John Tees: a gaffer and lighting director with a theatrical heart
/Sometimes, it just feels right – John Tees started his professional career at the age of 14, and hasn't slowed down since. Over the past 35 years, he's built a career as a gaffer, production electrician, and lighting designer, and that career has taken him all over the world. Today, he splits his time between fashion shows in NY and Miami, corporate events throughout the US, daytime television, and his theatrical home at Second Stage Theater.
When your host Jason Marin and returning co-host Theresa Unfried sat down with John, we discussed his rise through the theatrical world, including summer stock at Monomoy Theater, getting an MFA at the University of Cincinnati CCM, and spending 3 seasons with the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, both on-site and touring. We talked about his experiences as a gaffer and lighting director in fashion, on television, and for corporate events, and how he transitioned into those jobs from theater. We also discussed his long associations with LD Rob Strohmeier and rigger Mike Sapsis, the changing business of corporate and special events, and the state of lighting technology.
Thanks to John for joining us, and of course a big thanks to you for downloading and listening!