#BehindtheCurtain: Get to Know Michelle Miles
This week, in the latest installment of our behind the curtain blog, we are so excited to swing the spotlight around and highlight the incredibly talented Michelle Miles! Michelle has been working with SDMT since 2018 and is our resident Lighting Designer and Master Electrician, so she normally stays behind the lights, but not this week! We are so grateful for all of the hard work and creativity that goes into lighting our productions, and we can’t think of anyone else we would rather have as a part of the SDMT family. Having worked in technical theatre since she was about twelve, her wealth of knowledge and experience is clearly evident in what she does. Our current production of Plaid Tidings is Michelle’s 23rd production with us here at SDMT! This week, we were able to sit down with Michelle to ask her a bit more about herself and her work, so keep reading below to find out her answers! Also, we’ve included photos from some of our past productions Michelle has worked on. If you’d like to see her work in person, make sure you get your tickets to see Plaid Tidings running now until December 24th on the SDMT Stage!
How long have you been working at SDMT? Also, how long have you been working as a lighting designer in general?
I have worked with SDMT since 2018; Plaid Tidings is the 23rd production I have been Master Electrician and Lighting Designer for with the company. My first ever Lighting Design was a production of Footloose in The Mission Theatre in 2012.
What’s your favorite part about your job? And on the flip side, what’s the most challenging part about it?
The best part about working in technical theatre is that there is always a new challenge, and so many opportunities to solve problems in creative ways. I really love that aspect of my job.
My biggest challenges (which I’m sure some share) are time and space. At opening night I often feel the pang of “I wish I could improve that one moment” or “That would look so much better if the lights could be hung higher”.
Outside of your work here, what are some of your hobbies and interests?
I love to travel! Whether hiking local trails or exploring new countries, I am humbled by the beauty and depth of the world. There is always something new to see, a new culture to experience. “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” -Henry Miller
Do you have a favorite production you’ve ever worked on/are the most proud of?
This year’s Plaid Tidings has been exceptionally pleasant and satisfying to work on. Thank you to everyone in the cast and production team for being so delightful to work with, and for your dedication to excellence in your craft.
What’s a dream show that you would love to design lights for?
Hadestown! I was introduced to the musical during the pandemic and have since fallen in love. I hope by the time rights are released I’ll have the skill to do this beautiful production justice!
If you weren’t working as a lighting designer, what would you want to be doing?
I’d have to say either power engineering or power maintenance. I have a strong curiosity for how electricity works on a city-wide scale, and I love heights. More than once I’ve found myself waiting at an intersection, staring at a technician 20 feet up in a boom lift as they work on a street light or power line and thinking “Hell yes, that looks like fun. I bet the view is great from up there!”
Photo by Heather Longfellow
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone hoping to pursue a career in the technical side of theatre?
Collaborate! Working together is the most necessary and often the most fun part of working in theatre. I wouldn’t be here if not for the wonderful co-workers I’ve collaborated with. Learning to do this well is crucial to succeed in this career!
Plaid Tidings Creative Team:
Director & Musical Staging: Jon Sangster
Music Director: Richard Dueñez Morrison
CLICK HERE to buy tickets!
