For more than two decades, I’ve been fortunate to paint the performing arts with light, embarking on a path that led from the tranquil Sierra Nevada to the vibrant epicenter of New York City. My creative journey spans theater, dance, opera, contemporary music, and immersive storytelling—each project shaped by a confluence of artistic styles, personal milestones, and the ever-evolving technologies that redefine how we experience art.

My palette draws from an eclectic foundation, encompassing everything from Theatre of the Image to Theatre of the Absurd. Early inspirations, such as the groundbreaking work of Roy Bennett and Baz Halpin—and their iconic collaborations with artists like Prince and Tina Turner—served as my first glimpse into lighting’s narrative potential. Yet, my own approach has blossomed most profoundly in the shadowy, existential realms inspired by Samuel Beckett and Bertolt Brecht, where light and darkness engage in a haunting ballet of contrasts.

To me, light is more than mere illumination; it’s a storyteller that balances vibrant spectacle with intimate introspection. This vision has carried me from my days at Emerson College through a wide range of venues—from Lower Manhattan’s intimate theaters and Broadway’s grand stages to the historic playhouses of Scotland and Apple’s ultra-modern Steve Jobs Theatre in California. In every space, my mission remains the same: to tell stories that resonate, to evoke emotion, and to reveal the unseen.

Among the many collaborations that have shaped my journey, a few stand out. The National Theatre of Scotland’s “The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart” showcased lighting as a crucial narrative element, earning praise and a Drama Desk nod. Meanwhile, designing for “Parable of the Sower” required me to navigate the emotional depth of Octavia E. Butler’s dystopian landscape, enhancing a production that went on to a celebrated run at Lincoln Center. My ongoing work with Punchdrunk’s “Sleep No More” challenged me to guide, conceal, and captivate in an immersive realm where the audience roams free, while the precise elegance demanded by Apple’s Steve Jobs Theatre emphasized light’s interplay with cutting-edge architecture. At Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, the goal was pure enchantment—capturing the essence of celebration and luxury in a way that lingers long after the moment has passed.

Throughout these projects, I’ve seen how thoughtful, story-driven lighting can elevate experiences in ways that transcend the ordinary. Whether on a grand stage or in the most intimate venue, light has the power to transform, to captivate, and to speak its own language. In every beam and every shadow, there’s a tale waiting to be told—a constant reminder of the wonder and possibility that first drew me into this art form.