Kaia L. Merrell (she/her/they/them) is a New York based Lighting Designer for theatre, opera, and dance. They are interested in telling stories that push the envelope, and lead audiences to a catharsis through rich, compelling text or music, and striking visual composition. They are excited by the idea of ghost stories – that all theater is a kind of ghost story – and hauntings as the things we carry with us. Recent productions with NYU Tisch Grad Acting include: Robert Icke’s Oresteia, Dread/D.R.E.A.D., and The Fifth of July. Other recent projects include Hudson Guild Operas: Program A (American Opera Projects and NYU Tisch Opera Lab), and multiple showings at Second Avenue Dance Company – where they have been a resident designer since the 23/24 season. They have assisted at the San Fransisco Opera, Barrington Stage Company, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival to name a few.