Artists Statement
Theatre has always captivated me. It all started when I auditioned for a play in middle school and I got stage fright in the middle of the audition. After that, I got assigned as the lighting and sound technician for the school, and I haven’t looked back since. In high school, I started working with lights and sound, and I eventually became a lighting designer. Since then, I have been developing my skills as a technical theatre artist and I joined IATSE Local 191 in 2021. I have also had the wonderful opportunity to work as a Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager for Various Productions.
Collaboration Philosophy
As a designer, I think the input of the rest of the production team is critical to the success of a show. In the early production meetings of the show, I love to discuss any and all ideas about the direction of the lighting design, regardless of whose idea it was. I try my best to facilitate the creation of a safe environment where all artists feel free to express ideas. In my opinion, when everyone has a mutual understanding that criticism is not personal, but instead critical of ideas, true artistic creation is possible.
Lighting Philosophy
Lighting design is my favorite medium that I use as a creative outlet. I love to push myself to come up with innovative solutions and beautiful looks on stage that makes the audience sit up in their seats. In my opinion, a good lighting design can make or break a show. It can immerse the audience in the vision of the production and allow them to develop a stronger connection with the show. There is no better feeling in the world to me, then the feeling that I get from a lighting cue triggering perfectly.
There is an art to being a Lighting Designer, and in my opinion, one of the best skills a Designer can have is subtly. Lighting does not need to draw focus to itself and it doesn’t need to be overpowering. I try to use lighting to complement and accentuate key moments in the show. The lighting should bring an extra layer of texture and detail to a show, but it should do so in a way that aligns with the vision of the director and the rest of the production team.
Show Philosophy
When I first read a script for a show that I am going to design, my brain gets inspired by certain moments and scenes, and I start to conceptualize my design aesthetic for the show. Ultimately it becomes my goal to supplement the director’s vision with my own to create an aesthetic lighting design that is perfect for the show. Every show is different, and because of this, they all require a slightly different approach to the design process. Once I have a general idea of my vision for the show, I will explore as many ideas as I can within that vision so that when I meet with the production team for the first time, I am able to communicate a clear concept to them.
Stage Management Philosophy
As a Stage Manager, my number one goal is to ensure the production team is able to have the space needed for the creative process while also facilitating stress free rehearsals (relatively) and an on time production schedule. I like to try to be ahead of the needs of the director to ensure they are able to focus on the details of a show.
Stage Management requires you to anticipate needs and issues and deal with them on the fly. Often with a time crunch. These are conditions I thrive in. When I am Stage Managing I am constantly looking for efficient solutions that work for the production team and the company. I prefer to adapt to the workflow of the director and allow them to create in an environment they are comfortable in. Although, I can move along a rehearsal when it comes down to it!