30 Under 30: Adam Honoré, Lighting Designer

In celebration of LDI’s 30th anniversary—1988-2018—Live Design gives a shout out to 30 Under 30: thirty young movers and shakers who are changing paradigms, looking at things from new angles, and rapidly rising to the forefront of their field. From scenic, lighting, projection, and costume designers to technicians and programmers, as well as those who work for manufacturers, production companies, or rental shops, our 30 Under 30 are the harbingers of tomorrow.

An inspiring production of Little Shop of Horrors lassoed Adam Honoré and roped him into the world of entertainment design at the young age of 12. Now 24, the New York-based designer lights plays, musicals, opera, dance, and live events. His portfolio includes off-Broadway productions, regional shows, national tours, and international premiers, including the international premier of Fun Home. Additionally, Honoré is a resident lighting designer at Fienstein's/54 Below.

 

Name: Adam Honoré

Age: 24

City, State of residence: New York, NY

Position/title: Freelance Lighting Designer

Current project(s): Skeleton Crew, Huntington Theatre Company in Boston, MA; Fire and Air, associate designer to Jane Cox for Classic Stage Company, NYC; guest lecturer and designer at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX.

Most notable achievements: Fun Home (Manila, Philippines) International Premier featuring Tony Award winner Lea Salonga; The Seasons (Eisenstadt, Austria) World Premier Ballet; Dance to the Movies (National Tour)* Concert/Dance Tour; Dance to the Holidays (National Tour)* Concert/Dance Tour. *DTTM & DTTH featured performers from “American Idol”, “Dancing with the Stars”, and “So You Think You Can Dance” alongside legends Lesley Ann Warren and Shirley Jones. 

When I started in this industry: I started off running spotlight for productions in middle school somewhere around the age of 12. I was inspired to join the drama club after seeing a production of The Little Shop of Horrors at the local high school. I was intrigued by the concept of fitting an entire world inside a stage.

How I got into this industry: I studied Theatre Design at the University of Oklahoma and spent a summer in the Williamstown Theatre Festival professional internship program. Both experiences were invaluable. Networking is a key part to succeeding in this industry.

Influences: I spent most of my childhood glued to television programs such as “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance” while watching musicals designed by Donald Holder and Ken Posner with stars in my eyes; but, the Beyoncé Super Bowl Halftime show will forever be one of the most influential moments of my life. 

Worst advice I’ve ever heard: “Seeing musicals is too closely related to work. Get a new hobby!”

Best advice I’ve ever heard: “If you reach for the stars, all you’ll get are the stars but we’ve found a whole new spin; if you reach for the heavens, you’ll get the stars thrown in.” – Mary Poppins

My favorite thing about the production industry: The opportunity to travel the world and do what I love while inspiring people from many walks of life.  

Favorite design/programming/technical trick: This may not be a trick, but it is a moment. I love that split second before a show when the house lights dim and excitement builds. Before the curtain rises, before the first cue is executed, before the first note is sung. It is usually a heartbeat. That is the magical moment we all step into a special world and surrender our minds to the production ahead. It’s thrilling, just thrilling.

Lakmé

Plans for the future: I’d like to continue the conversation on diversity in the entertainment design field and possible ways we can create more opportunities for diverse designers and technicians.

Other interests/side gigs: I’m a designer at Feinstein’s/54 Below, New York’s leading Broadway Cabaret. I also love seeing movies of all shapes and sizes. There is a specific art to making film that excites me.

Awards, honors: Award of Design Excellence, KCACTF National Partners of the American Theatre; Certificate of Excellence in Lighting Design, USITT Southwest; John F. Schamehorn Award of Design Excellence, University of Oklahoma; Nominated for many regional and international awards

Organizations, memberships: USITT - People of Color Network; Broadway Green Alliance

Other: “There’s no business like show business!” - Ethel Merman

Website if applicable: www.HonoreLighting.com

Check out Live Design/LDI's other 30 Under 30: