Interview by Followspot (pdf)
December 2005
“There are two things any good design must do, whether it is lighting, costume or set: clarify the story and be safe.” Such is the intrinsic sense of clarity and collaboration evident in up-and-coming lighting designer Adam Saucy, a Willamette University student who designed VERB’s Love’s Labors: Lost & Found.
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9 comments:
While Adam's work looks lovely, and I intend no slight to him, I still have to ask Followsopt: why did you choose to follow two interviews of Artistic Directors with an interview of a student, however interesting he may be? Is this a comment on your feelings towards the current pool of Portland designers? Why not select a more established artist for your first design interview?
(Adam, truly, good interview, beautiful stills.)
I like the Adam Saucy interview because it sheds light on the basic principles of our craft. In addition to telling an effective story, Saucy has his essentials right. There are certainly more dimensions to lighting design than collaboration, clarifying the story and safety, but I can’t think of better fundamentals to observe, whether the practitioner is emerging or established. I’m looking forward to seeing his work.
Anonymous 4:16 a.m.:
What are you doing up at 4:16 a.m., anyway? But to your question: I chose to interview Adam simply because I found his Portland debut to be impressive and I wanted to know more about him. I also thought it would be interesting to hear the perspective of a newcomer.
Incidentally, I should also mention the sequence of these interviews is pure fate. They’re to be fun, not work; therefore no deadlines until final stages. For example, I could (though won’t) tell you who January is, but rest of season is dependent on which of nine in-progress interviews finishes first.
Sounds like Adam will be a welcome addition to the Portland scene.
I would say it was a slight to the rest of the established designers in town to spotlight a student. Did Jeff Forbes turn you down for an interview?
why such sour grapes? i suspect you are reading way too much into this ... of course everyone deserves a profile ... when your turn comes, I won't hold it against you just because you got it and i didn't (unless of course i got one first, and then I'll never let you forget it).... :)
seriously, though, c'mon -- let's celebrate all the great talent we have here inPortland and this wonderful opportuintythat Followspot has given us to know more about it -- it's not like local theatre gets its due from much of the mainstream media (oh, wait, there was a Tribuen story on Kirk Mouser of Stumptown -- gee, are you going to complain that the Tribune shoulda ran a story about 15-year veteran Dan Murphy of Braodway Rose instead?) Personally, I'm excited to know of new artists in town. And that's no slight to Jeff Forbes or any other "established" artist, however dfined.
So here's to Adam for the wonderful career that lays ahead of him and cheers to Followspot for the introduction and mixin things up from time to time.
Not to hijack Adam's thread, but I'd be interested to read about Broadway Rose; I hadn't heard a whole lot about them until recently when a few of my colleagues worked for them.
I have to say I am also taken aback by vocally negative responses to this choice. I suppose it reflects the classic love/hate feelings between practitioners and critics. I have breifly met Adam, but haven't seen any of his full designs. These great stills make me pretty excited to seek out the work of an artist I didn't already know about.
These interviews with local theatre figures are a great idea. Keep them coming!
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