Cristo Montañez (he/him) is a Chicano lighting designer based in California’s Central Valley. With a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts focusing on Technical Theatre from CSU Stanislaus, Cristo has quickly made a name for himself within his local theatre community since his debut in late 2021 with a student production of Past Forward. His commitment to his craft has led to a range of professional opportunities and earned him the 2023-2024 Willie Award for Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical for Cabaret at the Stockton Civic Theatre.
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Cristo is passionate about creating memorable and impactful experiences through his designs, collaborating to tell stories that resonate with diverse audiences. As he prepares to advance his expertise in the Design & Technology master’s program at UCLA this Fall, Cristo continues to work as a freelance lighting designer, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of his craft and contributing to dynamic theatrical experiences.
Artistic Statement
Lighting design has become a powerful medium for me to express my thoughts and emotions in ways other art forms cannot. My journey began in a college class where we used Photoshop to experiment with lighting different scenes from a play. That moment made me realize that lighting design was the path I wanted to pursue.
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Each of us sees the world through a unique lens, shaped by our own experiences and beliefs. I draw upon my experience of the world to influence my lighting, helping to create vivid expressions of emotions. For me, lighting is not just about setting the time of day or enhancing visual appeal. It’s a way to convey personal narratives and emotions, using color and texture to shape the stage and bring characters to life. I aim for this approach to help audiences connect more deeply with the story, allowing the lighting to resonate with them on a personal level.
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The sense of fulfillment I gain from lighting design is matched by the joy of collaborating with others on a production. Theatre is a space where meaningful connections are forged. It has helped me overcome my indecisiveness by allowing me to express parts of myself I might otherwise keep hidden. I am driven to continue telling impactful stories that not only resonate with audiences but also inspire them to engage with and contribute to their communities.
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