Today we’d like to introduce you to Ziggy.

Hi Ziggy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I always had a love for storytelling. I was always amazed by how magical theater was, and how it drew me in. I thought that making worlds was super cool. I started playing with color and light and realized the power that they have.

Being able to make worlds for people to live in for a short amount of time every night is so special. It’s a powerful ability that I always wanted to do.

When I was younger, I started designing school shows, and eventually got asked to do an outside musical by a friend.

The company (NGT) took off, and every year I design their mainstage musical.

I study technical theater at school. I design and work on shows throughout the year.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

I think one of the hardest things is people not understanding what you do. How do you explain something so intangible to a person who barely knows theater. Sure I make the lights turn on, but how do I explain how a light plot is made? How do I explain the weeks of focus?

It brings up the question: should people understand what I do? Or should I let it be a “magical secret” Some people think that people should understand and appreciate what goes on behind the scenes, how hard we try and build that world for them. Some people think people should never know what happens, keep it a secret! It will help build the story for them! But this is a tough balance. While I think the work should be appreciated, I also think that building the world is the most important.

It is a tough question. I still don’t know my stance but I do know that I have to be ok with people not understanding. I do it because I love it, not because I want the credit. That is a very important thing to remember while working.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I am a Lighting Designer based in New York City. I specialize in theater and have done many shows around the city.

I work as the lighting designer at NGT, and have done multiple shows there. The first production was “Next To Normal”, It was followed by “Violet”, which I won a Broadway world award for: “Best Lighting Design Of A Musical”. In June of this year I designed Fun Home. And we are starting production of “Sunday in the Park with George”, opening July of 2025.

At school, I am the Lighting Designer of the 2025 Opera: “La Belle Helene.” I also work as an electrician.

Outside of NGT, I designed “Death of a Driver” which performed at the Chain Theater, and “The Options Game” which is opening this September.

Lighting Design is such a important part of theatre. Working with a team of people to create these realities for audiences to fall into is super special. And It is something that I really enjoy doing.

What do you like and dislike about the city?

The best thing about the city is the pure amount of resources available to me at all times.

Libraries, transport, theater, shops, and parks. Its incredible. We are so lucky to be able to live in such a cool place.

Take advantage of it! Everything is right in front of you! Most of it is free!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ziggybornas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zig.zag.nyc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziggy-bornas-619284296/
• Other: https://www.nxtgenerationtheatrics.com/

Image Credits

Ziggy Bornas