Zach Blane Lighting Design

When I started in this industry:

 

My original objective was to go to college for musical theatre and be a professional actor. Around the age of 15, I began to notice how much influence the lighting had on my performance and on the audience's perception. Before long, I was designing children's theatre shows, teaching myself as I went, then teen shows, and finally, mainstage shows. I had lit more than 20 minstage musicals before entering college.

 

How I got into this industry:

 

When I told my parents I wanted to "light shows", they were a little confused. My mother began spending hours researching lighting design. She somehow found the email addresses of all of the Tony nominees for Best Lighting that year and wrote to them explaining that her teenage son had expressed interest in this field, and she wanted to ask some questions. She received a response from Philip Rosenberg, an associate of one of the nominees. He was beyond generous with his time, and invited us to a Broadway tech rehearsal. Anytime he was working on a show, I visited. I feel my career and learning began at that moment.

 

Influences:

 

Edward Hopper, Thomas Kinkade, Tim Burton.

 

Worst advice I've ever heard:

 

"You should have a back-up plan in case this doesn't work out."

 

Best advice I've ever heard:

 

"You can't control everything. Focus on your own journey, and enjoy the ride."

 

Favorite thing about the industry:

 

I love being able to meet new people on every project. I enjoy learning different processes, styles, and collaborating with other creative minds. This helps me reflect on my own approach and grow artistically as well as personally with every new experience.