Demystifying Process for the Lighting Designer

Academia encourages a formalized pre-process for the theatrical lighting designer that emphasizes artistic collaboration early in the conceptualization phase of production. This practice may seem contradictory to the designer who places a higher value on improvisation and spontaneous collaboration in the final moments preceding opening night. This reflective paper ponders personal notions of Creators vs. Interpreters, pre-process vs. technical rehearsal process, planning vs. improvisation, and striking a balance between these seemingly conflicting ideologies.