StageCraft Workshop Series
Join NYC-based designers Christopher Brusberg and Rochele Mac for a week of engaging workshops in Kodiak, AK. Christopher, a lighting designer and production manager, has worked on over 300 productions across the country. Rochele, a scenic designer and digital renderer, has worked extensively with Tony Award–winning Derek McLane on Broadway and the Met Gala. Together, they’ll lead seven hands-on workshops exploring the creative and technical sides of theatrical design. These workshops brought to you by the Kodiak Arts Council and FairWinds Players.
Christopher Brusberg
Rochele Mac
The Art in Design
Monday, September 15
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Open to All
Chris and Rochele introduce themselves to the Kodiak community as they share their process and work as designers, examining the process of four projects and how they went from sketch to stage, while looking at the increasing use of the digital world in the onstage.
Fishes in the Water:
Lighting Principles for Dance
Tuesday, September 16
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Open to All
Building on Jean Rosenthal’s iconic idea that “dancers live in light as fish live in water,” this session explores how lighting can transform and deepen the impact of dance. We’ll break down the core elements of lighting design—color, angle, intensity, and timing—and discover how each can influence movement, shape space, and evoke emotion. Through examples, discussion, and practical insight, participants will gain a clearer understanding of how lighting can enhance storytelling, sharpen intention, and support the body’s expression in motion.
Pigment and Light - Color Theory:
The bridge between physics and emotion
Thursday, September 18
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Open to All
Chris and Rochele lead a vibrant exploration of color theory and its impact on theatrical design. This session will guide participants through the psychological and emotional effects of color, demonstrating how strategic use of color can elevate dramatic tension and enrich storytelling in theater.
Board Basics:
Programming Made Simple (Beginner)
Friday, September 19
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Step into the world of lighting control with this beginner-friendly workshop—no prior tech experience required! Through simple demos and guided practice, you’ll learn how to turn on lights, record cues, and run a show with confidence. We’ll demystify technical jargon, explain how boards “think,” and give you the tools to operate lighting equipment smoothly and effectively.
From Flat to Fabulous:
Intro to Scenic Painting Tools
Saturday, September 20
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Ages 16+, Class limit 10
Cost $20
Join scenic designer Rochele Mac for a hands-on introduction to the tools, materials, and techniques of scenic painting. In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will explore the essential brushes, rollers, and specialty tools used in the field, learning how to handle each with confidence. Through demonstrations and guided practice, you'll gain a foundational understanding of paint application, surface preparation, and texture techniques commonly used to bring theatrical environments to life.
Get a Grip:
Rigging Basics for the Reluctant Rigger
Saturday, September 20
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Ages 16+, Class limit 10
Cost $20
Nervous around knots, shackles, or fly systems? This beginner-friendly class is designed to demystify theatrical rigging and build your confidence working safely and effectively. We'll cover the essential tools, hardware, terminology, and basic systems used to hang and move scenery. This hands-on workshop will give you the foundational knowledge to get a grip—literally.
Board Programming
(Intermediate)
Saturday, September 20
3:30 pm- 5:30 pm
Ages 16+, Class limit 6 (must have prior board experience )
Cost $20
Elevate your lighting design skills in this intermediate workshop focused on EOS-based programming. Participants will gain an understanding of efficient programming techniques and explore sophisticated features of EOS boards that streamline the design process.
Registration is through our Sawyer platform. To view all classes in Sawyer, click HERE . If a class is full, please join the waitlist. We may be able to add another session if there is enough interest. Call 907.942.5840 or email info@kodiakarts.org for questions and assistance with registering.
Instructor Bios:
Christopher Brusberg is a New York City-based designer and production manager with experience on over 300 productions, working coast to coast. His work spans lighting design, assistant design, production management, electrics, and board operation. Christopher’s design approach centers on collaboration and storytelling, using light to heighten conflict and deepen dramatic impact. Christopher is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local USA829, the union representing designers and scenic artists in the United States. Christopher holds an MFA from the University of Maryland, studying under Tony-Award-winning designer Brian MacDevitt.
Rochele Mac is a scenic designer based in New York City. Over the past five years, she has worked as an associate and assistant to Tony-Award-winning scenic designer Derek McLane on a wide range of projects on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Regional Theaters across the US. Beyond theater, for the past three years, she has also served as McLane’s principal associate designer on the design of the Met Gala. In addition to her work at Derek McLane’s studio, Rochele has designed for several companies along the East Coast and works as a digital renderer for events and commercials. Rochele holds an MFA from the University of Maryland, studying under Dan Conway and Misha Kachman.