While it is not uncommon to find young people on the stage at the annual pantomime, this year they are also making a difference backstage.

Not only were the posters for the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society’s production of Adventure in Pantoland designed by 17-year-old Zoe Lopes, but Ryan Day, another 17-year-old, is serving as the lighting director for the show. Speaking last week as the show prepared to take to the stage, Ryan said that he has worked the lights for numerous shows over the years after being introduced to the theatre by his mother.

“She always invited me to come backstage for the pantomimes and I eventually decided I wanted to do something more,” he said.

“My mother asked me if I wanted to do sound or lighting, so I decided to do lighting. They showed me the ropes and I became really keen on it. It became a hobby, and now it’s become my career choice.

“It is more of an art than most people think. With lighting, you can basically tell the story, how it goes from one place to another. You can make it your own, and I like being the artist painting a picture for the audience to see.”

The Saltus student added that through the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Bermuda, he was able to work with international lighting designer Fridthjofur “Fiffi” Thorsteinsson, who gave him experience and support.

“He has been a huge inspiration for me, and a reason why I want to take lighting up as a career,” he said. “He brought so much knowledge, and he was very easy to learn from.”

Zoe also became involved in the production through Ryan’s mother, Kim Day, who asked her if she would be interested in designing the poster for the production — now plastered across the island. “She knew that I was into art and they asked me if I would be interested in doing this, and I was,” she said. “Seeing the posters all around town is something new. I haven’t really done anything like this before graphic design-wise.

“The biggest challenge was to design something that fit the theme of the pantomime or something they like, and they really liked it, which was great.

“I have always loved doing art, drawing and painting, but I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. My mom is a graphic designer, so I have always watched her and I really enjoy what she does. This semester we had a graphic design class, which gave me the chance to learn the software and being able to create stuff. That’s when I knew for sure it was something I enjoyed doing.”

While she is involved in the double enrolment programme, studying at both the Berkeley Institute and the Bermuda College, Zoe said she was already planning to continue her studies in the UK after graduating.

“It’s something you have to be sure you want to do, and it’s something for people who enjoy doing art,” she said, urging other young people to consider a career in graphic design.

“If they are not sure about a career just doing fine art, graphic design is something that lets them apply their skills and talents. Graphic design is everywhere.”

Ryan also urged people to try their hand at theatre, even if they might be nervous about the spotlight.

“I never thought that I would enjoy it as much as I do now,” he said. “If you don’t try out, you never know what is going to happen. I think everyone should try out acting, dance or working backstage, because you just might enjoy it.”

• Adventure in Pantoland opens on Thursday at 7pm and runs until December 17 at City Hall with various evening and matinee performances. Tickets are $35 available from ptix.bm or from the box office an hour before showtime. The box office number is 292-2313.