Alec Bernstein Area of Study: Lighting Design (BFA)

I chose to attend The Theatre School at DePaul University because… The Theatre School was exactly the environment i was looking for. The school offers a conservatory environment with hands-on training. When my fours years are up here I am guaranteed to have designed shows here and really find a process that works for me. Chicago was also a huge draw, since I knew I wanted to be in a place where I could stay after graduation. Chicago offers me so many opportunities as a young designer.

I chose my major because… I have been interested in lighting as early as the 5th grade. I decided in high school that I wanted to make lighting design my career, and what better way to make lighting design my career then to major in it at a conservatory.

A faculty or staff member that has greatly influenced me is… Chris Binder, my advisor. She has taught me many valuable lessons and given me many opportunities, one of which was to design two operas in Italy this past summer. Also Ann Wakefield, the director of Tales as Old as Africa, because she forced me to approach my design and design process in a new way.

Something that surprised me about my experience or curriculum here is… how friendly everyone is. There is a great sense of community here at The Theatre School.

One thing that I’d like to say to students considering attending The Theatre School, or my peers in the industry, is…… if you dont own a heavy coat invest in a good one.

My future goals include… designing many different types of productions from corporate to events to musicals to opera, all over the country.