Disney's Beauty & The Beast
Cypress College Spring 2023
Project Details
For the production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Cypress College, I had the unique opportunity to engage in a collaborative design and mentorship role. My primary goal was to guide a student designer through the professional process, helping to translate their creative vision into a tangible and effective lighting design for the stage.
This was both a design and a supervisory role; it was a hands-on partnership. My responsibilities encompassed several key areas:
- Guiding the Creative Vision: I worked directly with my mentee to develop the overall lighting concept, discussing how color, texture, and movement could support the show's fairy tale narrative and dramatic shifts. We explored how to create the rich, romantic atmosphere of the castle, the dark and ominous mood of the Beast's curse, the vibrant energy of the village.
- Hands-On Design & Paperwork: I worked with the student to prepare the necessary documentation, including the light plot, channel hookups, and cue sheets. This hands-on approach ensured my mentee understood not only the 'why' behind the design but also the 'how' of executing a design.
- Supervising Technical Execution: I provided direct supervision for the hang and focus process, working alongside the student crew. This involved teaching proper safety protocols and the art of focusing instruments to achieve precise and impactful looks. I ensured that all of the lighting equipment was correctly installed in coordination with the facility technical staff.
By fostering a supportive learning environment and providing practical guidance at every stage, this project successfully delivered a beautiful and cohesive lighting design while also empowering the next generation of designers with the skills and confidence to succeed.
Project information
- Category Musical
- Client Cypress College Theatre & Dance
- Photography by Mayo Mangagil
- Photography by Mayo Mangagil
- Student Lighting co-designerNoemi Ortiz
- Scenic design Avery Tang
- costume design Becky Ogden
- prop design Sam Lehotai
- Hair and makeup design Marci Alberti
- video design Brad Bangi
- prosthetic makeup design Paul Hadobas
- directed by Ryan Holihan
- choreographer Sonya Lane't Randall
- Musical DirectorBradley Hampton