While watching a show, an audience will notice the characters and their stories. But with a closer look, each detail of the behind-the-scenes work shines.
Six seasons ago, Courtney Schmitz started designing the lighting for each show at Yellow Tree Theatre. Her work begins by reading scripts and meeting with directors to compare visions of each scene. It ends with seeing her efforts come together on stage for the first time in rehearsals. When the show opens, Schmitz hands it off, stepping away from the audience’s eye. She is rarely in the building for opening night because of the pressure of pleasing audiences. After 13 years of designing, Schmitz is well acquainted with the fear that accompanies being an artist, but also experiences the rewards that come along with the job and lifestyle.
“Being an artist, you’re really putting yourself out there; you’re putting your vision and your soul out there,” she says.
