Josh Selander: Illuminating Careers
Welcome to a special encore presentation of the StageLync Podcast! In this episode, lighting designer and educator Josh Selander shares his journey from high school theater to global productions, including Cirque du Soleil and immersive experiences. Discover his insights on innovation, mentorship, and the evolving world of lighting design. Stay tuned—the full episode will be released next Monday!
How did you get started in lighting design and what led to your career?
Josh Selander began his journey in lighting design during high school and initially thought it wasn’t a viable career path. Despite doubts, he pursued his interest by attending the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), graduating in lighting technology in 2006. His career started with tours and later transitioned to working at ETC in Las Vegas, where his interest in the technology behind lighting systems deepened. This foundation helped him explore various paths, including design, programming, and teaching.
Did you have any mentors who shaped your career in lighting design?
Josh credited several mentors for influencing his career. Eric Rimes at UNCSA guided him in lighting technology, while Anne Valentino at ETC provided insights into control products and the industry. These mentors offered valuable advice, helping Josh navigate challenges and develop his skills. He emphasized the importance of finding mentors who share their experiences to help others avoid common pitfalls.
How do you balance teaching, freelancing, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving industry?
Teaching at UNCSA allowed Josh to stay connected to the industry while mentoring the next generation. He highlighted the importance of keeping up-to-date with technology by collaborating with manufacturers and using professional projects as teaching tools. However, he admitted to struggling with burnout from managing too many responsibilities. Josh emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and acknowledged the challenge of maintaining a balance between professional and personal commitments.
What do you enjoy most about your work in lighting design?
Josh’s favorite part of his work is the people and the collaborative environment. He appreciates the friendships and connections built through various projects. He also values the diversity of his roles, from theatrical productions to brand experiences, which allow him to tackle different challenges and innovate creatively. For Josh, the relationships and shared experiences in the industry are the most rewarding aspects of his career.
What changes would you like to see in the industry?
Josh stressed the need for greater accessibility in the arts, particularly in education and career opportunities. He pointed out the financial barriers students face in attending schools, participating in workshops, or relocating to major industry hubs like Los Angeles. Josh hopes for increased support from companies and institutions to make the industry more inclusive and sustainable for emerging talent.
Key Takeaways from the Podcast
- Career Path
Josh turned a high school passion for lighting design into a professional career through education and determination. - Mentorship
Guidance from mentors like Eric Rimes and Anne Valentino shaped his career and provided invaluable industry insights. - Balancing Roles
Teaching at UNCSA helped Josh stay industry-relevant, though balancing it with freelance work and personal life posed challenges. - Collaboration
Building strong relationships and collaborating with talented individuals are essential to creating impactful work. - Industry Accessibility
Josh advocates for greater financial accessibility in education and the arts, while emphasizing mental health and work-life balance.
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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