Share with Me Saturdays - Alex Perry Part 1

Greetings, all! This week, I introduce you to Alex Perry, resident lighting/scenic/technical designer for Egads! Theatre Company, currently in production for "Godspell the Musical" at Off-Center Theatre in Crown Center.

Photo Credit: Sandy Woodson

We met in 2010 when I was on crew for Egads!' production of "Valhalla." I was greeted warmly...and then immediately introduced to the air compressor tanks and put to work. Every day we had to fill an air tank for this set piece that needed to be freely flung around the stage and then easily/quietly/quickly put on brakes...air-activated brakes, apparently.

Alex is always happy to explain clearly what your task is, and then trust you completely to carry out that task in his absence. Even when your stage background is "that girl who sweeps the stage sometimes." You can't help but do the best job you can when people have faith in you. Alex has also tried multiple times to teach me the proper way to wind cables/cords. Someday I'll do it correctly. Someday.

Q1: Hi! What's your favorite pizza topping?

Pineapple.

Q2: What project/business/profession are you sharing with me today?

Lighting Design. [Classy edit: He's currently the lighting designer for Egads! and Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City.]

Q3: How did you join this project/business? Did you create it, or get hired in, or....?

Yes?

Q4: What's the most rewarding part of this project/business for you?

I haven't put a lot of thought into that in a while. I like the Creativity. The finished product. There's nothing more satisfying than a well-timed light cue.

Q5: What part of this project/business makes you want to throw things out of anger or frustration? Be vague if you have to. It's OK.

People involved in the production not doing their job or not doing it well. Also unreasonable expectations.

Q6: Do you ever question if this is what you are supposed to be doing in life? Do you feel like you are on a good journey with your project/business...at least for now?

I only question if I should stop doing other things so I can do this more.

Q7: Do you think you are getting any better at what you are doing? Does it matter?

I learn something new in every production ... Or I think I do.

Q8: What do you love most about existence right now? I mean this in the broadest sense possible. Or whatever sense you want to interpret that in, I don't care.

Isabel. [Classy: His daughter. Who is quite adorable, by the way. Ahem. Anyway.]

Q9: How is that love reflected in your project/business?

It isn't. Can't support a family on lighting design.

Q10: Where can we read more about you and what you do?

Reviews when we get them I guess.


Next Saturday is Part 2 - Our dabble session.

-C McG