Tao (Tami) Zhicheng

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your current career.

I am a stage designer and director who, over the past several years, has been responsible for designing stages and props for numerous large-scale music tours. My ongoing research focuses on the impact of mediation on audience experience and the dynamic energy of live performances in popular concerts. Before establishing myself as a professional in the industry in my capacity as a stage designer, I attended dozens of concerts of varying scales annually to analyze the presentation techniques of lighting, lasers, LED screens, and environmental atmospherics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as a visual artist, I utilized XR virtual technology to explore the relationship between virtual performances and live shows.

What have you been up to since graduating from Leeds?

Upon graduating from the University of Leeds, I have dedicated my career to designing stages and props for a variety of live events, including concert tours, award ceremonies, and product launches.

How do you think the skills and knowledge you developed at Leeds helped with your career success?

I believe that one of the most significant aspects of my time at the University of Leeds was the cultivation of critical thinking skills. This has proven invaluable, as it enables me to approach work-related decisions and prioritize tasks from multiple perspectives.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

From a professional standpoint, I aspire to become an independent director. The course in performance design offers comprehensive guidance across various facets, including sound, audience experience, spatial and set design, among others. As a student, I am afforded the liberty to select and delve into the specific areas of research that pique my interest.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?  

What I appreciate most about the program is the interconnectedness of the courses. The cycle of reading, raising questions, practicing, and reflecting forms a recurring process that gradually helped me identify my most compelling research interests and the methodologies that best suit my approach and practice.

What would you say about the learning and the support facilities in your School and at the University in general?

The annual festival of performance is one of the most enjoyable experiences for me. Collaborating in groups of three to five to create a performance is both exciting and rewarding. The technical staff at stage@leeds are always incredibly supportive, providing us with the materials, equipment, and technical assistance we need to bring our ideas to life. One of my most frequented places on campus is the university library. I often book individual study rooms or group discussion rooms through the school website, and I particularly appreciate the Laidlaw Library, where I can access a wealth of printed resources related to my field of study. Additionally, The Edge is an outstanding and professional sports facility, offering a gym, swimming pool, basketball courts, and even a climbing wall. If you’re someone who enjoys sports, I’m confident you’ll fall in love with this place.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

In Leeds, what matters most to me is not just the academic growth I’ve achieved, but the profound personal enrichment and immersion I’ve experienced. Here, I’ve studied, lived, loved, and deeply felt the warmth and inclusivity of the people around me. To be honest, this has likely been the most vibrant and transformative period of my life so far.

“Keep that Leeds feeling, forever”