Mid-Week Intermission Artist Edition: Natalie George Productions
Artists performing at The Drop-In always look pretty darn cool on stage – but that’s not just because they’ve got THE vibe. The lighting team over at Natalie George Productions works hard to help make the H-E-B Stage and our artists look like the bona fide rock stars they truly are. 😎
In this Mid-Week Intermission, we chatted with Natalie George herself to hear a little more about event production and design in Austin, inspiring women to pursue technical production, and how she and her team help bring the coolest summer vibes to The Drop-In.
Long Center: Welcome to Mid-Week Intermission! We usually like to ask folks for a song to go with their interview – anything come to mind?
Natalie George: Totally random, but this morning I heard ABBA’s Take A Chance On Me when I got in the car and it totally made my day. It is such a good jam. I feel lucky that many people in my life have taken a chance on NGP, so that seems right.
LC: Can you give us a brief rundown of Natalie George Productions and everything you do there, and how NGP’s partnership with the Long Center began?
Natalie George.: Absolutely! NGP is a boutique production company that loves to produce and design events and entertainment in Austin. Our background is in Lighting design, but over the years we’ve broadened our scope to include full design and management/planning.
We’re proud to say that we have been designing lights in the Rollins since the Long Center opened! Over the years, we’ve been a part of many productions and events. We joined the Drop-In team two years ago and never looked back. AND now two former NGPers work at the Long Center. So it just feels like hanging out with family when we are there.
LC: Tell us your story! How did you come to be in event production and design?
Natalie George: I, NG, have been working in the arts in Austin for over 20 years. Originally as a Lighting Designer for theater and dance, then I became the producer of the Fusebox Festival. After working with FB to produce unwieldy events all over Austin for 10 years, I decided to start my own company!
LC: On any given day, you could find a launch party, an interactive installation, and a whole slew of live performances taking place in Austin. What’s the best thing about being in a city with so many opportunities for production and design?
Natalie George: Oh man, this is SO TRUE! The possiblities are endless. And that is exactly what I love. The room or venue, the theme or occasion, and the vibe is always changing. We love that each day is a new adventure. Most people we work with are really open to trying new things or adding some extra flare, which always makes our work more fun. We get to work in a variety of spaces, too. Rediscovering the nooks and crannies of Austin is definitely a highlight.
LC: NGP is a super cool, women-led company. How has this shaped your approach to production, and how have you learned to navigate in what’s typically a male-dominated field?
Natalie George: When I started as a lighting designer, it was a male-dominated world. And not always a welcoming space. I think this really made me want to run my own company, so I could curate the vibe exactly as I wanted it. For me, it’s all about my team. They are my family. If they’re happy, then I’m happy. And that is when we do our best work. We’ve been told by many clients that we always seem to be having too much fun. Having fun translates into having pride in what you are doing. We want to stay and get every last detail perfect.
LC: NGP does all of the lighting on the H-E-B Stage at The Drop-In (and it’s spectacular). What goes into the design process for that? Is it based on what the artist says, or do you follow your heart?
Natalie George: Why, thank you. We really follow our heart. And the beat. We are all genuine music lovers, so just letting the song speak to us always feels right.
LC: Lighting is often the unsung hero of a performance. Is there something you wished more people understood about lighting?
Natalie George: It is SO hard to explain lighting. Lol. But I think once people see it, they get it. If someone has ideas for what they want, I try and get them to explain it to me in their own langauge instead of trying to come up with lighting terms. If they can share a color, emotion, or even a song lyric, that helps me create a response that I think they’ll like.
LC: Do you have an all-time favorite project you’ve worked on?
Natalie George: There is really only one answer to this. Tiki Tatsu-ya. We designed and installed all the lighting for the bar & restaurant. It was an aboslute dream gig. Tatsu and our design partners were ALL in on the tiki theme and we got to nerd out in the best way. It is one of the only projects we have ever done that is permanent, so it is a real treat to go back and visit it.
LC: What advice would you give to young women and creatives aspiring to get into production and design?
Natalie George: Find people that you enjoy working with. Your creativity will flourish if you feel happy and supported. Be open to trying new things, but always trust your gut.
Couldn’t have said it better ourselves. See the work of Natalie and team on show at The Drop-In every Thursday through August 14!
Don’t forget, it’s FREE
RSVPs appreciated
Drop-ins always welcome
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
