Hernando CLAROS

Projections and Lighting for Birth of Color and Blood&Breath

With over 33 years of experience in lighting, projections, and scenic design, Hernando Claros is a distinguished designer and educator known for his innovative work across diverse performing arts disciplines. Hernando has crafted more than 200 lighting designs for over 30 performing arts companies, including ballet troupes, theater, dance, opera, and musical theater, across 27 countries spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. His work encompasses a wide range of genres from classical ballet to contemporary music and film.

Hernando's impressive portfolio includes collaborations with major institutions such as the Colombian Ballet Company, Cali Ballet Company, and the Colombian Institute of Classical Ballet (Incolballet). His expertise extends beyond design into education, where he currently serves as Assistant Professor of Lighting Design at Kennesaw State University and Technical Director at Suncatcher Players. Previously, he has taught at Lenoir Rhyne University and Michigan State University.

Hernando's academic background includes a Master of Fine Arts in Design (Lighting, Scenic, and Projections) from Michigan State University, a Graduate degree in Arts Management from Instituto Departamental de Bellas Artes, and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the same institution. He has also pursued extensive additional training in lighting design and stage production internationally.

His upcoming projects include lighting design for "Double Exposure" at Kennesaw State University and "A Third Way" at Actor's Express. Notable past productions include "The Tempest" and "Chicago" at Lenoir Rhyne University and international tours with Colombian Ballet Company and Incolballet.

Hernando's work has earned him accolades, including the Thespie Award for Best Media Design from The Lansing State Journal in 2016. His technical skills are supported by proficiency in software such as Vectorworks, Adobe Creative Suite, and various lighting and sound consoles. Fluent in English and Spanish, with basic knowledge of French and Italian, Hernando's multicultural approach enriches his creative endeavors.