Mummy’s Curse. This experience was a different type of role for me, as many of the backstage crew hadn’t had any experience in Technical before. I enjoyed training people in an area they clearly have a passion for, but have never pursued, and I felt a sense of pride for the shows going well.
Finally, in February, I was offered the role of Stage Manager on Ad-Lib Arts’ production of Hadestown being held at the Goodlyburn. Hadestown was a beneficial experience for me, as I was the only member of the Stage Management team . This was a challenge for me, as it meant I had to be really involved in the show, and had to be able to answer lots of questions from different technical departments. It allowed me the chance to develop my skills in my chosen specialism, in a more relaxed environment. I also messed around and played with using a digital prompt copy and really enjoyed the flexibility of digital.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
My lecturers have been absolutely incredible. They always go to great lengths to ensure everyone feels included and have opportunities to have a go working in their specialised area. They are all so dedicated to their jobs, and they want students to do their best. They’ve always been there for me to guide me if I need a hand with anything, and they’re always so friendly and approachable.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
I completed the Chamsys Intermediate Training session in November. This was a great experience with my friends and allowed me to enhance my knowledge of the Chamsys lighting desk.
I am quite proud of my achievement in gaining an unconditional offer of entry to Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for Stage Management on their BA Production Technology and Management degree programme. The course at UHI gave me a good starting point of knowledge to go into the degree next year and allowed me to build up a broad and wide portfolio; to show off the knowledge and skills I have gained on the course.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I really enjoy the hands-on, industry-standard training and facilities offered within the theatre. Students gain hands-on, practical experience that will benefit them when they go out into the industry. For example, the ability to work on full-scale musical productions, and the close links with local theatre companies.
There is a strong sense of community throughout the campus, and I find this really feeds well into the strong collaborative environment created both on my course, and throughout the entire college campus. The course allows chances to work with students from across Technical Theatre, Musical Theatre, Music, and Audio Engineering - allowing you the chance to work on a wide variety of different projects.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I have really enjoyed my time at UHI Perth, I’ve made some incredible friends, not just within my course, but friends that have become like family to me outside of college. They act as a good support network for me, encouraging and helping me to follow my passion for this industry.
I really enjoy working with the lecturers on this course, particularly Steven and Victoria. Nothing is ever too much trouble for them, and they have always been there for me when I needed their help. They are so committed and dedicated to their jobs, and supported me when I need it, and their door is always open for any student to chat to them. They have supported me in pushing me out of my comfort zone, and to take on challenges and opportunities that I would never go for.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I am such a massive musical theatre fan! I love going to see shows and can probably be talked into going to see anything if it’s a musical! I love going to the cinema too, and thanks to my Cineworld Unlimited membership, I can quite often be found heading to the cinema after college to see the newest releases. I also have a love for travelling as it helps me to relax while expanding my knowledge of other cultures.
What are your future career plans?
For the next few years, my focus is on studying for my degree. In fact, next year I’m heading to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow to study BA Production Technology and Management, specialising in Stage Management.
In the end, I’d like to end up working as a Deputy Stage Manager or a Stage Manager in London’s West End. Some of my dream shows I aspire to work on would be Hadestown, Operation Mincemeat and Hamilton. Alternatively, I think I’d enjoy giving touring a go , to see different venues, and different places.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Just go for it, apply, and get stuck in! Enjoy your time on the course, you’ll meet some fab like-minded people and take every opportunity you get! The more involved you get, the more rewarding you’ll find the experience! It really is a case of you get back what you put in!
