Meet Chris - My time as a rising PCA&D junior
We speak with Live Experience Design & Production student Chris McKinney about his studies over the past two years.
Chris McKinney grew up in the world of live entertainment, spending time at Main Light LLC where his father worked, and where Chris was able to get hands-on experience from a young age. Now a rising PCA&D junior on the BFA Live Experience Design & Production program, Chris is focusing on lighting and visual design. From interning at 4Wall Entertainment to lighting student concerts, he's taking every opportunity to grow his skills and network in the industry.
I always have a smile on my face when I'm surrounded by lights
What did you do before studying Live Experience Design & Production?
I grew up in the live entertainment industry. My father works for Main Light LLC and since I was old enough to walk, I would go into the shop with him any chance I got. I would go out to the warehouse and load trucks, and help test lights. Once I was old enough, I got a job at Main Light that I kept through high school. In high school, I also participated in teching my school’s theatrical productions. Growing up around lighting inspired me to join the LiveX programme with PCA&D and ALT, and pursue a career in this industry.
What’s your favourite part about studying Live Experience Design & Production?
Lighting. It doesn’t matter if I’m just hanging a plot or programming and designing, I always have a smile on my face and have the most fun when surrounded by lights. As a rising junior, I'm planning to focus my academic studies on lighting and visuals.
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ALT & MU concert
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ALT & MU concert
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Lighting for the ALT & MU concert
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Lighting for the ALT & MU concert
4Wall camera
4Wall camera
Singers at the ALT & MU concert
Singers at the ALT & MU concert
ALT & MU concert
ALT & MU concert
Lighting for the ALT & MU concert
Lighting for the ALT & MU concert
4Wall camera
4Wall camera
Singers at the ALT & MU concert
Singers at the ALT & MU concert
What’s been your favourite project to work on so far?
I enjoyed producing our concert in partnership with Millersville University and some of their student bands. I had the privilege of being the Lighting Designer for the show, so I designed the plot in Vectorworks and then gave creative direction to the programmers for each band.
Is there a dream project or collaboration you’d like to work on?
It would be amazing to one day to design or program lights for a bigger artist like the Foo Fighters or Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
What advice would you give someone who wants to study BFA Live Experience Design & Production?
Take every opportunity you're given. Taking opportunities allows you to not only grow your resume but also expand your network. Networking is so important in this industry because connections are what get you gigs.
One opportunity I've taken in my time on the LiveX programme, is interning at 4Wall Entertainment. 4Wall has given me a good understanding of shop flow and the process of what it takes to prepare in advance for a tour, even before getting into rehearsal studios. I have also gained connections with so many great people at 4Wall.
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