My name is Precious Williams, and I’m an entrepreneur. I pursued the stage lighting course at Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) to bridge the gap between creative vision and technical execution, contribute confidently to productions, and elevate the quality of my work.
Before taking the class, I faced several challenges. I had limited knowledge of lighting equipment, struggled with visualizing and communicating my ideas, and lacked hands-on experience. Professionally, I wanted to be more effective in production contributions. On my personal projects, adapting lighting designs to different venues and spaces was a significant hurdle. My goal was to gain a solid understanding of lighting principles, develop practical skills with lighting equipment, and enhance my creativity in lighting design to become a more confident and competent lighting designer.
I aimed to build expertise in lighting design principles, equipment operation (such as consoles, dimmers, and fixtures), programming lighting software (like DMX and LED control), and analyzing scripts for lighting cues. I also hoped to learn how to collaborate more effectively with production teams, implement industry-standard safety protocols, and use creative lighting techniques to set the atmosphere and mood. The course has provided me with a strong foundation in stage lighting, and I’m eager to apply my new skills to upcoming projects.
Although I haven’t yet had the opportunity to practice in a live setting, I’m confident that the knowledge and techniques gained will greatly enhance my future work in stage lighting. This course filled a crucial knowledge gap, boosting my confidence, communication abilities, and collaboration skills. I draw inspiration from renowned lighting designers like Rick Fisher, Paule Constable, Jennifer Tipton, Taiwo Afolabi, and Tunji Azeez, as well as from family, mentors, and peers who exemplify creativity, perseverance, and determination.
