Meet Jade Wolff

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jade Wolff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jade below.

Jade, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I am a multi-racial, feminine identifying, generation- Z lighting designer, So I tend to regularly be the minority in a room. I am also very soft spoken so it’s hard to really push my self into the spotlight (no pun intended), but my creativity tends to be the aspect that people will immediately recognize. I tend to work well collaboratively and help enhance others ideas while still retaining mine. I love helping others achieve the world building aesthetic dreams with a touch of light and color and my work speaks for itself.

That aspect has helped me have some pride in that I can contribute needed enhancements to other projects that I may only have a small role in. I really let my effort and the end product speak for my successes.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a Live Lighting and Stage technician in the Baltimore- Washington DC Area. I grew up in Baltimore MD with my three siblings for two decades. I attended The Baltimore School for the Arts for Stage Design & Production and then attended the University of Southern California, School of Dramatic Arts and achieved my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with an Emphasis in Lighting Design. I have designed 5+ productions including: The Odyssey, Nora: A Doll’s House, The Winters Tale and Fire At The Edge of the Earth.

Lighting is something that brings everything together in a nice bow after the costumes, sets and sound has been built and completed. I bring the focus to specific spots and enhance the mood based on intensity and color choices of the moment. It can really sway and affects how the audience will perceive the work they see whether is a musical, straight play, ballet or concert.

Its a vital part of daily life in the 21st century, everyone needs just a little light in their lives.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think the three most important aspects for me are: Resilience, Creativity and the ability to collaborate. Live entertainment is collaborative, not just with the designers but with the audience. I can try to make it a certain way but the Audience is the one who ultimately choose what it means to them.

For some who is getting started I would remind them that the ability to work well with others is vital in this age. People have so many ideas and ultimately want to make something amazing. In entertainment whether that is live or a movie it is always evolving and changing how it is done. Be ready to talk about ideas and how you can effectively make it something that you and your collaborators are proud of!

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

I have just recently graduated from the University of Southern California, it’ll be a year now: I was the class of 2023, and its a bit difficult being so young because a lot of people don’t think you have enough experience in your field. In some aspects it’s quite true. Finding a place where I can both be okay with learning more but also not feel ridiculed for not knowing enough.

Many people in generation Z are either just a few years in or are just breaking into the workforce and it’s definitely a bit of a whiplash from college. But I’m ready to actually to learn and make a name for myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: jawolfflighting

Image Credits

First: Photos by Reza Allahbakhshi/Capture Imaging for the USC School of Dramatic Arts
Second Set: Craig Schwartz for the USC School of Dramatic Arts.
Third: Photos by Brian Feinzimer/Capture Imaging for the USC School of Dramatic Arts.
Forth Set: Photos by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging
Fifth: Kate Schaaf