Lights Up on Hartford Stage

By Kati Hensel, Manager of Major Gifts & Planned Giving

Hartford Stage held a unique donor event, Lights Up on Hartford Stage, on Wednesday, January 30, which brought together over 30 donors who share an interest in the technical and backstage work of our theatre.

The guests were divided into smaller groups, with each one visiting three lighting areas. Assistant Master Electrician Jackie Hecker demonstrated the light board and encouraged guests to try their hand at programming the stage lights. Electrics Apprentice Katie Brown showed off the Source Four ® lighting fixtures and invited guests to change filters and work the spotlights. Master Electrician Aaron Hochheiser brought each group up to the Catwalk and then onto the set of The Engagement Party to see the lights in action while providing everyone with a survey class in lighting.

As guests made their way through each area, technical crew members spoke about how much more energy-efficient and cost-effective Hartford Stage could be with the latest equipment.

As Hartford Stage enters the beginning stages of fundraising for lighting equipment upgrades, this group not only experienced a side of the theatre not many people get to see but they provided staff with valuable feedback to forge ahead on the campaign.

Donors enjoyed the event, saying it was “Fantastic! We loved learning about the lighting techniques. What a great crew!  It was just the right size group and great leaders.” Another donor summed up the event in two sentences: “Theatre doesn’t happen without lighting. You can skip props and costumes, but lighting is essential.”