A Marquette Theatre alum shines a spotlight on Broadway's lighting design scene.
The Power of Accidental Discoveries
Maaz Ahmed's journey into lighting design began with a simple hallway encounter in middle school. A chance invitation to run lights for the school musical sparked a lifelong passion. Ahmed recalls, "I distinctly remember the satisfaction after my first show. I was hooked, and the rest is history."
From Marquette to Milwaukee
Ahmed's double major in digital media and theatre arts at Marquette University paved the way for their success. Now based in Milwaukee, they've directed lighting for numerous shows and are currently a lighting design fellow on their first Broadway production, "Bug."
In an exclusive Q&A, Ahmed shares insights into the world of lighting design.
Choosing Marquette: A Place for Exploration
"I wanted an education that offered flexibility and opportunities. Marquette stood out as the perfect fit during my application process. It provided the space to explore and discover my path."
The Role of a Lighting Designer: Creating Atmospheres
"Lighting designers are the cinematographers of theatre. We control the audience's focus and experience. It's about shaping the atmosphere to match the director's vision. We ask: When do we need tight focus? What colors enhance the stage? It's a powerful creative process."
The Lighting Design Process: From Script to Stage
"I typically get contracted a few months before a show. I start by reading the script and having creative discussions with the director. Then, I work on architectural drawings and use design software to plan light placements. It involves complex calculations to ensure each light serves its purpose. My light plots often consist of 100 to 250 lights, depending on the play's needs. Finally, I program the lights, deciding on colors and timing for lighting changes. It's a meticulous, multi-stage process."
Proud Productions: Wrestling with Challenges
"One of my favorite projects was 'The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity,' a wrestling play. It was a unique challenge due to the scale we aimed for. We essentially created a WWE-style show in a small, 120-seat warehouse space. It was beautiful but definitely pushed our limits. Another memorable show involved a hyper-realist production with a ceiling over the stage, blocking my usual light hang points. I had to get creative with engineering solutions."
Marquette's Impact: Freedom to Explore
"Marquette gave me a sense of freedom that I didn't find elsewhere. I entered Marquette undecided about my concentration. I studied lighting design but also acted and directed. This holistic experience showed me the entire theatre process, which continues to inform my lighting design practice."
Advice for Theatre Students: Take Charge
"If you have an idea or an experience you want on your resume, make it happen. The theatre program is what you make of it. If you're serious about a career in theatre, give it your all. That dedication will lay the foundation for your future in this industry."
And this is the part most people miss... Lighting design is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of theatre. It's a creative process that shapes the audience's experience. So, the next time you're at a show, take a moment to appreciate the lighting designer's work. It might just be the difference between a good show and a great one.
What's your take on the role of lighting design in theatre? Share your thoughts in the comments!
