Working on Fame: The Musical as a theater intern was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve had. I was fully in charge of designing and running the lighting for the entire production. That meant everything from learning how to program the light board, creating lighting cues for each scene, and syncing those cues with the actors' movements and the rhythm of the music. I spent hours studying the script, mapping out every lighting transition, and testing effects to match the mood—whether it was a dramatic solo or a high-energy dance number.

I took it a step further by attending rehearsals that I wasn’t even required to be at, just so I could understand the timing and flow of the show better. Eventually, I started directing the backstage crew, making sure my lighting cues lined up with set changes, entrances, and exits. It was about more than just flipping switches—it was about storytelling through light.

This experience opened my eyes to how much S.T.E.A.M. lives in the world of theater. I was using technology, engineering, math, and art all at once—blending precision with creativity. Fame didn’t just teach me about theater; it showed me how powerful it is when different skills come together to create something unforgettable.

Designing and running the lighting for our Black History Month show—The Transitions of Atlanta Through the Decades—was a powerful and personal experience. This show wasn’t just about performance; it was about honoring the history, culture, and evolution of Atlanta’s Black community. I had to be intentional with every lighting choice, using color, shadows, and timing to reflect the mood and message of each decade—from the civil rights era to present day movements.

My job involved working closely with the directors and performers to understand the emotion behind each scene so the lighting could enhance the storytelling, not distract from it. I programmed detailed cue sequences, coordinated with sound and backstage teams, and made sure each transition felt seamless. It was a blend of creativity and responsibility—telling a real story that meant a lot to the people watching.

This project was another reminder of how theater ties directly into S.T.E.A.M. I was using technology, engineering, and design thinking to support an artistic vision rooted in historical research and cultural awareness. It showed me how lighting isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. It’s how you set the tone, guide the audience, and give depth to the story being told.

Serving as the stage manager for Aladdin in my Production I class was more than just calling cues—it was about keeping the magic alive while adapting in real-time. Working with a cast made up largely of middle school students, I quickly learned the importance of patience, flexibility, and clear communication. Whether someone forgot a line, missed a cue, or entered too early, it was my job to adjust the flow without disrupting the entire production.

One of the biggest challenges was coordinating the booth and backstage crew to react quickly and efficiently to on-the-fly changes. If a middle school performer skipped part of a scene, I had to signal the lighting and sound operators to adjust cues instantly, while also communicating with stage crew to reposition props or prepare for the next transition. It became a constant balancing act—thinking two steps ahead, staying calm under pressure, and making sure the audience never saw a slip.

I worked closely with our director to rework run sheets, trained crew members to spot and adapt to common mistakes, and created backup plans for key scenes. Managing this production taught me how to lead a team with empathy and strategy, and how to problem-solve in real time while still supporting younger performers. It wasn’t always perfect, but by opening night, we had built a system that ran smoothly—even when things didn’t go according to script.