Heathers Lighting Designer Interview

Lighting Design for Heathers: The Musical

Lighting designer Anne E. McMills shaped the production’s lighting around Veronica’s character arc. She viewed the story as a modern Greek tragedy: Veronica is drawn toward power, brought down by her own hubris, and eventually develops a more humane outlook.

Lighting Concepts and Approach

• The production begins with a dark, textural, gritty look as Veronica feels lost.
• As Veronica gains popularity, the lighting becomes more exuberant and heightened, reflecting her belief that things are going well.
• The atmosphere darkens again as she descends into a troubled place.
• The production ends with softer, almost pastel colors as Veronica embraces treating others as human beings.
• Lighting angles, as well as color, echo Veronica’s rise and fall.

McMills emphasized that the production should not lose sight of its darker themes amid the comedy, particularly gun violence. She dedicated her design to her student Chad Shelton, who had recently been killed in an armed robbery, and to his family, friends, and grieving students.

Contributors Mentioned

• Anne E. McMills — Guest artist and lighting designer
• Jonathan Marks — Director
• Casey — McMills’s assistant; the surname is unclear in the subtitles
• Winston — Electrician
• Chad Shelton — McMills’s student, to whom she dedicated the lighting design