From Edinburgh Fringe to Glastonbury: Q&A with Breakthrough Talent Award Winner 'Special Effects Newcomer Of The Year 2023' Abby Shum

Some career paths are carefully mapped out, but others unfold when passion collides with opportunity. For Abby, the journey into lasers and live production wasn’t part of the original plan. Starting out in coding by day and ushering in West End theatres by night, she found herself drawn back, again and again to the energy of live performance.

What began as “just a summer volunteering at the Edinburgh Fringe” quickly turned into a career-defining pivot. Long days, endless shows, and a chance encounter with two laser-heavy productions lit the spark that would take her from community choirs to Glastonbury’s iconic Arcadia Dragonfly and world tours with Sam Smith.

Now, with the 'Special Effects Newcomer 2023' Breakthrough Talent Award under her belt and a growing reputation as a laser designer who blends creativity with technical precision, Abby is proving there’s no single “correct” path into this industry, just curiosity, grit, and a willingness to jump in.

What made you take the leap into this industry?

I started out in a stable coding job, but alongside that I worked as an usher at West End theatres and on production for a community choir for years. I left those behind to volunteer at the Edinburgh Fringe, thinking it was just a summer holiday. After working 12+ hours a day, repeating the same shows daily, I was exhausted but I loved every minute, especially two nerdy shows that used lasers. That’s where my interest in technical theatre and lasers began.

From there, I’ve worked on a range of events: musicals, Legoland, drone shows, interactive laser shows, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert, Sam Smith’s Gloria world tour, and Glastonbury’s Arcadia Dragonfly. I’ve always loved live performance, but now I’ve found a career that combines my creative and technical sides.

What’s one thing you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?

That you don’t need to wait for permission. Coming from a more traditional education and career route, I thought there was a “correct” path that I needed formal training or to work on certain scale shows before calling myself a laserist or programmer. In reality, this industry is about getting hands-on, being curious, and just doing it. You learn the most by throwing yourself in and figuring things out as you go.

What’s been your proudest ‘pinch me’ moment so far?

Creating laser wings for Glastonbury’s Arcadia Dragonfly this summer. The DJ stage was built from an ex-Royal Navy helicopter that flew in the Falklands War, reimagined as a huge biomechanical dragonfly. As the laser designer, I got to use the new Liberation software, which made the process fun and expressive, I could really embody the dragonfly’s movement in time with the music.

When the first dragonfly metamorphosis show happened, my heart was pounding as I double-checked everything was ready. When the massive 100W laser wings lit up (the most powerful I’ve worked with so far), it was pure exhilaration. I felt lucky to work with such talented creatives in FOH to bring it alive. Huge thanks to Pip Rush for his creative vision, Rob Stanley for laser engineering, Arcadia and Aardvark FX for taking a chance on me, and Seb Lee-Delisle for Liberation’s extra features, which even let me visualise the dragonfly model so I could programme lasers with it from my tiny caravan on site. After hours of onsite programming and busking, I felt like I became the wings.

I’m also pleased to have organised and hosted a few Liberation Laser Dragonfly walk-and-talk tours for interns and crew on site. It’s important to share knowledge, welcome others, and inspire the next generation.

How has winning the Breakthrough Talent award changed things for you?

It’s been a huge confidence boost. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I belonged in SFX and lasers, I was still learning and on my first tour. The industry can be tough to break into, especially as someone from the global majority. Winning the award felt like validation that I do belong here, and that my work is valued. Professionally, it’s opened doors and sparked curiosity from others about what I can bring to a project. It really shifted how I see myself.

What did winning mean to you in that moment, and what does it mean now?

When I won, it was a massive shift from feeling like an outsider to being recognised as a capable, skilled technician. I realised part of the challenge is that you often see the same kinds of people and perspectives in this industry. Turns out, caring about the details and doing things properly goes a long way, and I’m proud of the work I create and contribute.

Since then, young women and non-binary crew have reached out to say I’ve inspired them. That award marked the turning point from doubting myself to believing I’m doing a good job. I still have a lot to learn and grow, but now I want to see others rise and grow with me.

What skills are you working on right now?

I recently completed an AutoCAD course through the Academy of Live Technology. I’m also getting into TouchDesigner and creative coding, which help me strengthen my visual design skills on the path to becoming a creative technologist specialising in lasers. I’ll keep learning new ways to design and programme lasers, whether for concerts or the arts world.

Who or what inspires you to keep going when it gets tough?

The support I’ve had from people and communities around me has made a huge difference. Organisations like 3T, Women In Live Music, and people like Pembe from PETOK Productions have all helped me feel like I have a place in this industry. Shout out to Limehouse Town Hall, especially Sam Valliant, for creating a space where we can experiment and share our interests in arts and technology. It’s where I’ve been able to develop my skills with lasers and create my own laser meetup in a supportive, open environment.

That kind of encouragement keeps me going, it reminds me there’s space for people like me in this world. It inspires me to keep creating supportive, safe environments wherever I go.

How did it feel to be nominated for a TPi Award this year?

It was completely surreal. I honestly didn’t believe it at first. I was nominated alongside people who are genuine experts in the industry, many of whom have been doing this for ten years or more. Being included in that group was overwhelming in the best way. It felt like a real turning point, not just for me personally, but for the idea that someone like me can be seen and celebrated in this industry. I feel proud to represent both my Asian heritage and as a woman. 

Now, I can stop feeling like I need to prove myself and instead focus on doing the best work for myself and for the people I choose to support and learn from.

What advice would you give someone who’s just getting started?

Don’t wait until you feel ready, just start. Whether that’s volunteering on small shows, shadowing someone, or diving into free tools and software at home, it all counts. And don’t be afraid to ask questions, people respect curiosity and effort more than pretending to know everything.

If you’re heading out on your first tour, take care of yourself. Days can be long and pressure high, so make time to rest, eat, and clear your head. No show is worth sacrificing your health. Stay organised, label your gear, and be kind to yourself and your colleagues.

Find a community. Whether it’s online groups, local spaces like Limehouse Town Hall, or organisations like 3T and Women In Live Music, having people around you who get it makes a huge difference. You don’t have to do it alone.

What’s next for you?

I want to be part of Liberation’s continued growth, helping it fully launch, and running more meet-ups and workshops. It’s exciting to build a community around a tool that welcomes new ideas and encourages people to support each other.

I also want to make real, lasting changes in the diversity of the laser industry by creating opportunities, visibility, and support for those who might not think there’s space for them here, but there is.

Beyond that, I’ll keep doing live shows, learning new skills from the people around me, and gaining experience to broaden my horizons. I want to keep moving forward and building something I’m proud of.