Starting off at a small school
It is not uncommon for individuals to discover their passion for theater during high school and continue to pursue it at the college level. However, earning a degree in theater from a liberal arts college with a business focus is somewhat atypical. Nonetheless, the advantage of receiving a theatrical education from a smaller liberal arts institution is an abundance of production experience combined with a comprehensive education.
Throughout the initial three years of my college education, I was the sole student studying lighting design. I was tasked with designing the lighting for every main stage performance, student project, and music concert held in the campus black box theater.
Beyond theater, I also completed the mandatory coursework in art, history, science, philosophy, and theology. Additionally, I earned a minor in business, which allowed me to take courses in accounting, economics, and marketing. The primary objective of the college was to produce graduates with a strong foundation in the humanities.
Evolution & Growth
After graduating from The Mount, I decided to pursue my passion for lighting in the vibrant city of New Orleans. Through hard work and determination, I was able to learn everything I needed to know about lighting by working with a small community theater. Opportunities soon followed, and I was eventually able to showcase my talents at a regional theater and Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre in the French Quarter. Collaborating with other directors in the area allowed me to further refine my approach to lighting, and I am proud to have come so far in my journey.
The Industry
Following the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, I returned to my native state of Maryland and joined BSL Productions, previously known as Baltimore Stagelight, where I gained extensive experience in the professional lighting industry, learning about its operational intricacies. Instead of limiting myself to theatrical performances, I was involved in lighting for a broad range of events, including concerts, corporate events, and occasional theatrical productions. The workload was substantial, with an average of three events per week, and larger productions occurring several times a year. However, the rigorous demands of my profession eventually began to take their toll, leading me to take a step back from professional lighting on a large scale, in recognition of the adverse impact it had on my private life.
A Return to Basics
I started working with a small community theater, producing just a few shows each year. Drawing on my early career foundations and industry experience, I returned to teach a semester at The Mount and began directing shows to elevate the overall production quality. After my previous community group dissolved, I joined forces with the Fredericktowne Players as a lighting designer and was eventually elected to the Board of Directors. Together, we're dedicated to raising the bar of the kind of shows we produce. We've invested in top-of-the-line LED fixtures, a Hedge Hog 4X light desk, and a new Behringer X32 sound board. We've even transformed our rehearsal space into a fully functional video and sound studio. The process has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding.
The future.
In light of recent events, I've decided to take a temporary break from theater. This is an opportunity for me to pause, reflect on my goals, and chart a new and inspiring course forward. With my vast experience, I'm eager to explore new opportunities that align with my current needs.