Jackson, Mississippi, among other things, is known for a thriving arts scene. One of the main contributors to this is New Stage Theatre. Many aspects go into making a show work, but perhaps the most under-appreciated is lighting and sound design. That’s why I interviewed New Stage Theatre’s Resident Sound and Production Designer Alberto Meza.
Q: Have you always loved theatre?
A: Yes! I’ve loved theatre since I was in elementary school. I’ve always been a fan of performing and making shows come to life.
Q: Did you consider any other careers?
A: I did. I have considered multiple other careers like I.T. or teaching acting at schools. I have even considered working in construction just like my father. But I thought to myself, why would I follow my father’s footsteps when I could make it out there on my own and make a name for myself in a different career. I wanted to be on my own and wanted to do things my way instead of having it laid out for me on what I should do.
Q: Why did you pick this career?
A: I have a passion for bringing shows to life either through performing or through design. I’m currently the sound designer/engineer and projections designer and engineer at New Stage Theatre and I couldn’t be happier about the responsibility given to me. It’s a rush to have a full packed house loving everything you worked really hard on.
Q: Why did you choose to work at New Stage?
A: I chose New Stage because it is the only regional professional theatre in Mississippi! It is right next to Belhaven University where I graduated from in 2019. I volunteered at New Stage once or twice and watched plenty of their shows! All of them were incredible to watch and I just knew this would be the place for me to get my foot into this big, beautiful world of theatre. I knew once I started, I was leaving with nothing but growth as a human and as a designer.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about New Stage?
A: The work! I love all that I do and what comes with it. I truly am blessed to have a job that I can be truly creative with.
Q: What’s an interesting story from your time at New Stage?
A: 2020, the year COVID-19 hit. I had just started working at New Stage when this happened. I had no idea what I was going to do since I had just got the job and now a raging epidemic is happening that closed down the theatre to the public. I honestly thought I was going to be fired first. However, that wasn’t the case. We switched over to virtual events and it just so happened to be the one thing I was really good at. So I went from being the first one out to being the MVP of the covid season. I will never forget that year, I’m sure many of us will never forget for many reasons, but that is truly the year I knew Theatre is my calling.
Q: What is your advice for anyone who is thinking of pursuing a career in theatre?
A: Learn absolutely everything in theatre. It’s a must. No matter what you want to do with your career in theatre, just knowing how things function on a basic level will get you much farther than just being an actor or being a tech person. It makes communication much easier and even if you don’t know much in a certain area, just knowing a little bit will take you a long way and you never know what or where that knowledge will take you.
Q: What’s next for you in your career?
A: The next step for me is to continue doing theatre and performances, but in a more business type model. My big goal is to open my own lighting, sound, video and set construction company. I want to be that company that everyone relies on to make their shows happen from grade schools all the way up to professional shows. I will be your guy to make a professional show happen at theatre or non-theatre events.
