During his tenure at the University of Wisconsin, Gilbert encouraged his former students and professional peers to travel to Madison to share their experiences, observations and aspirations with his current students. The Master Classes continue this tradition by sponsoring lighting professionals to visit the campuses of colleges and universities that offer lighting design programs to share their experiences and insights with students. Lighting professionals representing a broad range of experience (repertory and regional theater, opera, ballet, Broadway, television, industrial lighting and festivals) spend a two to three-day period on campus, offering group sessions and one on one opportunities for students to seek and obtain knowledge and insights from accomplished and dedicated experts. Master Classes are offered each year at host institutions that have included, to date, the University of Virginia, University of Wisconsin-Madison, San Diego State University and University of California-San Diego. Professionals who have participated in the past include Alan Adelman, Ken Billington, Mitch Dana, Stan Pressner, Duane Schuler, and Mark Stanley. Additional professionals may be considered based on availability and the desired format of the Master Class.

Format

Each Master Class is tailored to meet the specific needs of the co-sponsoring training program. Suggestion for a (2) day master class would include a preliminary presentation by the guest designer, student project presentations, workshop lighting sessions, and question and answer sessions where students could participate in a hands-on experience.

Costs

The co-sponsoring theater program would provide transportation and living costs for the visiting designer. A grant from the Gilbert Hemsley Lighting Programs pays the designer's fees.