Theatre Production Grad Receives Altman Lighting Award for her Work on Good Grief at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Alumni Profile
Meet Rianne Lindsey
- Major/Program
- Theatre Production (design)
- Graduation
- April 2020
- College Activities
- Technical Theatre Club, COPA Theatre Club and Pittsburgh Playhouse Accessibility and Inclusion Committee. Volunteer with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Bricolage Production Company and City Theatre.
- Scholarships
- Artistic Achievement, Apprenticeship
- Hometown
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- High School
- Keystone Oaks High School
- Now Living In
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Reading, writing, playing video games
"I went into my freshman year of college knowing next to nothing about the industry I wanted to work in, but the time I spent at Point Park gave me the foundation I needed to keep designing and working in this field. Being a part of the theatre production program allowed me to have a broader education, not just in theatrical lighting, and it has ultimately made me a well-rounded artist."
What is the Altman Lighting Award?
Altman Lighting — one of the leading manufacturers of lighting for the theatre industry — held a contest called #WhyILight on their social media channels. Any young, professional, theatrical lighting designer was encouraged to submit photos of their work, a brief description of a production they worked on and why lighting is their passion. The contest launched as a way to celebrate young artists who are unable to do what they love because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What does receiving this award for your work on Good Grief at the Pittsburgh Playhouse mean to you?
Good Grief at the Pittsburgh Playhouse was my first production as a lighting designer and one of the last shows I worked on before the pandemic stopped the entertainment industry in its tracks. It was also a huge challenge that I faced in my life and in my career, but I am a better artist and extremely proud of my work.
Why did you choose Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts?
I am a local yinzer, but being close to family didn’t play a part in picking the Conservatory of Performing Arts as much as its reputation did. I knew that I wouldn't get the same education at an out-of-state school as I would at so close to home.
In what ways did our faculty and classes impact you?
I went into my freshman year of college knowing next to nothing about the industry I wanted to work in, but the time I spent here gave me the foundation I needed to keep designing and working in this field. Being a part of the theatre production program allowed me to have a broader education, not just in theatrical lighting, and it has ultimately made me a well-rounded artist. Additionally, I had the opportunity to cross-register for a course at Carnegie Mellon University my junior year, which was a great experience that I would recommend to any current student.
What are your career goals?
As soon as COVID-19 becomes a memory, I plan to return to local theaters where I volunteer for programs that provide accessibility for audience members who have disabilities — a passion of mine is ensuring that art is inclusive for everyone. I also hope to continue establishing myself as a freelance theatrical lighting designer in Pittsburgh and beyond. Lastly, graduate school is on my list, as well as becoming a professor so that I can educate the next generation of lighting designers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
To current and future theatre students, this is still intermission. One day we will be able to return to creating, sharing and educating with the world, but we have to stay safe and healthy in the meantime.