Abby Sumner has been a lover of all things theatre and art since day one. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in Theatre Technology and Design with a concentration in lighting at Colorado State University. While there, she learned the basics of props, sound, scenic, projections, and costumes. However, she became infatuated with the artistry found in Lighting. While at Colorado State University, Abby has dipped her toes into every aspect of lighting she can. She has assistant and associate-designed, co-designed, and head-designed dance, theatre, and opera productions. Her favorite area of design so far is lighting design for dance concerts and shows. Dance design allows Abby to use more creative freedom and lean into the music. 

Abby also shines as a dedicated team member of every crew and lighting electrics team she has been a part of. She worked within the Colorado State University electrics shop and helped install and maintain lighting plots in music, dance, and theatrical venues. She even rose to the challenge of running multiple work calls when CSU was in between Lighting Supervisors. 

After graduating from CSU, Abby became the Assistant Lighting Supervisor, working alongside Tate Sanders in the lighting shop. She helped lead multiple focus calls and got the opportunity to mentor dance lighting design students. 

Abby has also done crew work outside of her college career. She discovered her love for the theatre when she worked stage crew for different mainstage productions at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. 

Additionally, Abby kept busy during her summers throughout her time at CSU. She has worked for the Aspen Music Festival and School during three different summers. First, in 2021, she tried front-of-house work and was a Lead Usher for the festival. Then, she joined the stage crew in the summer of 2022 and eventually was an assistant production electrician by her third summer in 2023. While there, she was stage crew for numerous classical music concerts and gala events. She also got to help with the installment and upkeep of the lighting instruments in the classical music venues throughout her summer. 

Abby is incredibly excited to continue her career within lighting and theatre, in any and all ways she can. 

Contact:
Email: abby.sumner18@gmail.com
Phone: (818) 261-9617