Erica Lauren Maholmes, M.F.A. ’22, did not originally envision herself doing behind-the-scenes work in theater, but through her experience in the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts and School of Theatre, Dance, and Film, she discovered a passion for lighting design.

Maholmes’ work as a lighting designer and master electrician has taken her to stages across the country, including Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Alley Theatre, and Trinity Repertory Company. She made her Broadway debut in 2024 as an associate lighting designer for The Notebook.

Maholmes has also worked within the theatre industry to end racial inequities and create opportunities for lighting designers who are people of color. Maholmes was named the 2025 Outstanding Young Alumni award winner by the Illinois State University Alumni Association.

Tune into this episode of Redbird Buzz to hear how Maholmes’s experience at Illinois State shaped her approach to stage lighting and design, how the lighting in a stage play can evoke emotions and reactions from the audience, and what’s next for her as she continues working in the world of North American theatre.

Redbird Buzz is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Transcripts of each episode are available online at Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/Podcast.