Artistic Finance: Freelance Lighting Dance, Theatre, & Opera, in Louisville with Jesse AlFord
I had the pleasure of chatting with Jesse AlFord, a lighting designer based in Louisville, Kentucky. A former circus performer and coach, he now serves as lighting director and resident lighting designer at Louisville Ballet. Over his career, he has designed more than 250 productions for over 35 organizations, specializing in work that blends circus, dance, and theatre.
We mainly discussed freelancing in the Louisville market.
Topics:
- Managing freelance finances
- Liability insurance for freelancers
- Pros and cons of homeownership
- Panic-canceling recurring subscriptions
- Working across theatre, dance, and circus
- Buying equipment to improve your workflow
- Tech rehearsals and lighting for circus productions
- Purchasing a home without a large down payment
- Resources for theatrical designer pay and financial planning
- Royal Court Theatre (UK) announced substantial increases in pay for freelance directors and designers.
Watch Here:
Biggest Takeaway:
If homeownership is one of your goals, research your options sooner rather than later. Programs may allow you to buy a home with little or no down payment, so it's worth talking to a local credit union or lender.
