Cristo Montañez (he/him) is a Mexican-American lighting designer currently attending the MFA program at the University of California, Los Angeles. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts focusing on Technical Theatre from CSU Stanislaus. During his time at Stanislaus, he quickly made a name for himself within his local theatre community since his lighting debut in late 2021 with the student production of Past Forward. His commitment to his craft has led to a range of professional opportunities and earned him the 2023-2024 Willie Award for Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical for Cabaret at the Stockton Civic Theatre. Following this achievement three of Cristo's design were nominated for the Broadway World Sacramento Awards for Best Lighting Design, including Cabaret, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Woyzeck.
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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