AS YOU LIKE IT: ALD
My first semester of college, I had the pleasure to be the Assistant Lighting Designer for Webster University’s Conservatory of the Arts Main Stage Show As You Like It by William Shakespeare.
I will say, I was not notified of my position until the first or second week of school. That being said, I couldn’t have been more surprised, excited, and nervous.
Working on this show was such a learning curve. From having to program, design, and hang my own show all by myself with the help of few when I was back home, this was a drastic shift. Here I learned the hierarchy of the industry and the importance of paperwork. There were channels I had to go through and steps that had to be taken for certain tasks to be accomplished. I had to be weary of making sure I did only my job and did not step on toes or overstep with my position.
I was also lucky enough to have a patient Lighting Designer and Master Electrician, both Seniors in the Conservatory, who helped me every step of the way. They showed me the ropes and explained to me how everything was supposed to work out. With their help, I was able to create my first magic sheet, lead my first focus with a group of electricians, and work in the St. Louis Rep. Theatre space as a freshman.
I am very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to the next adventure Webster will send me on!
