

Lighting Designer
Catherine M. Pratt
Teaching Philosophy
As an artist and educator, I firmly believe that learning in theatre education doesn’t just happen
inside a traditional classroom. It comes to fruition through demonstrations, workshops, and
experiences gained through production work. Students need the space and opportunities to take
concepts discussed from their courses to productions in a safe and fostering environment.
My goal as an educator is to create a nurturing environment where learners can experiment, take
risks, and challenge themselves through a variety of methods both in the classroom as well as
production work.
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Each of my courses are structured to provide students the necessary building blocks to learn while
giving them opportunities to challenge themselves as theatre makers and individuals. In my
introduction to design class, they grow their passion for design by applying concepts learned to a
chosen script. As the semester continues, they challenge themselves with collaboration by working
in groups to create a cohesive design that fits within an overall concept statement. When exploring
color theory in my lighting class, students get hands-on experience with seeing how chosen gels
affect the color of the light. As they explore color, I add in various fabrics and paint samples to
allow them to further discover how lighting can directly affect how other elements are seen onstage.
To help bridge learning gaps in Vectorworks drafting, I teach drafting standards through the
performance spaces they work in, allowing them to understand the language in familiar spaces
before branching out to other performance spaces.
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Throughout their studies I work to provide students opportunities to focus on their passions within
course structures. In my drafting course, after undergraduates’ have mastered each design area
drafting standards, they are able to choose which one to focus on more in depth for the final
project. In my introduction to design class, class participants are able to select which design area
they want to work on in group projects as they have explored each design area individually. I find
that when I allow them to select a topic that spark their interest, they have higher commitment to
the course. It also provides them chances to refine the technical areas they are interested in working
after graduation.
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To give mentees hands on production experiences, I build in lab hours to many of my courses. This
provides them the necessary time and experiences to apply course discussions while providing them
opportunities to gain experience needed for continued growth and development. Through their
production work, everyone can see firsthand the communication and collaboration it takes to bring a
production to opening night. From hanging lighting instruments, being part of production crews, to
working in advance production positions, these experiences grow and become more challenging as
the student advances through their studies. Through these opportunities, I strive to give them the
chances to build their passions while preparing them for their chosen career path.
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Throughout their academic study with me, students will become more confident in their work as
designers and technicians. I work towards creating and maintaining an inclusive space inside and
outside the classroom, allowing each individual to fully challenge themselves, take risks, and push
outside their comfort zones. Upon completion their time with me, my students will feel prepared to
enter the entertainment industry. They will have the knowledge to be pursue their chosen career
path while being equipped with the skills needed to adapt to their environment and feel comfortable
taking risks to continue to advance throughout their careers.
Courses Taught
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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Fall 2024
THTR 406B: Vectorworks
THTR 606B: Vectorworks
Fall 2023
THTR 406B: Vectorworks
THTR 606B: Vectorworks
Fall 2022
THTR 406B: Vectorworks
THTR 606B: Vectorworks
Spring 2022
THTR 200:1001: Introduction to Design
THTR 200:1002: Introduction to Design
Fall 2022
DAN 271: Electricity for Dance Production
Spring 2021
THTR 200: Introduction to Design
Fall 2020
Teaching Assistant:THTR 200: Introduction to Design
Teaching Assistant: THTR 203: Lighting 1