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ABOUT

Jessica is a multi-faceted creator and designer who enjoys designing for theater, opera, dance, and architecture. She holds a B.S. in Animal Science and a B.F.A. in Theatre from the University of Rhode Island and an M.F.A. in Lighting Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

 

Originally from Rhode Island, Jess grew up with the passion and drive to become a veterinarian. However, she realized through participating in theatre in high school and in her undergrad that her true passions lie in the theatrical design setting.  Now, Jess uses her theatrical skills to explore new disciplines of theatre, opera, and dance and architecture. She will often be snapping photos of interesting lighting looks that she sees in the world around her, hoping to one day use them onstage when something calls for it. 

When she isn't actively participating in theatre, you can find her watching an episode of Jeopardy!, playing tennis, or trying out a new recipe that she has had her eye on.  Jess is also an avid foodie, plant and animal lover, and will always try out a new restaurant. 

Jessica currently works as a Designer at Lightswitch, an international lighting, media, and visual design firm. 

UPCOMING WORKS

GUYS & DOLLS

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND | APR 2025

Dir. JIMMY CALITRI

EDUCATION

B.F.A. IN THEATRE

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND - 2019

B.S. IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND - 2019

M.F.A. IN LIGHTING DESIGN

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY - ANTICIPATED GRADUATION SPRING 2024

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2023 - Barbizon Lighting Company Jonathon Resnick Lighting Design Award

           Nominated by Mary Ellen Stebbins, USITT

2022 - Best Lighting Design of a Play or Musical (Professional), BWW Central NY 

           Nominated for Kiss Me, Kate!

2020 - 2020 Merit Award for Lighting Design, KCACTF

           Award given for A Little Night Music

2019 - Lighting Design - Independent, Motif Magazine

           Award given for Shakespeare in Love

         - KCACTF Nominee for Light Design, KCACTF

           Nominated for A Little Night Music

2018 - Lighting Design - College, Motif Magazine

           Award given for Eurydice

         - KCACTF Nominee for Light Design, KCACTF

           Nominated for Mary Poppins

         - KCACTF Barbizon Award for Excellence in Lighting Design, KCACTF

           Award given for Eurydice

2017 - KCACTF Nominee for Light Design, KCACTF

           Nominated for Eurydice

         - KCACTF Nominee for Light Design, KCACTF

           Nominated for Body Awareness

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© 2024 by Jessica Winward

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