stephanie anne johnson
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LIGHTING DESIGN PROJECTS
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​TheatreFIRST closes its first season of in-house new works with the world premiere of HeLa -- by Lauren Gunderson and Geetha Reddy, dramaturgy by Lisa Marie Rollins, and directed by Evren Odcikin.

​HeLa evokes and explores the story of Henrietta Lacks, the African-American woman whose hard life and young death produced the most powerful line of immortal cells the world has ever seen. This lyrical theatrical mash up will explore the science, legacy, tragedy, poetry, and universal truths that one woman’s story and biology can offer the world.

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“In remembering Henrietta Lacks as more than just a bunch of cells, “HeLa” posits that it’s important that we name her, but also that stories and memories are part of what allow her, or any of us, to become fully human. In so doing, the show proffers a subtle metatheatrical tribute to the power of performance itself. Theater doesn’t just tell us good stories; it testifies that we existed and that we meant something.”

-- Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle

“There’s a cumulative power to this story that feels both intimate and epic, another chapter in our history of taking that tells an essential story that should keep being told.”


— Chad Jones, Theater Dogs
See slideshow of scenes
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“Working on a unit set by Bailey Hikawa with lighting by Stephanie Anne Johnson and sound by Kevin Myrick,  the stage was dominated by a large sculpture made of plastic balls which, when bathed in different colors by Johnson’s impressive lighting design, almost seemed to quiver with life.”  “Dr. Stephanie Anne Johnson, an African American member of TheatreFirst’s Board of Directors who, as a theatre artist and cancer survivor, was especially proud to be part of this deeply moving world premiere.”  See complete article>

— George Haymont – New Works from Female Playwrights, My Cultural Landscape - May, 2017
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​To The Bone -
 
written by Lisa Ramirez, Director: Michael Socrates Moran, Set Designer: Giulio Cesare Perrone, Set Designer and Builder: Marcel Castanchoa, Ubuntu Theater, 2017 Season.


​When you are unseen, how can you seek justice? When you don't have a voice, how can you defend your rights? Diving into one of the most explosive conversations of the American political landscape, TO THE BONE follows five undocumented immigrant women struggling to survive the harsh realities of life at an East Coast poultry factory. The limitations of friendship, family bonds, dignity and dreams are put to the test in this timely, textured drama from Lisa Ramirez (EXIT CUCKOO - nanny in motherland, Ubuntu Theater Project 2016).

"A tight and thrilling show... every moment captivating"  — Theatrius

"Impressive in the truest sense" 
— Berkeley Daily Planet

"Subtle and sure... demands that the invisible world of immigrant workers be  seen"   
— KQED
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Lighting design by Stephanie Anne Johnson for To The Bone

Shown here, a video montage of lighting cues for the show.
REVIEW: “To The Bone Hits Home at Ubuntu Theater, Oakland. The striking and innovative lighting by Stephanie Anne Johnson make the bare circle into an effective theater in the round.”

​ — Robert Gardner – Theatrius - June 4, 2017


RECOMMENDATIONS:
Aimee Suzara
Performer, Playwright, Educator

“Stephanie Johnson provided lighting design for my theatrical project, A HISTORY OF THE BODY. Bringing decades of experience in theater, and an impeccable eye, her designs are beautiful and thoughtful; she literally, and figuratively, "lit up" my production and the actors and dancers in it. But more importantly, Stephanie was and is positive, compassionate, and a committed presence in the collaborative team. ​
Allen Lam
Sound Designer

“I've worked on a zillion shows with Stephanie. She's the best lighting designer ever. Period.”

Kathy Perkins
Professor and Lighting Designer

“Stephanie Johnson is an outstanding and talented lighting designer. There is richness to her designs, great contrast, as well as clarity. Her work is innovative, daring and exciting. ... It is invaluable to work with such an illuminating artist, leader and spirit. She helps me remember that anything is possible... She has designed lighting locally, nationally, and globally. I strongly recommend her as a designer who can work with anyone, anywhere in the world.”
SCENES FROM EARLIER WORKS

​The Breach

​Produced by Cultural Odyssey.  Performers: Idris Ackamoor, Rhodessa Jones, Johanna Haigood -- Buriel Clay Theater, San Francisco, CA - 2010
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Unsing The Song
Performed by Anne Bluenthenthal and Dancers at Theater Artaud, San Francisco, CA 2006
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REVIEW: "….its blood red backdrop alternating with projected images of shoes and bones, amidst streams of asymmetrical white cloth torn like shrouds hung-out-to-dry add to the immense emotional impact of the evening…." — Linda Ayres-Frederick, San Francisco Bay Times  -- The Healing Arts: Speaking The Unspeakable, Surviving Genocide, Unsing The Song, March 2006
Jesus Christ Superstar
Director
-- Rufus Collins, Gent, Belgium --1984
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REVIEW: " 1. "Mainly the setting is made by the smart and brilliant lighting."  2. "While the whiplashes from 1 to 39 are being counted, the light slowly changes from white to dark red so that the mass of people in front of the gate start to look more frightening." — Anita Lowenhardt, De Trouw  -- Rufus Collins' Makes a Rock Opera Into a Punk Opera Amsterdam, Holland, November, 1984
The Kingdom
Director -- Rufus Collins,  Amsterdam, Holland — 1985
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LIGHT ESSENCE DESIGN

Do you have a project you'd like to discuss? Contact Stephanie to arrange a complimentary 30-minute consultation. 
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  • Home
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  • Theater
    • Lighting Design
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