1. Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Justin Hoffecker, a third year MFA candidate in lighting design at Mason Gross School of the Arts (sounds more pretentious than it actually is) at Rutgers University. I also am a freelance/over-hire electrician at a number of local/regional theaters in the area.
2. What do you like most about lighting design?
It’s funny…I was just asked to sum up my “creative philosophy” for a USITT contest…I find it just as difficult to fit it to one page, but to be brief: the ability to subtly make an entire audience of people’s hard fought attention dart around the stage for 90min, while simultaneously creating an atmosphere perfectly suited to the action at hand evoking a true emotional response from that same audience.
3:Why did you choose the graduate program you did? The undergrad program?
When I went to URT/A years ago, they (Mason Gross School of the Arts) were one of only a few schools who seemed excited that I had scenic, costume, and light designs to offer in my portfolio. They seemed a pleasant enough bunch. Now here for 3 years, they have their fair share of issues, but the students are really here for each other and that makes all the difference. Also, the Lighting Design professor is a big wig in the union with a Tony under his belt—that helps.
Undergrad (Lehigh University) was a different story. I entered with the intention of a computer science degree. After a semester dreading each and every class, I realized it may not be for me. I found their small theatre dept one day, and had a good long talk with Jeff Millet (LD professor), then summoned up my courage to drop the news on my parents and changed majors. Aside from joining my fraternity, Psi Upsilon, it was the best decision I’ve made in life thus far. Catching up as a theatre dork has taken time, but I’m getting there.
4.What is one of the most important things you’ve learned as a designer/technician?
Most important? That’s a tough one. The ability to remain flexible/open to new ideas while maintaining a positive attitude. Mind you this is an ongoing lesson…but it’s how you make long lasting connections and have those that can offer you gigs remember your name. It’s all about who you know and believe me when I say it: The Business is so much smaller than you think.
5:What is your best advice for young designers?
WORK! Any gig you can. As much as your tired legs can carry you, never stop working. Not only to meet new people, but to remain current with designers, technology, trends…and when not working, go see shows, Watch TV/movies, pay attention to the who’s who (something I must do MUCH better at). ‘Tis a fast train we’re on and it can quickly pass you by.
6.How important is graduate school in your field?
Not very, honestly. Again, it’s who you’ve impressed that will get you gigs. Training is invaluable, such as on new boards from ETC, but much is just on the job and on the fly. However (and this is huge) an MFA will get you that extra push up to the top of the pile in any job you apply for. Not to mention the quality training I’ve received from Broadway designers and their own circle of contacts. Hey, in the long run, an MFA will get me a professorship at some school….just about the only stable gig in my field.
7. Where do you hope to be in five years?
Five years from now…I don’t know where I’ll be in May! But if I had my way, I’d be living in Mid-Town Manhattan working as a full time electrician somewhere so I can part time Light Design anywhere. Realistically, I’ll be in Queens part timing a number of theatre companies, and LD anywhere that will hire me. Either way, I’d be rather pleased to pay the bills while still having fun.
That’s what it’s all about for me: Looking forward to work every morning. Not many on this rock can say that.
Train rides into The City are a great opportunity to get overdue work done, btw.
Be Well, Dream Deep, and Good Luck!
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