From Omaha to New York: TTAP Graduate Credits OCP Program for Career Choice

Written by Joe Scioli

Aja Jackson, a talented and up-and-coming lighting designer, credits her career choice to the Omaha Community Playhouse (“OCP”). Aja was born in Illinois and is a self-described “military brat.” She attended Bellevue East High School and performed in many shows there. From the start, Aja knew she was meant to work in theater.

Aja was recruited to join the TTAP program at OCP in 2009 while she was in high school. After joining the program, the theater staff told Aja that she would be a great fit for stage management. She is type A, friendly and organized so stage management seemed to be a likely fit. Aja also chose to learn more about lighting and electrics. Although Aja initially thought stage management would be her primary focus, she quickly realized lighting design was perfect for her. TTAP exposed her to this new and exciting field.

After assisting with light production, everything changed for Aja, and she knew lighting design would be her future. “I can express myself and my thoughts of the show with lights,” Jackson stated. Careers in lighting are dismal. Prior to her apprenticeship in the TTAP, Aja did not know it was possible to have a career in the lighting field. TTAP presented Aja with opportunities and a career path that she had never imagined.

TTAP helped Aja understand how a show is put together. It also taught her important job skills such as being on time, asking questions and resolving conflicts.

Jackson credits her success in the program to John Gibilisco. “Gibilisco was my first mentor. I would not be where I am without John Gibilisco, and I owe so much to him and am forever thankful to him.” Aja is also incredibly grateful to OCP for helping her find her passion and career path.

When asked what people may not know about her, Aja said that some people do not realize that she is also a dancer in addition to a lighting designer. Aja studied modern dance and the Lester Horton style of dance. The technique is based on "Native American dances, emphasizes a whole body, anatomical approach to dance that includes flexibility, strength, coordination and dramatic freedom of expression."

Aja obtained a master’s degree in Fine Arts from Boston University in 2018.

Currently, Aja is the associate lighting designer for Goddess at the Berkeley Repertory Theater. She works closely with a Tony award-winning lighting designer, and recently helped with lighting for “Fences” at the Shakespeare Festival in Pennsylvania and “On Your Feet,” in Long Island, NY.

If Aja could work with any lighting designer, she would pick Jen Schriever. Schriever is a Tony-nominated designer whose work gives hope to Aja. Aja said Schriever is kind, has a great attitude and treats people well.

Interested in learning more about TTAP? Contact the Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Director by email at ttap@omahaplayhouse.com or visit our website: https://bit.ly/OCPTTAP