Design Philosophy

 -Create stunning lighting environments that inspire and delight

-Transport the viewer out of the mundane and into a world of imagination, mystery and magic

-Collaborate and contribute in the story telling of the event and experience

Profile

Theater Design

David designed the theatrical lighting for the feature film "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2."  Shooting was last June with a tentative release date Summer 2008.  This past Summer David lighted one of the first licensed productions of Les Misérables at the MUNY, “America’s oldest and largest out door musical theatre.”  Also in the summer Lander lighted 33 Variations a new play written and directed by Moisés Kaufman at Arena Stage, and Third by Wendy Wasserstein directed by Maria Mileaf at the Geffen Playhouse, currently playing.

Lander’s Broadway credits include I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright directed by Moises Kaufman, which won the 2004 Tony for Best Play and the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Best Play. dirty BLONDE by Claudia Shear directed by James Lapine and Golden Child by David Henry Hwang also directed by James Lapine.

David has collaborated with directors Jo Bonney, Frank Dunlop, Terry Kinney, Paul Blake, Mark Brokaw, Pam Hunt, Moisés Kaufman, James Lapine, Arthur Laurents, Maria Mileaf, Larry Moss, David Saint.  And actors Tom Aldrich, William Atherton, Craig Bierko, Jason Biggs, Stephen Bogardus, Judy Blazer, Kieran Culkin, Jim Dale, Olympia Dukakis, Richard Easton, Jennifer Ehle, Michael Emerson, Mia Farrow, Penny Fuller, Boyd Gains, Malcolm Gets, John Glover, George Grizzard, Dee Hoty, Eartha Kitt, Kevin Klein, Maureen McGovern, Rita Moreno, Michael Nouri, Ana Paquin, Steven Pasquale, Mary Beth Piel, Molly Ringwald, Chita Rivera, Michael Rupert, Liev Schreiber, Jean Smart, Louis Zorich.

As associate lighting designer on Broadway credits include: Cabaret at "Studio 54", A Dolls House, A New Brain, and Stanley.

As assistant designer: Bring in Da Noise Bring in Da Funk, Victor/Victoria, Having Our Say, Laughter on the 23rd Floor and A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden .

Architecture / Themed Attractions / Public Art

David's completed projects include “Invitation,” a light art installation for Alden Hotel - Houston.  “Luca et Vita Universae” with artist Lori Nozic, for Art-in-Public-Places, a sculpture and star field installation for Public School 58, Staten Island, NY.  Sea World of Florida’s “Sea Port” waterfront, 3 themed restaurants, 4 retail shops and exterior waterfront, as old European Sea Port.  Sea World of Florida and San Diego’s “Wild Arctic,” a themed arctic walk-through aquarium exhibit.  Denver International Airport- Leni Schwendinger’s “Deep Time/Deep Space - a Subterranean Journey,” a light and sculpture installation in a one mile-long automated shuttle train tunnel.  Pittsburgh Light Projects- Pittsburgh, PA.  Lighting consultant to interpret and execute Robert Wilson’s public art light projects.

Events / Parties

Lander has lighted parties and gala events in New York City in such prestigious places the Harvard Club, University Club, Union League Club and National Arts Club.  He has lighted events in unusual sites such as at the Main Post Office on 8th Avenue.  David has lighted gala events for the MacDowell Colony, Glimmerglass Opera Company, New 42nd Street Inc. and opening night parties for the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Broadway Musical Victor/Victoria.  Lander has lighted the University Club's New Years Eve Gala for 6 years.

Awards

New York Drama Desk Nomination, 2004, Best Lighting Design for I Am My Own Wife

Outer Critics Circle Nomination, 2004, Best Lighting Design for I Am My Own Wife

Lucille Lortell Nomination, 2004, Best Lighting Design for I Am My Own Wife

New York Drama Desk Nomination, 2000, Best Lighting Design for Dirty Blonde

Maharam Award Nomination, 2000, Best Lighting Design for Dirty Blonde

Drama-Logue Award 1997, for Golden Child at South Coast Repertory 1997
Maharam Award Nomination1997, Best Lighting Design for Golden Child
LUMEN Award for Sea World of Florida's Wild Arctic 1997
IALD Award (International Association of Lighting Designers) for the new Denver Airport's
        Deep Time/Deep Space a Subterranean Journey
Ettinger Scholarship, 1990-1991 New York University Graduate Assistant 1988-1991
New York University Design Competition, First prize in Lighting, 1988

Education

MFA in Design, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, 1991
BFA in Design, The Ohio State University, 1987  

Instructor of Lighting Design: Parsons School of Design, Continuing Education Division, 1994-1997

Member: United Scenic Artists Local 829.

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updated 11/01/07