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
Native Gardens  by Karen Zacarías. Directed by Sylvia Cervantes Blush. Dallas Theater Center. February 2022.

Born with Teeth  by Liz Duffy Adams. Directed by Rob Melrose. Guthrie Theater. March 2022.

Good Night, Oscar  by Doug Wright. Directed by Lisa Peterson. Broadway: Belasco Theater. April 2022.