Aja M. Jackson
Lighting Design
Aja M. Jackson is driven by an unyielding passion for her craft and a profound belief in light's capacity to enrich storytelling. Her journey spans diverse stages and artistic collaborations, embodying her commitment to crafting immersive experiences. She views lighting design not just as a job, but as an artistic mission to "shape an altered perspective, provoke contemplation, and create a world that exists only for a moment."
Her path encompasses the broad spectrum of the theatrical landscape, from the allure of Off-Broadway productions like "Rock and Roll Man" and "A Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet," to the regional theaters of the Huntington Theatre, Hartford Stage, and the American Repertory Theater. Extending her reach beyond conventional theater, Aja's collaboration with dance ensembles like Modern Connections and HoldTight further underscores her aim to elevate movement through her lighting.
Aja's artistic journey finds its roots in Nebraska, where she studied Dance Performance and Theatrical Design at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). This dual major uniquely equipped her to infuse light into movement. Her path led her to Boston University (BU), where she pursued her MFA in Lighting Design, refining her skills and deepening her understanding of light's symbiotic relationship with narrative.
Aja's commitment to education led her to teach at Boston University, where she shares her expertise and passion with budding lighting students. Additionally, her role as Board Chair of Brighter Boston, an internship program that trains high school students in event production, highlights her dedication to fostering creativity and artistic growth. Proudly affiliated with USA 829.
A Thought on Light:
Lighting design is more than a job, for me, it is a passion. I believe lighting to be one of the fundamental parts of storytelling and interaction. Stories are often shaped by light. From thrillers told by fireside and flashlights to holiday dinners with warm white lights dangling outside of the windows. Lighting reveals and shapes every story. With lighting design, I desire to demonstrate an altered view, motivate thought, and create a world that can exist only for a moment. I aim to push the boundaries of conventional lighting to create light that looks and feels beautiful and immersive.
Some of the companies that I am and have been a part of include:
BOSTON
American Repertory Theatre
Boston Ballet
Huntington Theatre Company
Boston Lyric Opera
Lyric Stage
Off The Grid Theatre
Boston Playwrights Theatre
Company One
Brighter Boston
NEW YORK
59E59 Theatre New York, NY
The Public Theater
The Lighting Design Group
The Time Center - New York Times
Erin Pryor Dance Theatre
DENVER
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
SANTA FE
The Santa Fe Opera
NEBRASKA
Omaha Playhouse
Nebraska Theatre Caravan
Angels Theatre Company
USITT UNL Student Chapter
MCC Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Program
Hixion-Lied School of Music Dance Program
Johnny Carson School Of Theatre and Film
Opera Omaha
American College Dance Festival
Kennedy Center's American College Theatre Festival Region V