Noemi Ybarra fell in love with lighting design over twenty-five years ago, when she was NOT cast in any of her local Civic Theatre productions. She volunteered to run lights, was given plenty of help and instruction, and designed her first show that season. Since then she has obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre from Western Michigan University, worked for many theatres, and designed lights for numerous plays, art installations, dance and music concerts. She apprenticed at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, spent a year as Facilities Coordinator for the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and worked in stage and production management for the University Musical Society of the University of Michigan. For several years, she lighted an awful lot of cars. Noemi's years of lighting experience in various interesting venues have given her a unique insight into the demands and complications of designing places of public assembly. She strives to keep facilities simple but flexible, practical but able to fully support artistic creativity. Noemi keeps current in the world of lighting design by continuing to do freelance work. She feels this helps her to maintain contact with the everyday theatrical world and to implement the new tools and ideas that Jones & Phillips incorporates into their designs. |