Lighting Design and Technology

CCM Lighting Design and Technology’s BFA and MFA programs are guided by a hands-on, experiential philosophy and holistic approach to the entire entertainment industry. 

We offer students real production opportunities, access to industry standard technology and professional connections through exciting faculty, guests and alumni.

Opportunity

CCM is home multiple performance disciplines: plays, musicals, dance and opera form our active and varied production season. Student opportunities also include film projects like CCM Idea Lab and other collaborations with CCM's Media Production Division. We also have large format projects both in class and out, led by faculty with broad industry knowledge in multiple disciplines like concerts, TV and corporate events. Our opportunities are not just for lighting designers; they are also for programmers, technicians, innovators, media designers and creatives across the entertainment industry.

Technology

Our Lighting Design and Technology students get to work with multiple different lighting consoles and media servers, along with conventional, LED and moving lights and projectors in three different performance spaces that expose them to a large range of production sizes during their time here. We have partnerships with manufacturers and hold regular new gear demos. We organize trainings with industry partners like Disguise One. We offer two semesters of Moving Light Programming and two semesters of Lighting Technology.

Connections

CCM Lighting Design and Technology has active and connected faculty with decades of experience nationally and internationally working in theatre, dance and opera, along with concerts, television, corporate events and touring productions. Our students regularly get to interact with a roster of guest speakers from a variety of specializations ranging from designers for European opera, Cirque Du Soleil and the iHeartRadio Awards to high level programmers, production electricians, lighting manufacturers and event producers. Our alumni network is vast and strong, offering students a network and community.

CCM Lighting Design and Technology alumni don’t just work in the entertainment industry, they lead itOur graduates design on Broadway and around the world, run concert, television, film and augmented reality production companies, keep touring shows running and develop the newest lighting technologies. They have those opportunities because of the training CCM provides, and that includes access to contemporary lighting technology while they’re in school so they’re ready to assume leadership positions immediately upon graduation and, perhaps most importantly, so they can return to CCM and share their successes, both to inspire and to help train the next generation.

Four women perform on stage in a photo of CCM's February 2022 production of "Blue Stockings." Photo/Mark Lyons

Blue Stockings (Feb. 2022)

Students performing in a photo of CCM's Nov. 2021 production of "Once."

Once (Nov. 2021)

Students performing in a photo of CCM's Nov. 2021 production of "Once."

Once (Nov. 2021)

Students performing in a photo of CCM's Nov. 2021 production of "The Marriage of Figaro." Photo/Mark Lyons

The Marriage of Figaro (Nov. 2021)

CCM dance majors perform in CCM's Dec. 2021 production "Dance Works.". Photo/Dale Pickett

Dance Works (Dec. 2021)

Students performing in a photo of CCM's March/April 2022 production of "Galileo Galilei." Photo/Mark Lyons

Galileo Galilei (March/April 2022)


What's new and exciting at CCM?

Disguise Media Server

Since it began, disguise (formerly d3 Technologies) has been used on the largest and most complicated of projects. Creating shows for the likes of Massive Attack and U2, from live events, concert touring, theatre, fixed installs and broadcast, disguise has brought a new way of working.

WATCHOUT Media Server

WATCHOUT multi-display software is your fast track to creating spectacular shows. Use WATCHOUT to compose and manage all the different media elements in your show — video, still images, animations, graphics, live feeds, sound — and play it back on multiple displays. Perfectly synchronized, high resolution and right-on-cue.

Previsualization Suite & Vision/WYSiWYG

WYSiWYG is an all-in-one lighting design software with fully integrated CAD, plots, data, visualization and virtual show control. WYSiWYG features the largest CAD library with thousands of 3D objects you can choose from to design your entire show. The seamless integration between Vectorworks Spotlight and Vision allows you to create design documents, automate paperwork, and visualize your design in rendered 3D views. When you're done, easily send fixture and model information directly to Vision to previsualize, program and cue your show

Touch Designer

TouchDesigner is a node based visual programming language for real time interactive multimedia content, developed by the Toronto-based company Derivative. It's been used by artists, programmers, creative coders, software designers, and performers to create performances, installations, and fixed media works.

Resolume

Resolume puts you in charge. You can play your videos when you want, how you want. Forwards, backwards, scratch and adjust tempo to the beat. Mix and match your visuals quickly and easily and play Resolume like an instrument. Whatever your style is, Resolume offers you an easy interface to rock it. Use as little or as many videos and effects as you like. The only limit is your computer's raw power and your imagination.

ISADORA

Whether you are an artist, a designer, a technician or a student and you need to weave together video, audio and other media, ISADORA is ready to serve your creative impulses. The software combines the video and audio processing engine of a media server with a hyper-flexible visual programming environment to create an incredibly versatile media playback platform.

Faculty

Headshot of Krista Billings

Krista Billings

Adjunct Instructor of Lighting Design and Technology

513-556-9488

Headshot of Gregory S. Falcione

Gregory S. Falcione

Master Electrician; Adjunct Instructor of Lighting Design and Technology

513-556-9490

Headshot of Thomas Hase

Thomas Hase

Visiting Assistant Professor of Lighting Design and Technology

513-556-9440

Headshot of Sharon Huizinga

Sharon Huizinga

Assistant Professor of Lighting Design and Technology

Headshot of Kevin Lawson

Kevin Lawson

Assistant Professor of Lighting Design and Technology

513-556-5803


Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration Division Head and Staff

Headshot of Rebecca Bromels

Rebecca Bromels

Division Head of Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA); Chair and Associate Professor of Arts Administration

513-556-5803

Headshot of Jen Lampson

Jen Lampson

TAPAA Production Manager

513-556-9439

Headshot of Deborah Neiheisel-DeZarn

Deborah Neiheisel-DeZarn

TAPAA Program Manager

513-556-5803

CCM's admissions process begins on August 1 (undergraduate) and September 1 (graduate) for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 1 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.

Theatre Design and Production - BFA

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 in order to be considered for admission and invited for an audition.

Pre-screening Requirements
  • Current resume
  • 500-word applicant statement
    • Use the 500-word statement to express: how you came to your area of theater design and production, what you expect to gain out of the CCM experience, and what direction you intend to go upon graduation. What are your personal and professional goals and how does CCM get you closer to those goals?
  • Upload contact information for three references
  • Portfolio (include theatre, artistic, and/or craft work)
  • Theatre Design and Production questionnaire

Interview

Interview Requirements
  • Application materials, along with experiences, achievements and long-range goals will be discussed at the applicant’s interview. All applicants will interview with faculty from the Theatre Design and Production department.

Additional Information

  • Candidates should only apply to one major within Theatre Design and Production unless you are seriously considering two areas.

Theatre Design and Production - MFA

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before May 3 in order to be invited for an interview and considered for admissions..

If you’ve participated in U/RTA you must submit the required materials (listed below) to Acceptd in order to be considered for admissions into CCM. 

Pre-screening Requirements
  • Current resume
  • 500-word applicant statement
    • Use the 500-word statement to express: how you came to your area of theater design and production, what you expect to gain out of the CCM experience, and what direction you intend to go upon graduation. What are your personal and professional goals and how does CCM get you closer to those goals?
  • Portfolio (include theatre, artistic, and/or craft work)

Interview

Interview Requirements
  • MFA Interviews should be coordinated and scheduled directly through the appropriate faculty. Visit the Theatre Design and Production website for the faculty directory.
  • Application materials, along with experiences, achievements and long-range goals will be discussed at the applicant’s interview. All applicants will interview with faculty from the Theatre Design and Production department.

You will gain valuable hands-on experience working with our industry standard professional lighting and video equipment, software and inventory, including:

  • Martin, High End Systems and Vari*Lite automated fixtures
  • ETC Eos Family consoles, GrandMA consoles, High End Systems Hog consoles
  • LED Lighting fixtures including a large inventory of ETC Source4 Lustr Series 2 fixtures
  • A huge inventory of conventional fixtures
  • Previsualization computer with both Vectorworks Vision and Wysiwyg by Cast Software
  • Disguise Media Server
  • Watchout Media Server
  • Touchdesigner, Resolume and Isadora installed on custom built media computers
  • High output laser projectors for large venues
  • Light lab for student use to explore your lighting and projection ideas
  • Four different performance spaces

News and Events

1

WATCH: Mini documentary explores how CCM students bring a...

March 12, 2024

In a new short film created by CCM's Production Master Class, viewers can peek backstage to see how the September 2023 production of the musical rom-com Sweet Charity was designed and run by a team of students from throughout the college's Theatre Design and Production Department. Current CCM students Kali Ashurst, Baron Leon, Clara Cavins and Claire Bonnette, along with alumni guest artist Joshua E. Gallagher, discuss how they put their education into action while creating this acclaimed production.

2

New CCM apparel available for purchase online

February 14, 2024

Show your school spirit this spring with official CCM apparel! New UC College-Conservatory of Music apparel is available for purchase online. CCM's Spring 2024 t-shirt and hoodie designs can be ordered online now through March 18, 2024.

3

WATCH: CCM Opera Series presents 'The Cunning Little Vixen'

Event: February 29, 2024 8:00 PM

UC College-Conservatory of Music presents Leos Janáček’s beloved anthropomorphic opera "The Cunning Little Vixen" Feb. 29-March 2 in Corbett Auditorium. Sung in the original Czech, the opera follows a clever fox (or “vixen”), and the Forester, a human who captured her as a cub. Weaving between the human and animal world, the opera blends comedy and tragedy, exploring the cyclical nature of life and death.

4

WATCH: CCM Play Series presents 'Clue: On Stage'

Event: February 8, 2024 8:00 PM

UC College-Conservatory of Music presents "Clue: On Stage" (play) on Feb. 8-10, 2024 at Patricia Corbett Theater. Directed by Brant Russell, the hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery play is based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie inspired by the classic Hasbro Board game.

6

VOTE: BroadwayWorld Awards highlight CCM excellence

December 5, 2023

Each year, the BroadwayWorld Awards honor excellence in the city’s performing arts scene. This year, the faculty and students of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) are nominated 20 times in 11 categories—including Best Musical, Best Opera, Best Choreography, Best Sound Design, and more!

7

CCM presents Stephen Flaherty tribute at New York's Carnegie Hall

Event: January 14, 2024 7:00 PM

Recently dubbed by Playbill Magazine as one of Broadway’s “Big 10,” the UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) unites Broadway stars and current students in a one-night-only performance to honor Tony Award-winning composer Stephen Flaherty at Carnegie Hall in New York on Jan. 14, 2024.

8

Get to know CCM’s newest faculty and staff members

December 4, 2023

UC’s College-Conservatory of Music will welcome a variety of new faculty and staff members to its roster of distinguished performing and media arts experts this fall. The following new appointments have been announced as of Aug 15, 2023. Additional new hires will be announced later this summer.

9

CCM Opera brings harrowing myth to life in 'The Rape of Lucretia'

November 14, 2023

UC College Conservatory of Music (CCM) launches its Opera Series with Benjamin Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia. The opera, one of the masterpieces of the English repertoire, runs Thursday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov 19 in the Patricia Corbett Theatre. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

10

CCM and Cincy Shakes present vampire play for Halloween

Event: October 19, 2023 10:40 AM

UC’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) present Let The Right One In, a bloody vampire play based on the bestselling novel and award-winning film. Led by CSC Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips, the collaborative performance features professional CSC guest artists and CCM’s student actors.

11

'Sweet Charity' musical rom-com runs Sept. 28-30 at CCM

Event: September 28, 2023 12:00 AM

University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Musical Theatre opens its 2023-24 season with Sweet Charity, a zany romp through the ups-and-downs of the life of a dance hall hostess in New York City. The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1966 and was later adapted into a movie starring Shirley MacLaine, runs September 28-30 in the Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

12

Counseling services available to CCM students through embedded...

August 16, 2023

CCM students can now access counseling services within the CCM Village thanks to the addition of a CAPS embedded clinician. A member of UC’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff, Dalziel Reliford-Stone (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision (LPCC-S) who will serve as an embedded clinician for CCM and DAAP. In this new position, Dalziel hopes to work with students and staff to support a culture that embraces authenticity, self-acceptance and wholeness.

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