A while ago I met a fellow who I feel I touched. Uhm... don't take that the wrong way. I mean, I met a guy who I helped shape into what he is now-- partially, of course. What I mean to say, is he would be different in at least one aspect if it weren't for me. I would be different, too if I had never known him. I don't even remember how we met. He probably remembers, but I don't see that as an important detail. What is important is that the course of both our lives has (have been?) changed for knowing the other. What is important is the times we spent together outside of the studio. We are going to call him "Fellow A". He is continuing with lighting because of me. Obviously I didn't cause him to enjoy lighting tech more than any other type of theater tech, but I did show him the ropes, and I did enjoy leading him around more than any other student. He has worked with me on several projects, more than half he received only praise and in rare cases; a listing in the credits as "Assistant Lighting Designer-- Fellow A".But this blog isn't about showing how I touch people, it is about how people can touch me and the readers get a front row seat (in his case a backstage pass.) I would not be as successful today as I am if it weren't for him. Really, he gave me the undoubting trust that I needed. Sometimes it was as simple as "Uhm... that looks even... I think... uhm... I don't think anyone will notice." Other times he deciphering my crazy magic sheets (they are paperwork that lists a bunch of important lighting data) was just what I needed while a director breathed down my neck.
Needless to say, our friendship isn't just about lighting, but this post is already too long.
Moral: A line stolen from the musical, "Wicked": Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.
