What goes into lighting a show, and how does a lighting designer shape an audience’s experience without them even realizing it? In this episode, Amanda Zieve shares her journey from high school stage manager to Broadway lighting designer, working alongside legendary mentors like Hal Binkley. She provides insights into breaking into the field, the importance of observation and self-education, and how trust and collaboration are key to building a team. Amanda discusses the technical and artistic aspects of lighting design—how angles, colors, and cue structures impact storytelling—while also breaking down the many career paths within theatrical lighting. She reflects on her Broadway debut with The Who’s Tommy, the emotional highs and lows of the industry, and the balance between preparation and adaptability. Whether you're an aspiring lighting designer or just curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of theater, this episode sheds light (literally!) on an essential but often overlooked art form.
About Amanda: Amanda Zieve (Lighting Designer) is happy to live in San Diego doing what she loves around the country. Recent Designs include: Tommy (Broadway & Goodman) Cabaret (Goodspeed) Into The Woods, Billy Elliot and Titanic (Signature Theatre) American Jade (Buck’s County Playhouse) I Hate Hamlet (Maltz Jupiter) Sweeney Todd and Roof of the World (KC Rep) Approval Junkie (Off Broadway, Alliance Theatre). Her San Diego credits include: Velour: A Drag Spectacular, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, Put Your House In Order (La Jolla Playhouse) English, Crime and Punishment, A Comedy, Dial M, Hair, Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show, Tiny Beautiful Things, Barefoot in the Park, Native Gardens, The Wonderers, Rich Girl (The Old Globe) Evita, Cabaret, Rock of Ages (Cygnet) Opening of the Rady Shell (San Diego Symphony). Associate credits include: Escape to Margaritaville, Bright Star, Allegiance (Broadway). She has had the privilege of working on 19 Broadway Productions. One of her most rewarding experiences has been assisting on Hamilton. She received her B.A. in Theatre from California State University Northridge. Amanda is very thankful for her supportive family and friends that enable her to be a working mom. Amanda is the proud co-founder of the Howell Binkley Fellowship Program. Created in partnership with the Hemsley Lighting Programs, the Fellowship honors Howell Binkley's legacy of mentorship by providing the extra ‘push’ and assistance in fostering the next generation of theatrical lighting designers as they begin their careers. For more information, to donate, or apply, please visit the link in the shownotes. She holds the Jeff Award for The Who's Tommy (2023) - Goodman Theatre, is a 2024 Women to Watch on Broadway (Broadway Women’s Fund) and has the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Nomination (The Who’s Tommy).
Amanda’s IG: @amandajzieve
Amanda’s Website: www.amandazieve.com
Howell Binkley Mentorship: www.hemsleylightingprograms.com/howell-binkley-fellowship
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