Cristo Montañez (he/him) is a Mexican-American lighting designer with a growing interest in photography, currently pursuing his MFA in Lighting Design at the University of California, Los Angeles. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts with an emphasis on Technical Theatre from CSU Stanislaus.
Cristo’s lighting journey began in 2021 with Past Forward, a student production that marked his debut and quickly established his presence in the Central Valley theatre community. Since then, his dedication to visual storytelling has led to a range of professional opportunities and recognition, including the 2023–2024 Willie Award for Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical (Cabaret, Stockton Civic Theatre). His designs for Cabaret, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Woyzeck were also nominated for Best Lighting Design in the Broadway World Sacramento Awards.
In addition to his work in theater, Cristo has begun exploring photography as a way to engage with light and narrative beyond the stage. His photography captures the quiet, often unnoticed moments in life that people tend to overlook. Those small glimpses of beauty, melancholy, or wonder that tend to fade too quickly. Whether behind the lighting console or the lens, Cristo’s work invites viewers to slow down, look closer, and feel more deeply.
Artistic Statement
Each of us sees the world through a unique lens, shaped by our own experiences and beliefs. I draw upon my experience of the world to influence my lighting, helping to create vivid expressions of emotions. For me, lighting is not just about setting the time of day or enhancing visual appeal. It’s a way to convey personal narratives and emotions, using color and texture to shape the stage and bring characters to life. I aim for this approach to help audiences connect more deeply with the story, allowing the lighting to resonate with them on a personal level.
The sense of fulfillment I gain from lighting design is matched by the joy of collaborating with others on a production. Theatre is a space where meaningful connections are forged. It has helped me overcome my indecisiveness by allowing me to express parts of myself I might otherwise keep hidden. I am driven to continue telling impactful stories that not only resonate with audiences but also inspire them to engage with and contribute to their communities.
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