Fernando Daniel Gonzalez, a designer and technician, is a dedicated theatre practitioner with extensive experience throughout Southern California. Though his career is primarily rooted in theater production, Fernando's expertise spans virtually all live production genres, and he is always eager to take on new, challenging opportunities. Currently based in Los Angeles, California, Fernando works as a Lighting Designer/Director, Programmer, Projection Designer, Live Entertainment Technician, 2D and 3D CAD Modeler, Graphic Designer, VFX Artist, and Sound Designer
Fernando earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in Theatrical Design from the University of Southern California School of Dramatic Art, as well as an Associate Degree in Technical Theatre from Riverside City College, with an Associate in Arts Degree from Norco College.
Artist Statement:My passion for technology and its creative application stems from a childhood love of music and film. Watching films from Hollywood’s Golden Age ignited my fascination with the transformative power of color and the magic of theatrical design. Music, on the other hand, awakened my appreciation for how sound and imagination can craft immersive worlds that invite others in. Together, these influences instilled in me a desire to create wonder and connection through my work.
As a designer, I am captivated by stylistic and emotionally driven storytelling. My goal is to enrich the essence of every narrative I touch, leaving audiences moved, inspired, or awed. I am driven by the opportunity to amplify the humanity, emotion, and environment inherent in a production. I consider my work successful when my designs evoke feelings such as joy, nostalgia, or wonder, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Being a first-generation Mexican-American, I draw deeply from my cultural heritage to create vivid and distinctive designs that are both timeless and innovative. This perspective informs my ability to craft visuals that resonate across diverse audiences. My passion for technology fuels my continuous exploration of new tools, software, and techniques, enabling me to push the boundaries of live entertainment design. Collaboration lies at the heart of my creative process. Whether working with directors, choreographers, or fellow designers, I thrive in environments where ideas flow freely. My designs aim not only to complement but to elevate the collective vision of the production team.
I believe the true power of design lies in its ability to capture fleeting emotions and transform them into lasting moments that resonate deeply with audiences. My work spans theater, dance, immersive experiences, television, and concerts. As I progress in my career, I remain committed to innovation, storytelling, and using design to connect with audiences in ways that are unforgettable, impactful, and boundary-breaking.
responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining lighting equipment for various events, ensuring the lighting designer’s vision comes to life. My role includes rigging and focusing fixtures, managing power distribution, operating lighting consoles, and troubleshooting technical issues. I assess event spaces, prepare equipment, and prioritize safety while adhering to Kinetic Lighting’s standards. After events, I dismantle, inspect, and maintain equipment to ensure it’s ready for future use. With expertise in LED, conventional, and moving lights, as well as DMX protocols, I take pride in delivering high-quality lighting experiences.
hands-on experience supporting event production teams through all stages of live events, including load-ins, show days, and load-outs. I thrive in dynamic environments, working closely with management, stagehands, and tour personnel to ensure seamless event execution. Whether troubleshooting and repairing lighting equipment, assisting artists with custom gobo setups, or monitoring safety standards during high-pressure situations, I approach each task with precision and reliability. My strong organizational skills also enable me to provide comprehensive administrative support, from tracking event expenses to maintaining production schedules. With a commitment to teamwork and adaptability, I excel in delivering exceptional support for concerts, festivals, and special events.
overseeing every aspect of the electrical systems and lighting for productions. From interpreting the Lighting Designer’s vision and translating it into reality to hanging, focusing, and wiring lighting fixtures, I ensure that every detail aligns with the creative goals of the show. Leading a team of skilled electricians, I delegate tasks, manage inventory, and troubleshoot any challenges that arise, all while prioritizing safety and compliance with electrical regulations. My technical expertise in lighting control consoles, power distribution, and electrical systems allows me to maintain and repair equipment efficiently, keeping productions running smoothly. Collaboration is at the heart of my work—whether coordinating with scenic designers, stage managers, or other departments, I strive to create a seamless and impactful production experience. With a strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, I thrive under pressure, ensuring that every cue, focus, and fixture shines as intended.
Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to design lighting for 15 productions, working closely with student companies to bring their visions to life in diverse venues, including outdoor spaces, often navigating limited budgets. My experience spans delivering projection, lighting, and multimedia design, as well as offering consultation for theatrical, interactive, and studio film projects. I’ve designed, programmed, and operated lighting for various events and productions, including performances by esteemed guests like Will Ferrell, Matthew Lillard, Tessa Thompson, and America Ferrera. Additionally, I’ve collaborated on drafting packages, creating detailed lighting plots, 3D models, and pre-visualization renders to streamline and enhance the design process.
As a lighting technician, my role is to bring the lighting designer’s vision to life. I set up, rig, and program lighting equipment, ensuring every cue enhances the production’s atmosphere. From focusing lights and wiring fixtures to running the lighting board during performances, I handle the technical and creative aspects of live shows. Each day is a mix of physical labor, teamwork, and problem-solving, with no two productions ever the same. It’s challenging, rewarding, and integral to creating unforgettable experiences for audiences.
As a participant in the Live Tech theater technology workshop, I had the incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in audio, visual, lighting, and stagecraft at the Fox Performing Arts Center. Working alongside Live Nation professionals, I learned how to operate industry-standard equipment, create lighting plots, and manage live event setups. The program not only gave me practical skills but also provided me with certifications to enhance my career prospects. It was an inspiring experience that allowed me to explore the world of professional theater production while contributing to successful live events.
