Alex Ray’s journey into the world of theatre lighting began in 2016, when he joined West Suffolk College’s Production Arts course after his original course at Suffolk New College unexpectedly closed. What could’ve been a setback turned into a launchpad: the course at WSC set Alex on a clear path toward his creative career.
After completing his studies, Alex received an unconditional offer to his first-choice drama school – Rose Bruford College – where he graduated with a BA Honours in Lighting Design, earning a 2:1. Alongside his education, Alex began working as a casual technician at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds – a role he still occasionally returns to.
Now a full-time Lighting Technician at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, Alex first joined their team in 2021 as a casual technician. Thanks to his growing reputation – especially his work at the Theatre Royal – he transitioned into a full-time contract in early 2024. In addition to his role at the Mercury, Alex continues to freelance as a Lighting Designer, collaborating with groups such as Suffolk Young People’s Theatre, CTC College, Bury St Edmunds Operatic and Dramatic Society, and Colchester Operatic Society, among others. His passion for theatrical lighting remains the spotlight of his career.
What made you want to study at West Suffolk College?
I studied Production Arts at Suffolk New College in Ipswich. I studied three days a week, with two of those being at the New Wolsey Theatre. Unfortunately, after my first year, the course had to shut down due to insufficient numbers for the next academic year, and I was the only student to have gotten into the second year. With this, I had to make a very difficult decision. The college gave me a choice – to stay, with no tutor or course and to be taught by the one technician at the college, or to move to another college.
College is a very challenging stage in life. Finding out who you are, who you like, what you like. I built a family at Suffolk New, but I knew I had to go for my education and career building.
West Suffolk College got in touch with me after finding out I was looking for a new college to complete my course. They offered me an interview, and reluctantly I attended. This would turn out to be the best decision I made in my life.
I have never felt so welcomed, so valued and wanted by a college in all my life. I knew the second I stepped into West Suffolk College that this is where I needed to be. West Suffolk College took me onto their Production Arts Course straight onto the second year, meaning my first year at Suffolk New wasn’t wasted.
Do you have any standout moments or special memories from your time at college?
To pick a few, the opportunity to work at the Theatre Royal through West Suffolk College helped to put my foot in the door, and was a real factor in my successful career so far.
Whilst at the college, I was chosen to design the lighting for most of the shows we produced which really made me feel I was doing something right, and was good at what I did. Joining a course at a completely different colleges year in, where all of the other students have made all of their friendship groups and then me being thrown into the deep end 1 year into the journey, I thought was going to be the biggest challenge. In fact, this was one of the easiest things I have had to do. The students and tutors took me into their arms, I felt so welcomed and valued. My biggest achievement was winning ‘West Suffolk College Celebration of Achievement Winner 2017’ award. An achievement I still have on my wall and my CV today.
What would you say to the staff who supported you at West Suffolk College?
Thank you for making my dream career a reality.
What message would you give to future students at Eastern Education Group?
Without getting too political, get off your phones. Get off your Xboxes and TikTok and get out of the house and do something with your lives. Don’t sit on the sofa playing games all day. Make your future happen. If you have a dream, then make it happen. Don’t let anyone tell you what your dreams are, and don’t be scared of making it happen. But the key is to do it yourself. Make the time, make the effort and work your absolute you-know-what off. That’s the only way to be successful. If you want to enjoy life and to be successful, then work for it. Do it yourself.
West Suffolk College was by far one of the best times of my life. The friends I made, the connections I’ve made, the doors it opened to form my success and career – it’s not an opportunity you want to throw away. Work hard, and you’ll be rewarded.
