Commissions
Lighting Commission Seeks Info for Polokov Retrospective
Members of the Lighting Design & Technology Commission are looking for input to honor legendary lighting designer and educator Lester Polokov in a retrospective for publication and a session at USITT 2017.
Commission Member Jim Streeter is spearheading a group who attended or had some relationship with the Studio and Forum of Stage Design created by Polokov.
The Studio and Forum of Stage Design, sometimes shortened by its students to “Polokov’s,” was a leader in bringing a full curriculum for conceptual designers into a single school. Valérie C. Kaelin, in her article “Roots: Lester Polokov,” described Polokov’s legacy as “transmission of mind.” This references his powerful influence on his students and colleagues alike. Kaelin describes his work as revolutionary and said it has had a lasting effect that must be documented and shared.
Streeter, production manager at Princeton University’s Film and Performance Theatre is a self proclaimed, proud alumnus of the Polokov School.
“I would like to bring former students and instructors together to get their remembrances, photos and any other items from the original school,” says Mr. Streeter. His intention is to develop an article and USITT session by 2017 and possibly create a retrospective book by 2018 tol correspond with the former school’s 60th anniversary.
Anyone connected with the Polokov School who has ideas, remembrances, or stories is asked to attend the Lighting Commission meeting 8 a.m. Friday, March 19 at USITT 2016 in Salt Lake City. Snacks will be provided.
For more information on Polokov, read his book, We Live to (Fly) Paint Again (Logbooks Press, 1993).
