For many, lighting seems like a small part of a theater production. However, for Ipsi Vasipalli (‘25), the lighting designer for Green Hope’s spring musical “9 to 5,” lighting plays a profound role in delivering a story, providing a guide for an audience’s attention, setting a mood in a story through symbolism in colors, shapes, pools, and undertones.
Vasipalli’s love for theatre began in middle school after one of her friends introduced her to the musical “Hamilton.” Her love for film encouraged her to take Theater 1 and 2 at Green Hope, as well as participate in the Theatre Company’s productions. Since freshman year, her passion for theater pushed her to participate in 12 different shows.
She credits her love of theater to the creativity and collaboration from all aspects of theater that brings a story to life on stage. In an interview with the GH Falcon, she said, “The best moments in theater come on opening night, when everyone has worked so hard for months. Everyone’s exhausted yet excited, and once that first scene opens the show, it’s almost like a flame is lit; it’s a very cathartic experience, being able to channel a character or help a character tell their story to hundreds of people.”
As the lighting designer for “9 to 5,” Vasipalli takes lead in creating the visuals of the production, transforming flat sets into dimensional environments. “With every show that I design, I take from all different techniques and concepts. Designing is never a linear or one-sided thing… it’s not one-size-fits-all, so I always work with my team and experiment with different colors, patterns and movements.” Starting off with understanding the plot of the story, Vasipalli and her team divide the show by scenes to determine the appropriate mood. As rehearsals go on, the lighting department finalizes their work and ensure that their designs best deliver the narrative of the play or musical. On show days, the department finally presents their work to the audience.
As a leader, Vasipalli also takes a similar approach to guiding her department. “In freshman year, for the drama club show, I was given lighting designer without any prior experience. I was terrified and did not know much about lighting or almost anything in technical theatre. Thankfully, there were very nice, encouraging and helpful upperclassmen who taught me the intricacies of stage lighting, and it was their patience and kindness that helped me get to where I am today.” Vasipalli hopes to reciprocate the same attributes from her predecessors to her assistants.
Lighting is a very special and specific aspect of technical theater, as many often have no prior experience of working in this environment. As opposed to set, makeup, or paint, where technicians often have prior experience working in those areas coming into theater, lighting is commonly a very foreign job for technicians. “As with being the lighting head, the way that I lead my group is very multidimensional. I always look at my technicians’ needs and where they may be lacking, and I always try to help them and best meet their needs.”
As showday arrives, Vasipalli explains the value of a show. “A show is a demonstration of months of hard work and dedication. Everyone is so passionate about what they do, and they’re so willing to do everything they can to deliver the best show possible.” She elaborates how shows are a celebration of the arts, and they get to showcase a different side of the Green Hope community. “Theater offers a place for anyone to share their story, and I think that’s beautiful. Many often don’t feel seen or represented, but in theatre, the possibilities are endless and there is space for everyone.”
Aside from showing the work that students put into a show, a play or musical also shares important messages to audiences such as the importance of friendship and determination. “Specifically in ‘9 to 5,’ this show shares strong feminist messages. This is a show that empowers women, as it’s set in a time where women were not that prevalent in the workplace; it’s a story fighting for fair pay and equal treatment of women in the workplace,” explains Vasipalli. She shares the significance of 9 to 5, “in the past, the musicals were all very family-oriented, showy and fun, but with this show [9 to 5], it’s a show that shares a profound and important message among our peers.”
After months of dedication, rehearsals and labor, Vasipalli looks forward to showing Green Hope’s spring musical, “9 to 5” to audiences. Vasipalli invites the audiences to enjoy “9 to 5,” showing April 18-20 with nightly productions.
