Carolina Ortiz Herrera

I am a New York-based lighting designer for theatre, opera, and dance. 

I tell stories through light to elevate the human experience to a universal language illuminating the complexity of our stories. In enigmatic and subtle ways, light manifests a dynamic language: visual, sculptural, emotional, and musical. Light is a living force transporting an audience to “stand at the threshold” where a new understanding of our collective experience is revealed. As a designer, I seek to transcend the ordinary presence of light to a level of universal connection.

As a Mexican immigrant, my artistic journey in the United States has been greatly influenced by the desire to disrupt the artificial constructs of my identity. Living at the intersection of two cultures is a constant source of resilience, adaptability, and change. This journey inspires my vision to create engaging, inclusive theatre showcasing the chorus of human voices on stage.

I am the lighting director and lighting designer for Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, and I worked as a lighting supervisor for the Santa Fe Opera during three seasons.

I am an organizing member of La Gente Network: The Latinx Theatre Design Network, a member of Wingspace Theatrical Design, and United Scenic Artists Local 829.

UPCOMING
American Mariachi  by José Cruz Gonzáles. Directed by KJ Sanchez.
Alley Theatre. September 2023.

Cruzar la Cara de la Luna  music by José “Pepe” Martinez. Lyrics by Leonard Foglia and José “Pepe” Martinez. Libretto by Leonard Foglia. Orchestration by David Hanlon. Directed by David Radamés Toro.
Minneapolis Opera. October 2023.