Who: Deb Lockwood, Lighting Design; Fred Kinney, Scenic; Katie Wilson and Hyun Sook Kim, Costume Design
School: California State University, Fullerton
City: Fullerton, California

What should a prospective student look for in a training program? And what qualities do you think candidates would find in your program that is different from others?

Deb Lockwood: A potential graduate student should look for:
-Professors that are teaching artists currently actively involved with creating theatre design, use current professional current methodologies & technology in their work.
-Geographic location-CSUF is freeway close to Los Angeles. Our location allows our faculty & students access to all perks of the proximity to the entertainment industry in our backyard such as many equipment rental houses and shopping in the international Los Angeles fabric district.
-We invite working professionals for guest lectures
-Faculty mentorship
-Potential entry level positions for students at South Coast Repertory Theatre, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, over-hire positions at professional production facilities.
-Internship opportunities.
-Visits to various performance venues in Southern California

Fred Kinney: Find a program that you feel comfortable with the faculty, a place you would feel like you’d enjoy spending 3 years of your life.
Our program offers –
I think we can talk about our proximity to actual employment opportunities & how the faculty is actively working in multiple areas. We regularly take our students to theatre events, TV sets and hire them for work.
Students can have a strong secondary area not just through classes but by designing in that area as well.
We offer a complement of classes others might not: Advanced Makeup, Automation, Show Control, Projection Design.
The number of design opportunities for students, I remember from URTAs that no other program offered as many, not even close.
The sheer success rate of our past students.

Katie Wilson: Students should look for a program that focuses on the skills that the individual student wishes to learn. I think it is easy to go to a school because of its reputation and because other people have recommended the program, but a student should find the program that is the right fit for them. Size of the school/department, specialty programs with in the design area, number of grad students, opportunity for the students to design/produce work, faculty and mentor ship are all important factors to consider.

Hyun Sook Kim: A prospect students should look for quality of design & technical education both in classes and production, which help him/her utilize the training in real professional theatre world, at the same time which help him/her grow as a theatre artist/practitioner with enhanced skills and knowledge.
Our program is a very active program and is different from others in the aspect of systematic course curriculum and professional training in productions. In the early stage of education, many students can take advantage in our program to develop their knowledge and skills in high-quality course curriculum and practical productions.

What is your favorite class and why? Or what has been your favorite production and why?

Deb Lockwood: My favorite class to teach is Automated Stage Lighting. We study the use of robotic lighting fixtures. I think the lighting design tools used in today’s professional practice has added a major leap forward in design techniques. It is amazing to shepherd the students through the process of learning how the using the automated features of the lights impacts every design choice.

Fred Kinney: For me, my favorite class is always the one I’m in & favorite production is the next one.

Katie Wilson: Currently my favorite class is my THTR 285 Theatrical makeup class (Also, currently my only class). It is interactive and creative. I enjoy demonstrating different makeup techniques for the students and watching them progress in their abilities.

What is your favorite thing about Fullerton?

Deb Lockwood: My favorite thing about CSUF is the people. Being part of this large department that is populated with so many interesting people. I also love living and working in southern California, so many activities to see & do, on & off campus.

Fred Kinney: I would say the “old school” feel of downtown Fullerton and the range of places to visit within an hour or less, world class beaches, Disneyland, Hollywood, the art scene of Downtown Los Angeles, the open spaces of San Bernardino County.

Katie Wilson: CSUF: I like the sense of community that the college has. It seems like everyone is very encouraging and will to help you find your way.
-Fullerton (city): I like that Fullerton is very eclectic and has a wide range of restaurants and cultures.

Hyun Sook Kim: Learning in classes and applying the practical knowledge and skills in the professionally produced productions.

Where is your favorite place to eat lunch or grab coffee near campus?

Deb Lockwood: I like to eat at Thai Basil & Panera. I also will meet with students at the Lazy Dog restaurant in Brea.

Fred Kinney: My favorite place near campus for lunch is Mr. BBQ-Korean Barbecue. Favorite place downtown Fullerton is Two Saucy Broads-Beer & Pizza Parlor.

Hyun Sook Kim: Panera or our Student Union.