Columbia College Chicago Theatre alum Conchita Avitia ’18, a graduate of the Theatre Program’s BA Program in Theatre Design, is featured in an article posted February 26, 2026, by American Theatre, the nation’s only general-circulation magazine devoted to theatre. Avitia, winner of a 2023 Joseph Jefferson Award – Chicago’s top theatrical award – for lighting design, was interviewed by American Theatre‘s managing editor, Jerald Raymond Pierce, for the publication’s online Sightlines section.

“While Chicago-based lighting designer Conchita Avitia had some interest in theatrical design in high school, it was her experience as a general theatre tech student in college that paved the way for her busy and growing career,” the article begins before noting Avitia’s impressive credits with a wide range of Chicago theatres, including Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre. Avitia’s latest project is designing lights for About Face Theatre’s world premiere of Modern Gentleman, a comedy by Columbia College Theatre alum Preston Max Allen. The show runs March 19 through April 18.

Asked what advice would she would give to students or early career theatre makers who are interested in a career in design, Avitia says: “Advice I try to pass along is to say yes as often as one can, be unapologetically yourself, and to make/keep connections. As an artist, especially for artists of color, it’s important to take up space and to allow yourself to have the same opportunities as others. As a young designer, I really struggled with my own identity and didn’t believe in my work. I’ve met wonderful people who shared encouraging words, led me into doors I never thought I could reach, and truly inspired me to set myself at a high standard and continue to build my craft. I aim to use my experiences as words of encouragement for younger designers I cross paths with.” To read the full interview, click here.