Alex Gendal is a projection designer, creative technologist, and media server specialist for Show Sage: "I aspire to push my boundaries, to develop and enhance my skills with each project I undertake. My passions lie with creating experimental theatre, implementing interactive media, and innovative problem solving for every task. I consider myself an artist of light and image, and the eye is my canvas. The ability that light has to evoke curiosity and wonder from audiences drives me to put my all into every project and performance. I grow from each design as I continue to explore uncharted avenues and experiment with curiosity."
At LDI 2025, Gendal will be teaching a two-day, hands-on Dataton WATCHOUT class on behalf of Show Sage.
Register for LDI at www.ldishow.com; use promo code WATCHOUT20 to save 20%.
Live Design: Can you describe yourself in less than 50 words?
Alex Gendal: Passionate about video and lighting in live entertainment. Excited to learn and share industry knowledge for the benefit of everyone. In my free time I am an avid board game and D&D player
LD: Please give a brief overview of your training/education/career path.
AG: I studied at Purchase College and gained a BFA in Theatre Design/Technology, and completed graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin with an MFA in Integrated Media for Live Performance. I have been freelancing as a Projection and Lighting Designer in my spare time, and look for new and exciting ways to engage audiences with live theatre
LD: Please describe your most recent project.
AG: I was recently the media designer for a Theatre for Young Audiences production of Finding Nemo at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, IL. I had to integrate with an existing and changing video system used by other shows, and keep a flexible mindset for content creation.
LD: What are you teaching at LDI and who is your target audience?
AG: I am co-teaching the two-Day Dataton Academy WATCHOUT Training with Joaquin Martinez. Our target audience is beginners and intermediate people interested in learning a media server playback software used in a wide variety of venues like schools, museums, interactive exhibits, and live performances.
LD: What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?
AG: My biggest challenge is finding the time to learn all different kinds of software. The industry is changing and new tools are being created all the time. Balancing what is currently the norm with what is coming is a constant battle. This industry is always evolving, and you must be willing to keep learning!
LD: What is your advice for people just getting into the industry?
AG: Keep an ear on the latest buzz, and an eye on tools and software that gets you excited! Always be adapting and creating!