Michelle Harvey
My interest in theatrical lighting started in High School. My love for color and dramatic downlight led me to major in Theatre Arts and minor in Studio Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. My path then meandered to Stillwater, OK and a couple of tours with the American Indian Dance Theatre.
I then found myself on an epic adventure in the Gulf of Mexico on two Carnival ships, the Ecstasy and the Elation. My year as a Lighting Technician on these two ships taught me many things about lighting and beyond. I ended my time at sea and headed to the land-locked Stephens College in Columbia, MO to teach and design. I stopped by Glimmerglass Opera for a few weeks before settling in to Las Vegas, NV.
I started a three year MFA program at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. My choice of school opened up many doors and allowed for various design opportunities in theatre, dance, and opera. I also found myself in and around the Las Vegas Strip in various capacities. The final year of my program, I taught multiple classes and went on to continue teaching after I graduated.
My years spent in Las Vegas after Grad School consisted of touring, design work, IATSE Union gigs, teaching, hiking, biking, and playing pinball (check out the Pinball Hall of Fame on Tropicana!). I ended my time in Las Vegas as the Head of Lighting for Rose. Rabbit Lie. a show at the Cosmopolitan produced by Speigelworld.
Our relocation brought us to Kansas City, MO where I began my position as the Lighting & Video Supervisor at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. I have the fortunate privilege of working as an aesthetic conduit for designers that come into our spaces as well as design in them. I am able to utilize my skills of design and management to bring forth a cohesive product to our stages.
The newest stop on my journey is Lincoln, NE. I am the Assistant Professor of Lighting Design at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This move back to my roots has to settle in, create beautiful art, and ecourage others along the way.