"For over 40 years the Hemsley Lighting Programs have offered internships in honor of Gilbert Hemsley's commitment to young designers entering the profession. This year we are thrilled to accept Madeleine Hebert and Stephen Smart into the program," the Hemsley Light Programs say.

Madeleine Hebert (www.madeleinehebert.design/) is a lighting designer from Massachusetts, finishing her M.F.A. at Ohio University and will be participating in the Hemsley Internship Program with experiences at San Francisco Opera, Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, and New York City Ballet. Hebert has always enjoyed any opportunity to work in the area of lighting and values the collaborative and people-minded nature of the work. After her internship, she plans to continue growing her artistic practice in New York.

Stephen Smart (www.stephensm.art/) is a lighting designer specializing in theatre, opera, and dance. Involved in the arts and performing from a young age, he discovered lighting in high school and instantly fell in love. Smart will be graduating from UNC School of the Arts in May, and he plans to relocate to New York in the fall. He has a passion for crafting evocative lighting and telling collaborative stories. Smart will be joining Paul Miller at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera for their summer season. When not in a theatre, he can be found hiking, camping, or reading a good book.

The Gilbert Hemsley Lighting Program forwards the mission of promoting the legacy of mentorship given by its namesake during his lifetime by providing extra momentum and assistance in fostering the next generation of theatrical lighting designers as they transition from their academic work to their professional careers.

For more information, or to donate, please visit www.hemsleylightingprograms.com/internship-program