Tom Wagstaff, Co-Lighting Designer and Lighting Director

WHERE DO YOU LIVE WHEN NOT ON THE ROAD?
Brooklyn, NY

WHAT’S YOUR TOUR JOB?
I am the Co-Lighting Designer, and Lighting Director for the Tour

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST TOUR AND WHAT WAS YOUR JOB THEN?
My first tour was with James on the One Man Band Tour in 2006; I first joined the tour as Lighting Director and began designing for James in 2011

BEFORE YOU TOURED WITH JAMES, WHAT TYPE OF WORK DID YOU DO?
Before touring with James, I worked as a freelance Lighting Designer and programmer in NYC.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST MEET JAMES?
I first met James during production rehearsals for One Man Band when he came over one day to say hello and welcomed me to the tour. He was, and continues to be a wonderfully warm and welcoming leader for the tour.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE TOUR OR DAY?
My favorite part of the tour are the shows themselves, because I love the music, and it’s the moment in the day when my work turns into play.

DO YOU LIKE TOURING BY BUS AND SLEEPING IN BUNKS NEXT TO YOUR CREWMATES?
I love the tour bus, as it’s where you really bond with your fellow crewmates. However, as a tall person, I occasionally find myself missing the extra leg-room on my bed at home!

WHERE ARE YOU POSITIONED DURING THE SHOW?
When James and the band are playing onstage, I’m out at front-of-house, running lights and calling followspot cues.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU ALWAYS HAVE ON TOUR?
I never leave for tour without my iPad – It really helps the time go by on the really long bus rides and flights.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF TOURING?
Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite thing about touring is, I always say “Catering” – I hate to cook, and am terrible at it… But the truth is, the best part is the feeling of family that you develop with your tour-mates – each time we get back together, it’s like a family reunion, as we all catch up with each other’s lives since the last tour.

_{Photo: Robert Riddle}