SM Speaker Series-Lucas Ingram (Superbowl; Film)

Background: Graduate from Lehigh University (2013) with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and an MFA in Lighting, Scenic, and Projection Design from the University of Iowa (2016).
Current Role: Professional Art Director, Assistant Art Director, and Production Designer across various projects.
Location Acknowledgment: Recognition of the Lenni Lenape people and the land being occupied during the meeting.

Initial Studies: Started as an Electrical Engineering major at Lehigh, later shifted focus to Theater after exploring different classes that piqued his interests.
Grad School Application: Participated in IRDAs, interviewing with about 40 schools and experiencing intense interviews to find suitable grad programs, eventually choosing the University of Iowa for its emphasis on new work in theater.
Internship Experience: Summer internship at the Tony Awards leveraged a family connection, marking a pivotal point in his career trajectory.

Roles: Worked as Assistant Art Director for four consecutive Super Bowl Halftime Shows, focusing heavily on production design elements.
Lady Gaga (2017): Key experience during the halftime show, where he contributed to lighting, scenic design, and managing various performance elements, including precision in set placement.
Process & Challenges: Discusses rehearsals, fast-paced environment, managing stagehands and volunteers, and the intricacies of coordinating lighting and design elements like pyrotechnics (e.g., flamethrowers).

Episodic TV Work: Transitioning into scripted television, including work on the CW's Katie Keene, and defining roles within television versus live shows.
Design and Drafting: Responsibilities included extensive drafting, project management, and adapting to new design challenges on shows like Lincoln Rhyme Hunt for the Bone Collector.
Other Notable Events: Contribution to MTV Video Music Awards and Democratic National Convention, highlighting the variety and scale of production designs.

Budget and Time Constraints: Heavy discussion on the fluctuating complexity of projects, such as sourcing specific props in under tight deadlines and incorporating last-minute changes into live performances.
Safety and Security: Specific incidents during reality shows underscore the importance of set safety, particularly in regards to props and audience interaction.
Artistic Adaptations: Stories of creative problem solving (e.g., creating custom visual elements under time constraints, working on LED designs for performances).

Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Emphasis on how courses outside his main field of study (e.g., stage management, directing) enriched his understanding and refined his abilities for communication and teamwork in theatrical settings.
Networking and Industry Connections: Importance of reaching out and forming connections can lead to unexpected job opportunities and new projects.

Shift to Remote Work: Discussion on adapting work roles to accommodate remote setups and how COVID-19 regulations have impacted the filming and production flow.
Health and Safety Implementations: Steps taken in adherence to health guidelines while ensuring production effectiveness and creativity continue in a safe manner.

Take Advantage of Educational Opportunities: Advice to embrace various experiences and learning opportunities; explore roles beyond immediate career goals.
Stay Adaptable and Resilient: Emphasis on flexibility and openness to change as vital skills to thrive in the entertainment industry.

Luke shares a passion for blending technical knowledge with creative design in theater and entertainment, underscoring that with every project comes a unique set of challenges and learning experiences that shape a successful creative career.