Quick Chats: Eliot Garfield

Welcome to our Quick Chat series where we'll dive into the lives and minds of some of APT's best. Each interview will supply insights ranging from the obviously relevant to the vaguely insane. Sounds fun, right? Today we're chatting with APT's Master Electrician, Eliot Garfield!

Eliot has been with APT for quite some time - 12 seasons to be exact - and has become a member of APT's Core Tech Company. He works with both of our theaters, bringing a versatile style to all of his productions. In the off-season, 'Eliot finds himself traversing the country bringing theatre to where there is none, with such touring companies as the Eugene Ballet, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Springer Theatrical and Iowa Touring Theatre Company' (from Eliot's bio). He is a towering and integral presence at APT (you've undoubtedly seen him hard at work all over the property) and we're so glad to have snagged a Quick Chat with him!

APT: So, for those of us less acquainted with the language of the theater, what does the job of 'master electrician' entail?
Eliot Garfield: At APT, my title means I am the head of the lighting department. It is my job to take the plot from my designers and make it a reality in the air and on the set. So not only the theatrical instruments, but also any props and practicals that may turn on onstage. Once the shows are open, I uphold the artistic vision of my designers and make sure the weather doesn't change the focus of my lights too much.

In other words, I am the paint brush to the painters that are my designers. They come up with the ideas, and I make as many of those ideas happen as possible.

At other theatres, my job would have the title of "Lighting Supervisor." I prefer the title of Master Electrician. Sounds much more "boots on the ground." And here at APT, it is.

APT: After 12 years, what keeps you coming back to APT?
EG: I jokingly tell people that I know of no other electricians that get a tan at work. We are usually the ones in the dark room behind the light, never getting to see the sun. Not the case here!

In reality, I have been lucky enough to find an artistic home in a very mobile life that allows me to come back year after year. I feel the work we are doing here at APT is extremely important. And the people that I am working with are among the best technicians, artisans, actors and stage managers in the business.

APT: With so many years and so much experience under your belt, it's clear you have a passion for the arts. Where does that come from?
EG: I do have a passion for the arts. I thank my parents for that. Growing up in Iowa, one might not get the chance to be exposed too much in the way of culture and arts. But as a child I never stayed state-side longer than nine months at a time. Both of my parents are prolific travelers and the family was always on the move, checking out places all over Europe during our summers. My father is an art historian, so we would be going to see the best museums in the world and always had our own tour guide. We spent the summers of my youth in Ireland and would travel to and from by way of different European cities. They gave me both the experiences from which to grow a passion for the arts and that passion itself.

APT: Any words you live by? Personal mantras? Timeless values?
EG: I train the crew on climbing towers and ladders here for production and the first rule of climbing at APT is "Don't Fall." So there's that-

Also, travel is painless education. And live life to the fullest. Both in the same vain, I feel.

APT: Would you rather live in a shoe or up at the top of our champion tree outside Bravo?
EG: Easiest question of the interview. As much fun as a shoe shaped house would be, you aren't asking about just any tree. This is an award-winning tree! You would have to be offering a pretty impressive shoe to even begin making me consider otherwise. I'll take the champion tree!