The lighting design and technology program in the Diederich College's Department of Digital Media and Performing Arts continues to grow and advance. Thanks to generous gifts from the Alvin and Marion Birnschein Foundation and the Evan P. and Marion Helfaer Foundation, the Helfaer Theatre has undergone a complete replacement and upgrade of the lighting instrumentationproviding state-of-the-art technology. The new inventory includes a full replacement of equipment and instrumentation with new ETC lighting control systems and instrumentation and the addition of Ocean Optics Seachangers and Robe Colorspot intelligent fixtures.<br><br>This all means you gain true hands-on experience in the lighting area. Students serve as electricians, master electricians, assistant designers and lighting designers on the departmental productions. Most productions are designed by students, working closely with faculty. The faculty members guide you in developing your craft and creating aesthetically brilliant, artistically challenging and dramatically appropriate lighting in our productions. Our student designers have received a number of KCACTF Certificate of Merit citations for their lighting design work on productions. Many of our lighting designers and technicians have graduated and moved on to work with theatre and dance companies in Chicago, New York and Hollywood.