Laurel Shoemaker

Laurel has been working in the performing arts as a lighting designer and theater artist for 30 years.  Currently residing in Lincoln, Nebraska, she is a freelance designer and Assistant Professor in Theatre Lighting for the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, (JCSTF)University of Nebraska.

Credits include productions with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street 2, the Chicago Dancing Festival, the Joyce Soho (with Charlotte Adams) the University of Iowa, corporate work for Microsoft with Yeager Design and the University of Nebraska.

Specific design credits include: Flipside, The Patti Page Story – Lighting (Off Broadway at the 59 East 59^th Street Theatre.  The Marriage of Figaro – Lighting (Winner of the 2002 National Opera Association Award for Best Production) produced by the Martha Ellen Tye Opera Theatre at UIOWA.  Dead Man Walking – Scenery (Winner of the 2008 National Opera Association Award for Best Production).  Street Scene – Scenery (Winner of the 2001 National Opera Association Award for Best Production).  Cosi Fan Tutte – Lighting (Winner of the 1998 National Opera Association Award for Best Production).  The Most Happy Fella (Winner of Best Sets at the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera ’07.  All produced by the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.  She also designed the lighting for Abigail 1702 and Avenue Q for The Nebraska Rep (JCSTF’s professional production company).  Laurel has recently branched out into Corporate Lighting work with Yeager Design, lighting conference areas at Microsoft Inspire/Ready in Las Vegas.

A native of California, Laurel has trained at the University of Nebraska, Florida State University and early in her career was mentored by Pat Simmons.  She is a proud member of United Scenic Artists 829.

MFA – Florida State University, Lighting Design

BFA – University of Nebraska, Theatrical Design