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As nine students prepare to give staged readings of The Swamp Dwellers at the Williams Center this month, Chris Valenti ’02 is planning their stage environment as technical director, lighting designer, and set designer.
Valenti is handling the job through Theatrical Associates, the company he founded while still a senior at Lafayette. Working in stage management, lighting design, and technical direction with College Theater productions and shows by major Williams Center performers provided the necessary skills. He also took an independent study under the direction of Richard A. Kendrick, technical director of cultural programs, and graduated with an individualized major in theater technology.
On the business side, Valenti found his way with the help of his father, who also started his own company, and by learning small business management through an internship he served while a student, which he says taught him most of the basics.
“We strive to provide high quality work and equipment,” he says. “With this, we have gained clients and kept them over the past years. We strive for the satisfaction of our clients. We are continuously upgrading and adding the newest and best equipment into our inventory.”
Theatrical Associates handles a wide range of productions, from a dance recital to a corporate meeting. The full-scale production house handles the rental, design, and installation of lighting, sound, set, and video.
“I personally prefer the musicals and corporate shows,” says Valenti. “With these, sometimes the options are much greater. Also, we are working with a few bands as their production company, providing sound and lighting systems. Some gigs last only a day and we will provide a simple sound system for a speaker.”
The company also maintains a web site at www.theatricalassociates.com and two online stores, www.TheatreLighting.com and www.ProAudioDiscount.com.
For Valenti, the most enjoyable part of his career is never completely knowing what the next day will bring.
“One day I could be in the office, the next running a show, and the next out on the road for two days with a band,” he says. “It keeps me on my toes and keeps me from getting bored.”
Taking a show from design to completion provides a fulfilling challenge.
“On large jobs, I am the one calling the shots in the field,” Valenti explains. “So I have to coordinate the manpower and equipment in the best possible way. I can have 15 people working for me on five major tasks at once. I have to supervise and make sure everyone is doing the right thing at the right time, in a safe manner. Safely is always the biggest concern.”