Hello!
My name is Yajayra* Franco
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I am a second-generation Mexican lighting designer from the San Fernando Valley. I attended USC School of Dramatic Arts, where I received my BFA in Theatrical Design. My first exposure to lighting design was during my sophomore year at ArTES Magnet, picking out gobos for the school's production of A Midsummer's Night Dream. Since then, I have developed a passion for lighting and theatre, collaborating on over 20 productions. During my free time, I enjoy reading, practicing the guitar, and fulfilling my travel bucket list. Fun fact about me, my name Yajayra means "to light, to shine"!
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*You may be a little intimidated on how to pronounce my name, no worries I can help you out! It's pronounced Yah-hai-ra, drop your jaw when enunciating the "a". You got it!
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Artist Statement
Imago Dei
For me, this phrase is the essence of who I am, all that I do, and how I interact with the world around me. The definition of this Latin phrase means, “image of God”. In this phrase is where my identity lies, where I acknowledge the inception of the intricate complexity of my being and originality. A reminder that my aptitude is not of my own accord, but of God’s.
It is no coincidence that my name, Yajayra, means “to light, to shine” and “God enlightens”. I was named with the intention to light and shine both literally and figuratively. To use illumination as an artistic medium. and to radiate love, peace, and patience with everyone I interact with. He enlightens me when I design and when I meditate. For me, lighting design is a form of worship. A way of appreciating God for entrusting me to have a keen eye for light whether it is natural or artificial. The fact that I can skillfully use light to influence emotion, establish location, and capture an audience’s attention is amazing. With every lighting design project I execute, I dedicate it to God. For He is the inspiration behind every lighting composition I create. He is the reason as to why l am infatuated by light.