In this episode of At the Barre with Madison Ballet, host Chris Fahrenthold sits down Julie Ballard, lighting designer for Madison Ballet’s upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde, to learn how lighting brings a story to life on stage.

Julie shares her unexpected path into technical theater, from studying to become a juvenile probation officer to discovering stage management and eventually earning her MFA in lighting design. She explains what makes lighting for dance unique and the many decisions that go into creating the visual world of a production.

We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process for Madison Ballet’s upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde, including how lighting and video projections work together to support the story.

Key points in this episode:

• What makes lighting for dance unique (as opposed to lighting for a play or opera)
• The creative process behind Madison Ballet’s Jekyll & Hyde, including the use of lighting, video projections, and physical set pieces.
• How music informs lighting choices, including color, brightness, and atmosphere.
• The importance of collaboration and trust between lighting designers and choreographers.
• What happens during tech week, from programming lighting cues to making adjustments based on feedback.
• How lighting designers collaborate with costume designers and other production team members to bring an artistic vision to life.
• Advice for aspiring lighting designers, including getting involved in community theater, shadowing professionals, assisting on productions, and learning lighting technology.

See JEKYLL & HYDE @ Madison Youth Arts Center October 29 - November 1, 2026

https://www.madisonballet.org/jekyll-hyde-info

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Madison Ballet Website: madisonballet.org

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Questions/comments? Email us at outreach@madisonballet.org

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Dana Sheldon

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

JULIE HEADSHOT: Todd Rosenberg