This was my first full stage production as Lighting Designer, Programmer, and Operator. We had recently started to upgrade our lighting inventory and added an additional 12 lighting fixtures (12 ETC Source Four Par EA) for this show. In addition, we were able to get 6 of the original Strand Leko’s operational for the show for a total of 40 working lighting fixtures. This was lit entirely with conventional fixtures and dimming, programmed on an ETC Ion.

The biggest challenge for me as a designer was working with the large projection surface at the center of the stage for scenic projections. With a great deal of experimenting and strategic design choices, I was able to create a powerful and dynamic lighting design while ensuring that the projection surface was not negatively impacted with light spilling onto the projection surface. In addition to serving as Lighting Designer and Programmer, I was also cast in the Ensemble and proudly performed in several scenes.

The scene that I was most proud of occurred in the First Act when Anastasia was surrounded at night by the memories and ghosts of her family. As she was the only character alive at the time, I chose to highlight her in a warm special (R02 Amber) and surround her with a pool of blue light. The family members, all dressed in white, were silhouetted in this blue light creating a surreal and ghostly image. The overall scene felt cool and isolating with Anastasia dealing with her haunting past. The audience responded very well to these design choices and I was very happy with the outcome.