I think of myself, first and foremost, as a Theatrical Lighting Designer. The skills that one brings to bear in designing a play inform all my other work. After all, every show is ultimately a narrative.
My background is hugely varied. I have studied under Broadway designers, psychadelic light show artists, and improv gurus. Growing up in Chicago, I started in the Off-Loop theatre scene - lighting earnest plays in storefronts with home-built equipment.
I have designed for local companies, small and large: from the Piven Theatre Workshop (off and on for 20 years!) to the Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, and Redmoon, as well as Light Opera Works, and the Joffrey Ballet.
I was based in Milwaukee for a number of years, and still maintain a presence there, having worked with First Stage, the Milwaukee Rep, Madison Rep, Milwaukee Opera, Next Act (38 shows), and the Skylight Opera. Regionally, I have designed several shows at the Arkansas Rep, the Broward Stage Door in Florida, the Cumberland County Playhouse in Tennessee, Virginia Musical Theatre, and many others.
Oh, and I have designed shows or served as guest artist at several colleges including Barry University, Carroll College, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and the Opera program at Northwestern University.
Plays
A good story, well told. I love the process of designing a play, where every choice has to be very, very specific.
Dance
There is nothing more pure to a lighting designer than picking a form out in space.
Musicals
When you think about it, musicals and operas are a very abstract form of entertainment. I love to light musicals - to highlight key musical phrases, to help blend the songs and the scenes.
Circus
I have an ongoing relationship with Forms in Motion, a local circus company specializing in aerial work.