Alec Takahashi
Lighting and Creative Designer
As a kid, no dream was too big for Alec Takahashi. Endowed with a thirst to learn and grow, he spent his formative years learning his craft at Bayside Church in California before moving to Nashville where he has been handling lighting for country music star Thomas Rhett since 2018. His advice? Be a sponge, build relationships and do not get too comfortable. Congratulations are also in order for this 2023 Nook Schoenfeld Lighting Designer of the Year Parnelli Award winner!
Meet Alec
What was your youth like and what did you want to be when you grew up?
My youth was a beautiful time. I remember having a variety of dreams, goals, and career ideas. The dreams were from police officer, to doctor, to pilot, to owning my own restaurant and being the executive chef. I might revisit that latter one still. My parents were very empowering and supportive to my childhood dreams. Nothing ever felt out of reach, no dream was too big.
Do you remember when you first became enamored with lighting? What fascinated you about it?
Throughout my childhood, I was always fascinated with lighting. It caught my eye at church and theatre performances. I went to see local theater and touring Broadway performances quite often and the scenery and lighting always caught my eye. Catching a sneak peek at the front of house technical area was always a goal of mine. Seeing the computers, consoles and technology was fascinating. My mind had no idea how anything worked at the time but I was always interested in figuring it out.
When was your first hands-on experience with lighting?
In 5th grade I had a teacher put me at the controls of the stage lighting for the annual school talent show. This was a handful of par cans with various gels controlled by a basic architectural wall system. I took that and changed the lights and scenes to how I thought it fit for each performance. I matched changes to the music, created some manual effects to match music beats. This was my gateway to lighting. I could have never guessed where I would be heading from there. I remember being all in in that moment, I was in another world of focus and creating. Even at such a small scale at age 10, a fire was lit that day. I remember my teacher telling me afterwards that no one has ever taken that job so seriously or even made effort to make the lighting a "thing". She told me this could be a future for me. Her name was Mrs. Godbee. She and I are currently friends on Facebook and it is a joy for her to be able to see where life has taken me.
What was your early career like?
My early career started in church. I started volunteering where I could running lights in student ministries and making my way up to the main weekend service when those doors opened. I was often nose deep in manuals and using the gear at church on my own when the rooms were empty. I was thirsty to learn and figure things out. One of the greatest mentors of my life was the lighting director at the church at the time, Dave Carr. He and I are still in touch and working together. He took me under his wing at Bayside Church and threw me into the deep end. Best thing he could have done. I loved it. From there I was hired part time at 15 and kept climbing the ladder. I was constantly growing and challenged in that environment. I did summers at a local production house. I repaired fixtures, prepped shows, cut a LOT of gel. I got touring opportunities in Christian music starting at age 18 and I was ready to live my dream on the road. Any opportunity that was offered I was eager to take. I worked very hard and sacrificed a lot of my teenage years dedicated to learning and growing in this craft.
You worked at Bayside Church in California but moved to Nashville as a young man. Why the move?
The move made the most sense for touring opportunities. All the tech positions I was offered needed me to be Nashville based and I made the jump to do whatever it took. Quite a scary jump but it was worth it.
What was the biggest transition you had to make from Bayside to the on-the-road touring world?
The biggest transition was leaving my family and friend community behind. There were a lonely few years as I built a Nashville and touring community around me. I thrive off of people and relationships, so this was a challenge to start over basically. Bayside was such a fast-paced demanding environment; they set me up for success hitting the road. In my years at Bayside I was pushed creatively, physically, challenged with very tight deadlines, managed multiple locations, oversaw teams, the late night programming schedules. This life as a teenager shaped my work ethic, creative mind, excellence, and perfection mindset that I carry into my current career with more balance I would say..
What can you tell us about Thomas Rhett's upcoming Home Team tour?
The upcoming tour is an exciting jump back to the momentum we felt coming out of 2019 before the pandemic hit. We had an amazing couple years doing shows post lockdown and creating a big show with the challenge of rebuilding budgets without losing production value and we are very proud of what was created. The new show is a large jump in production and we are in the phase of intentionally and carefully piecing together an Entertainer of the Year performance for Thomas Rhett.
You used a bunch of DARTZ 360 in your 2021 design for Thomas Rhett. Can you reveal anything about the upcoming tour design?
I can say we are more than doubling the quantity of Dartz in the new show. I am very excited to create some new show-stopping moments with the new design.
What is the most challenging aspect of being on a touring production and how do you deal with that?
The challenges are all subjective to the tour but the common challenges usually always come down to venues and truck space. I always want to create a show that pushes boundaries and elevates the artists live show all in a complementary way. A touring production must be a harmonious experience with the artist, music, creative elements, but also logistically with the trucking, crew and venues. The design must make sense with how it builds, travels and fits in to spaces. Detailed work must be done and not ignored for this to be accomplished.
How do you stay up-to-date with new lighting technologies and techniques?
I really enjoy staying in touch with manufacturers and vendors. There is such a wonderful community of people in that space. Keeping those relationships healthy and alive allows for the natural occurrence of staying in the loop with new products and technologies. I have a strong admiration of learning other programmers and designers work flow, techniques and tricks. We all have unique ways of accomplishing visions and it is great to step outside of your flow sometimes and share knowledge and innovate.
When you think back on how you learned your craft, what do you see as the most important factor?
The most important thing to me is to never be the smartest person in the room. Be a sponge, Ask questions, listen more than speak. Seek intentional mentorship. Build relationships with experts. Always have a bit of discomfort. Being comfortable is not a sign of growth.
I heard that you admire Disney and often visit their theme parks. What is it about Disney that you admire?
I grew up going to Disneyland with my family. The parks as a whole have inspired me with their craft, intentionality, attention to detail, precision. The art of if you are going to do it you are going to absolutely give it your all and do it right. If that can not be done then do not do it. Their storytelling with films, show, park spectaculars have always raised the bar and that heavily impacted me and opened my eyes. Fantasmic in Disneyland was a hugely inspiring show for me.
What do you like to do when you are not doing lighting?
I love cooking and hosting people. I am huge on community and friendships. Just like how music and live events bring people together to join in a common interest, life is put on pause and joyful moments are had. Food and wine does a similar thing. Walls fall, conversation happens, Laughter and joy fill a space. I think those are very special times. I also enjoy exploring new places with my wife. We have lots of places to hit on our list from world destinations to local hikes and nature attractions.
What is something about Alec Takahashi that people might find surprising?
If I did not have a successful career in lighting I would have gone to culinary school. I still might eventually. I love the culinary arts and I would not mind dabbling in that world on the side, not just as a hobby, in the future.
