This production was my first mainstage lighting design in which I worked independently. Despite not having taken the formal lighting design course and navigating the process without a faculty mentor, the experience only strengthened my drive to learn. I approached the project from the ground up—beginning with a blank grid and building everything from light plots and color schedules to line set schedules and patching. I programmed and designed the entire show, gaining a deep understanding of the process and a strong appreciation for the challenges and rewards of self-guided learning.