Chris Holland

With over 15 years in theatre design and production, Chris understands how the right lighting, rigging, and automation equipment can enhance the artistry of a performance. As a theatre equipment designer, he works to understand each clients’ specific needs and then designs equipment systems to meet their creative goals with a focus on functionality, ease of use, and sustainability.

Chris has been creating performing arts spaces since 2011. He joined us from Charcoalblue, where he designed equipment systems for a multitude of projects including Royal Caribbean Cruises, Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston, DC Studio Theatre, and Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland. Previously at Texas Scenic, he managed the installation of rigging and lighting systems for over a dozen projects including the Ruth Caplin Theatre at University of Virginia, the George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology in Baltimore, and the State Theatre in Culpepper, Virginia. In addition, Chris runs his own studio, Holland Lighting, where he provides design lighting for dance, theatre, and events as well as advising clients on venue upgrades.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre design and technology from the University of Kentucky and his Master of Fine Arts in lighting design from Purdue University. In his spare time, he plays jazz trombone in NYC and continues to provide technical direction for Dissonance Dance Theatre in Washington, DC. He’s also a regional show respondent for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), giving college and university students feedback on their performances to help improve their workmanship as well as making recommendations to the KCACTF about nominating shows for their national festival.