Elaine Molinaro

A technical director/lighting designer and actress/writer, Elaine graduated from Northwestern University’s Theatre Program with a Masters of Fine Arts in theatre in 1994 before moving to New York City, where she currently lives and works. She studied theatre at the Paris III – La Sorbonne Nouvelle and dance at the Schola Cantorum under Karin Waehner (Wigman technique) in Paris where she resided for one year. She joined AlienNation Co. in 1993 and directed the technical designs for the company’s touring productions.

Her professional experience:

• Since 1993, she has worked as Technical/Production Director with AlienNation Co., and has designed the lighting for AlienNation on its international tour and for Lovers Fragments IV, Blue Rider Theatre, Chicago.
• She designed lights for the Spare Rib Festival, for the Mee-Show, and for the production of MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS at Northwestern University’s Theatre Center.
• She choreographed for the theatre production THE RELUCTANT DRAGON as well as for the Northwestern University Dance Ensemble.
• In France she designed lights for LA FETE DE LA JEUNESSE and choreographed for the „Centre LaFeurie Monbadon“in Bourdeux, with Jacques Garros and Jean Masse.

• As a dance performer she has worked with DanceWorks, the Jacob’s Pillow Festival, and the Mid-Hudson Ballet Company.

After leaving Chicago, Elaine has had a successful career in the theatre world. Elaine founded Culture Connection Theater (CCT) in 2004. In NJ, Elaine has directed for CCT, the Theater Project, Luna Stage, Dreamcatcher Rep., Centenary Stage, Apricot Sky Productions, Nutley Little Theater, UCC Players, Intersections International, Montclair Early Music and George Street Playhouse. In NY – Lincoln Center, Peculiar Works Project, The Cell, HERE, New Georges, Voice & Vision, Ping Chong and Co. Elaine is President of the Montclair Arts Alliance, Immediate Past Chair and member of the Montclair Arts Advisory Committee to the Montclair Town Council.  She is an officer and women’s play contest coordinator of the Women and Theatre Program for the Association of Theatre in Higher Education.