M.F.A. Student Pairs Technical Skills, Creativity in Design Creations

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Jacquelyn Cox

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – There's a lot more to a theatrical production than actors reciting lines in glamorous costumes on pretty sets. Producing a successful show requires the talent of an architect, the skills of an electrician and the knowledge of an engineer. Master of fine arts student Jacquelyn Cox uses all of those skills and more as a lighting designer in the University of Arkansas lighting design program.

A lighting designer's role in a theatrical production is to use the medium of light to help tell the story of the show. In this all-encompassing job, Cox must plot where to hang the lighting instruments using drafting techniques practiced by architects, determine what lighting fixtures to use based on photometrics and use patching and programming techniques to connect circuits, dimmers and channels.

"A lot of people think theater is just fun," Cox said. "It is fun, but there a lot of lengthy technical elements that go on behind the scenes to make a production. It's a lot more work than many people ever give it credit for."

Cox's ability as a lighting designer has earned her multiple awards, including a first place finish in the theater category at the 2014 From Abstract to Contract: A Graduate Student Research Poster Competition. She won for her powerful use of lighting in Carrie the Musical, a production with strong themes of bullying and abuse.

"In lighting that show, I wanted to let the community know that theater can be glamorous, but it can also push strong themes that have an impact on people's lives," she said.

Cox's creativity is fueled by a combination of her technical ability and a production's musical numbers. However, she also finds inspiration from her advisor Shawn Irish, assistant professor of drama and head of lighting design.

"He is so passionate and creative, and he works hard to help his students find their design style. I hope to one day be a fraction of the professor he is," she said.

Cox had the opportunity to work with Tony-award winning lighting designer Howell Binkley earlier this semester as part of a workshop hosted by the Department of Theatre. For Cox, it was a surreal experience.

"He has been my idol since I began my career," she said. "I remember watching his shows on Broadway as a girl. To have him come here and write on my light plots and walk the set focusing lights with me was incredible."

Binkley's visit was not only instructional for Cox's design style, it also rekindled her dream to work on Broadway.

"I always dreamed I could be a Broadway lighting designer, but I thought the reality of that happening was slim, and I've let that rule my thinking," she said. "But, Howell reminded me to never sell myself short and never forget my dreams."