Max Juan-Balch (MA Collaborative Theatre Production & Design)

Biography

Specialist Area: Lighting Design

What's been your highlight during your time at Guildhall?

My highlight has been collaborating with the other creatives on my course, using our joint skills to create meaningful work. In particular, a great collaborative experience was co-designing the lighting for Residue. It was amazing to work in a studio space which allowed lights to be rigged almost anywhere, as this made me really consider the best placement for each light and its purpose.

I also especially enjoyed researching colour theory and metamers in my research project. It helped me to develop a deeper understanding of how to work with colour and LEDs. I am looking forward to applying this to the lighting design in our final project, The Kind of Flag I Would Make.

What's been your highlight in the industry?

My highlight has been working as stage LX on panto, Snow White, at New Victoria Theatre in Woking this Christmas. I worked with pyrotechnics and maintained haze and low fog machines whilst also assisting in rig checks and maintenance.

I am excited to be currently working as the technical co-ordinator and lighting designer on Run Rabbit Run, a dance and aerial show. It has been great to be involved during the early creation stages of the show and work with the creative team to bring together the technical design elements of the show. I am looking forward to the show opening in August 2022.

What other passions and projects have you enjoyed exploring during your time at Guildhall?

I enjoyed working across different technical disciplines, learning to work in different spaces and design for different audiences and performance types. It was great to go along the whole spectrum - from working with a full lighting rig in the first project, to using lighting to bring to life a touring puppet show in a suitcase.

What's something you've learned that you feel will help you when you graduate?

I have learnt how to be effective when collaborating and work well with other creatives to meet deadlines and produce theatre. These skills will be key for my career in the industry, as I have developed my creativity and inventiveness meaning I can produce innovative solutions. Matched with my technical skills I feel I have an ideal grounding to now go and work in the industry full-time.

What area are you most interested in working in after you graduate?

I am looking forward to working in theatre lighting in London full time. I am most interested in becoming an Assistant Lighting Designer after graduating to continue to learn and develop my lighting design skills. I hope to continue to work of a range of shows, as my Masters has set a great foundation for working within puppetry, circus and traditional theatre.

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