Lighting

I have over thirty years of creative experience, including lighting, sound and set design, I am still a performer at heart and my earlier experiences as a theatre person continue to serve me well. I always view each design element as a performer also. I strive for magic in everything I do. Nothing is more personally rewarding than when the "awe" that is created behind the scenes is absorbed as part of the whole and the audience is caught up in the complete experience no one part of any production (technical or performing) should be more or less than the "whole" of the complete theatrical experience.

Technical arts can set the mood, portray an emotion or even direct the audience along a particular path. I strive to bring the audience into the proper frame of mind to become a part of the production, show, or church service. Sometimes, it should just take your breath away and all you can say is wow. But more often it shouldn’t call attention to itself, but rather create the proper atmosphere for what is being portrayed.

I am a full-time stage technician at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, as a Lighting Programmer, sound engineer, and all around stage tech.

BACK STORY

Life of Sutherland

At four years old, I was diagnosed as dyslexic. Subsequently, I started to learn magic to help my hand-eye coordination and to learn how to follow directions. I also started dance classes to help me learn how to walk and move on and off stage. Beginning in 1973, I began performing all around the Los Angeles area and throughout the state. I have been a magician, both amateur and professional, a singer/dancer with Starmakers, Pacific Singers and Young Americans. My performance portfolio includes TV shows and magic related videos.

My theatrical career began as a performer in 1980 and grew from there. As I performed on various venues, stages and TV shows, I began to realize all the "real work" was behind the lights, sets and microphones, and my love of the technical side of performing was born. My design experience has grown to include theatrical productions, tours, concerts, corporate and industrial presentations, private parties, theme parks,premieres, installations and special events.

As a Christian, I feel fortunate to be able to illuminate the word of God in everything I do and live everyday under God's inspiration. I am based in Southern California, USA but I’m available for work internationally.

I invite you to explore my website.....