NAME: Isabella F. Byrd.
DEPARTMENT: Lighting Department.
POSITION: Assistant Lighting Designer.
YEARS WITH FESTIVAL: This is my 2nd season.
HOMETOWN: Houston, Texas.
JOB OUTSIDE THE FESTIVAL: Freelance Designer, (recently graduated).
. SCHOOL/TRAINING: College Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati.
FAVORITE PLAYWRIGHTS: Patrick Marber, Jose Rivera, (I’m always looking for new ones.)
FAVORITE PLAYS: New works!
FAVORITE NON-THEATRE ACTIVITIES: Travel, Yoga, Art Museums, Cooking, Bargain shopping.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR POSITION?
Early in school and before WTF, I spent a summer interning at the Alley Theatre in Houston, assisting Lighting Designer Rui Rita, a long time WTF’er. We kept in touch, and then two summers later he recommended me for a drafting and assistant position here, within the Festival. Viola!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR FIRST MEMORY OF WTF?
All of the opening nights because they are the most rewarding moments in the season. It’s amazing to see everyone together to enjoy the shows we work so hard on.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES THIS SUMMER?
As the staff Assistant Lighting Designer, I am assigned to first assist the designers for the Nikos show Knickerbocker, and two of the Main Stage productions, True West, and The Torch Bearers. My responsibilities include being the main communication link and draftsmen between our freelance designers and the Festival. I am also the Lighting Designer for the Fellowship new Musical, Golden Gate.
The Lighting Department also puts huge emphasis on our Internship Program. As a staff member, I play a major role by teaching and mentoring our interns. This includes teaching them industry standard drafting programs, advising their Workshop designs, and helping them find their place as artist within the Festival.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO:
Freelancing in New York City and seeing as many shows as possible. I’m always seeking new inspiration in my work from all people, places, and experiences.
TO WHAT DO YOU ASPIRE?
To design and work with wonderful people. That isn’t too much to ask, right? I love new work and exploring new ideas inspired by my surroundings. Light is simply my chosen medium of expression. However I might find the next spark to my imagination, maybe walking down the street, visiting a museum, sharing an unexpected conversation… I want to find people who want to create experiences from these things with a fresh perspective. Theatre, dance, music, installation… whatever! Let’s make the most of it.
[photo] Sam Hough for WTF ’09
[pictured] Isbella F. Byrd
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