Step into the world of theatrical design with award-winning Okanagan designer Ryan Grenier and Okanagan-based stage manager and designer Sophie Jarvis, as they guide you through how light, media, and atmosphere bring a story to life. Hosted in the fully equipped OKM Theatre in Kelowna, this expanded, hands-on workshop now includes moving lights, haze, patching consoles, and deeper QLab exploration.

This immersive 3-hour session explores how lighting, projections, and QLab work together to craft the visual and emotional landscape of a play. With access to real equipment and guidance from two experienced theatre artists, participants will gain practical experience in:

Participants will explore:

  • The fundamentals of theatrical lighting: fixtures, focus, color, cueing, and design principles
  • Working with moving lights: programming, movement paths, effects, and creative storytelling possibilities
  • Using haze atmospherically: enhancing beams, visibility, mood, and spatial depth
  • Patching and setup: hands-on experience with lighting consoles, addressing, universes, and workflow
  • Projection design basics: surfaces, mapping, media selection, and integrating video into live performance
  • Advanced QLab practice: audio, video, and projection cue integration; routing; MIDI/OSC; and show-control workflows
  • Building and programming cues for transitions, effects, and real-time playback
  • Collaborating across departments to craft a unified design vision
  • Creating dynamic visual environments that support mood, time, place, and narrative
  • Perfect for emerging designers, technicians, directors, stage managers, students, and theatre artists curious about the creative use of lighting and media.

Details:

Date: January 18, 2026

Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Location: OKM Theatre – 4544 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC

Duration: 3 hours

Experience Level: All levels welcome (no prior QLab or console experience needed)

What to Bring:

Comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, a laptop with QLab (if possible), and your imagination!