UC Santa Cruz

Abstract

Effect of Research on Lighting for Modern Dance

by Andrew Grabowski

Theatre is made up of a large number of collaborating artists each of which performs a particular function. A degree in Theatre Arts provides a education in every aspect of theatre production from acting to designing to directing. However a Masters degree in Theatre Arts should provide a specialized experience to the student. Within my thesis I created a comprehensive theatrical lighting design for the faculty directed dance piece Blueprints. This design is a combination off positioning the individual lighting instruments and providing color and texture to the light. The challenges of this production and the fact that it was my first design for a dance concert provided me with a new experience in my chosen field. Research into the history of lighting design I was able to provide solutions to many of my problems. Though the use of both historical and contemporary lighting styles I have created a clean and effective design. This thesis provides a deep look into my process for the creation of a theatrical lighting design.