Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) has always been a vibrant creativity and community engagement hub. At the heart of our theatre lies Choh Man Teng, an exceptional volunteer whose passion for the arts and dedication to the craft has made her an integral part of PLT's productions, and she is bringing her talents to the lighting design of The Nebula of Georgia.
Choh Man's journey from a novice to an accomplished lighting designer is a testament to what you can achieve when you put yourself out there and take a chance.
Choh Man's journey at PLT began with her love for the theater and a burning curiosity about the behind-the-scenes magic. Intrigued by the inner workings of a production, she persistently pursued an opportunity to volunteer at PLT. "I had always wondered how the magic was done, so I pestered PLT until they let me work backstage. The first show, I was terrified that I would do something stupid and ruin the show. I soon learned that it was not that scary. There is always somebody who is willing to lend a helping hand".
Through her involvement in various capacities, including deckhand, spotlight operator, stage manager, fly rail operator, and sound cue maker, Choh Man's perspective on theater production expanded significantly. The opportunity to rotate through different roles broadened her understanding of the multifaceted nature of theater and deepened her appreciation for the collaborative efforts involved. "One day, they sent me up to the light booth, and I refused to come back down. I have been there ever since! For the past few years, I got to light increasingly complex scenes. It is always a thrill to see lights that contribute to the story."
Despite initially lacking experience, Choh Man was met with patience, guidance, and encouragement from the staff and other volunteers."At other places, the person who knows nothing will be stuck sweeping the floor and washing the paint brushes, not at PLT. The staff and other volunteers took the time to show me how to tackle various tasks. It does not matter that I am slow or I make mistakes. Repeatedly. They are always there to help me get better. Besides lighting, I also learned to use power tools (very empowering), put up wallpaper (not my favorite...), weld (I am very proud of it!), and make styrofoam look like crumbling wood (not sure there is a real-world application for this). I did not know anybody when I first started, but now I am among friends, and I am honored to be part of PLT. Of course, I also sweep the floor and wash the paintbrushes. We all do.”
Now, as an enthusiastic lighting designer, Choh Man was particularly excited to share her knowledge with fellow Nebula of Georgia team members EmJ and Nic, who were eager to learn the intricacies of setting up and designing lights. "I learned that three minds are better than one. Talking over the design choices with Nic and EmJ improved the lights and made the process so much more fun. I look forward to working with them again!" she explains. Choh Man's commitment to passing on her passion to the next generation highlights the spirit of collaboration and mentorship that thrives at PLT.
Choh Man's desire to work on the production of The Nebula of Georgia stemmed from her previous experience working with the director, Joe Nierle, on the play Rumors by Niel Simon. The joy and camaraderie she experienced during that production inspired her to join the team once again.
Choh Man Teng's story exemplifies the transformative power of volunteering and a supportive community's immense impact on an individual's growth. Through her journey at Pensacola Little Theatre, Choh Man discovered a passion for lighting design and a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals who share her love for the arts. With her unwavering dedication and infectious enthusiasm, Choh Man continues to illuminate PLT productions, both literally and figuratively, ensuring that the magic of theater shines brightly for all to see.
