Testimonials from collaborators
Anne Cecelia DeMelo
Stage and Opera Director and Instigator
feminine octagon [or Aristotle can eat me],
The Wagging Craze
“Working with you is a dream! I can speak specifically to two points, your artistry as a designer and your presence as a collaborator, both of which are of the highest caliber.
“When we've worked together, I've deeply appreciated your sense of the storytelling impact of light -- the way you view it as a crucial element in the narrative. Your ability to build depth and color into light looks that are inspired by the story we're telling as a group is invaluable. It's always extremely helpful to have a designer in the room who's tuned in to the work of the collective... who understands the story, and is thinking about how light can augment or detract from that story, and you do that very well. Plus, I think I really dig your aesthetic as an artist -- when I think of your lighting I think of the full, rich, stunning, colorful light that for me, elevates live performance into something heightened and transcendent.
“Beyond that, you're a joy to have in the room. I really appreciate and value the way you bring a strong sense of what works/what you like to the table -- those strong aesthetic convictions give me, as a director, something to encounter and work with in collaboration. (You're also a great interpreter of what comes out of my mouth, as a director with lots of opinions who doesn't know much about lighting instruments!) When we've worked together, I've always felt extremely understood and supported, and the show has always looked bomb. Often when we've collaborated, you've had to work very fast under a lot of pressure, which you've always done with the utmost grace and kindness (no small feat). I've never seen you frustrated or overwhelmed, even in frustrating and overwhelming moments. A true angel!”
“You immediately gave me tangible evidence that you weren’t only interested in doing the best job you could, but that you were fully invested in the work and willing to go above and beyond an average level of engagement. This is what immediately struck me about your work processes. The fact that you always approached and executed your work with clear ethical professionalism and sincere effort connected to the core of my being.
“Ultimately, our work together made me feel like no challenge was too steep and that I could trust/depend on your ability to problem solve and your level of skill to execute any visions tied to the works. Quite honestly, I would always refer you…I hold the highest esteem for you as a person and as an artist…you are the benchmark that I compare all others to…any project would be lucky to have you!“
Joe Celej
Choreographer and Dancer
www.joecelej.com
Past Associate Artistic Director, Elisa Monte Dance Company
Past Resident Choreographer, Houston Met Dance Company
G.D. Kimble
Director and Playwright
GD Kimble LinkedIn
Resident Dramaturg, Chain Theatre
Adjunct Professor, Hofstra University
“I keep trying to return to the ADG Hunt well because you’re such a complete collaborator. Seldom do designers invest in a show the way you do, or read the script as thoroughly, or as many times.
“Your approach to design is comprehensive, and it feels like working with Someone who is inside of the show as well. Not simply a designer who pops in, does a few cursory meetings, then pops out.”
“I recommended you as the project would benefit from someone with a good understanding of both architectural and theatrical lighting practices.
“I have also have witnessed that you do great lighting for dance - you're a good listener when working with professionals and academic choreographers, while also bringing your own design point of view to the work.
“In any work we've done previously, you have always been reliable.”
Lynne Koscielniak
Set and Lighting Designer – USA 829
www.lynnemkoscielniak.com
Professor of Theatre (Scenography)
Associate Chair/Producing Director
Department of Theatre and Dance
University at Buffalo, SUNY
“We'd worked together before, which felt important for the sort of complex bureaucratic situation of working on fem oct at the college, but, moreso, I knew you were really easy to work with - not true of every designer I've ever worked with-, obviously good at your job, and knew how to work within and around educational boundaries, and I liked your work.
“You’re wonderful to work with, in part because you’re very adaptable and understanding of budgetary or physical limitations in spaces. You can do a lot with very little resources and can bring a lot of life and atmosphere to a space quickly. You’re adaptable, always kind, and very professional.”