The Howell Binkley Fellowship Program is thrilled to announce their sixth Fellow for 2026, Jules Cabrera (https://www.julescabdesign.com/ ).
Jules Cabrera is a theatrical lighting designer born and raised in Austin, Texas. She holds a BFA in Theatre from Texas State University, an M.F.A. in Lighting Design and Technology at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She is thrilled by the opportunity to work with Ryan O’Gara and Amanda Zieve, and intends to make the most of every moment and connection. Jules hopes to move to New York City and is excited to carry what she learns from this opportunity every step of the way. She values storytelling in all of its forms, especially through light. Please help us congratulate Jules on this next step in her career. We cannot wait to get to theater together. Jules embodies the legacy of Howell Binkley and we know he would have been delighted to meet her and watch her soar.
The Howell Binkley Fellowship
The Howell Binkley Fellowship offers an individual exposure to New York City based Lighting Designers and the Theatrical Lighting Community. It will expose them to the worlds of commercial and nonprofit lighting design. The fellowship recipient will have direct access to Howell’s two key Associates of many years: Ryan O’Gara and Amanda Zieve. Ryan and Amanda will provide an inside look at the industry including: developing excellent drafting techniques, advice on finding the next job, observing the tech of a Regional, Opera, Dance or Broadway production, and experience at the tech table for the process of a show. Ryan and Amanda will be available to answer questions and help the recipient navigate the industry to start their career. This fellowship will take place in the Fall or Spring and will last three months. The fellowship program honors the legacy of Howell Binkley. When referring to having young designers observe the process with him and his team, Howell would always say, “No one has ever done this for me.” He would take the time to talk to young designers; he loved to hear their stories and help them anyway he could. This fellowship continues his efforts, providing the extra ‘push’ and assistance in fostering the next generation of theatrical lighting designers as they begin their careers.