Maribel Gutierrez is a student at Ball State University who is interested in designing for a wide range of different forms of live entertainment and venues. Although she is primarily interested in design, she is working toward understanding other areas of lighting, such as theatre electrician and programming, and would love to gain some experience working in those areas. Some of the areas she is currently focusing on are learning EOS Systems, drafting with Vectorworks, and visualizing using Augment3d and similar programs.
Maribel will be at LDI 2024 with the other Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarship recipients. She talked to Live Design about her studies and career goals.
Live Design: What brought you to this scholarship?
Maribel Gutierrez: I was recommended to apply to this scholarship by my mentors and faculty within the Theatre Department at Ball State University.
LDI: What drew you to design?
MG: I have always wanted to create art within a big project—I used to really want to work in film, as a director or cinematographer, but in high school I joined theatre design/tech, originally as a stagehand, and as soon as I learned how the light board and lights worked I was instantly drawn in and felt called to it.
LD: What are some of your career goals?
MG: At some point, I would absolutely love to do the lighting for a Circus-type or acrobatic show, such as Cirque du Soleil. I also would love to do lighting for fashion shows and museums/art installations. Bringing theatrical lighting into “less theatrical spaces” is something I would love to explore.
LD: How can the industry better serve underrepresented communities?
MG: Underrepresented communities can be much better served by uplifting the voices of those who are underrepresented, as well as creating new spaces where those communities can thrive.
LD: Who or what are your influences in terms of people or events?
MG: Two of my strongest influences are Jessica Hung Han Yun, and Natasha Katz.
LD: What challenges have you faced?
MG: One of the biggest challenges I have faced is learning how to advocate for myself. This is something I still struggle with and am actively working on but as the skill grows i find that it is extremely rewarding and necessary
LD: Do you have a bucket list item?
MG: One of my biggest bucket list items is to travel. I would love the chance to immerse myself in different cultures. I feel that there is something to learn from everybody and every opportunity and traveling could bring me so much wisdom, knowledge, and compassion.
The Diversity In Design scholarships are named for Pat MacKay, former publisher of Theatre Crafts International (TCI) and Lighting Dimensions and founder of the LDI trade show. She is a USITT Fellow and has mentored multiple generations of industry professionals. The Diversity In Design Scholarships were introduced in 2019 to support the diverse and unique voices in the field of entertainment design and are presented to undergraduate students.
The Diversity In Design Scholarships are sponsored by Lightswitch, in their effort to support the next generation.