The Hemsley Lighting Portfolio Review was established in 2004 and is designed to give the student a chance to meet first hand with professional designers so that they can improve their portfolios and get answers and advice from those already working in the industry. The transition of a student to the professional world is one of the most anticipated and intimidating moments of a young designers life. Despite the years of training and hard work, the leap into the unknown can be nerve racking. Participants bring their portfolios to a day long session for review by foremost lighting designers, directors, production managers, costume and scenery designers along with other key production related personnel who rotate from one portfolio to the next - assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each and providing constructive feedback to individual students. The Portfolio Review is complemented by seminars, roundtable discussions, and informal opportunities to exchange ideas and information in a collegial environment over the course of the day. Seminars have been offered on topics ranging from website development and a review of New York City Ballet’s repertory light plot to discussion of a lighting designer’s contract and negotiations. In addition, whenever possible, backstage tours have been arranged of the Metropolitan Opera House and to see Broadway shows in production.