Webster University Alumnus Seth Jackson has traveled the globe, working with several artists from Hilary Duff to Kenny G. But now he is searching for a sense of balance.
“I was never at home, just always on the road,” Jackson said. The concert industry is intensive. You don’t have a schedule like other people.”
Jackson is the new assistant professor in lighting and design at Webster. He first worked at Webster in 2010 as an adjunct then as a visiting assistant.
Jackson has designed shows, which led him to tour in South Africa, Japan, China, Europe and Australia.
“China was the most amazing place to travel. “It was different,” said Jackson. I was on tour with Kenny G and he treated everybody nice.”
Through networking, Jackson met Valerie Groth, who was known for designing big concerts. She took Jackson under her wing, and this helped open the door to many opportunities.
Jackson said he took an interest in lighting and design at the age of 13.
“I was always fascinated with the production of different concerts,” Jackson said. “But the Billy Joel concert was the first to really captivate me.”
Growing up in St. Louis, Jackson received his K-12 education through the Mehlville School District. But Mehlville didn’t have any subjects or programs that focused on lighting or design. So he got his own lighting equipment and traveled to work at weddings and church events.
At Webster, Jackson majored in theater with an emphasis in lighting and design. He boasts about the professional nature of the program.
“With the way training was taught at Webster, I knew this was the best place to be if I wanted a job,” Jackson said.
Jackson said he’s fascinated with thinking up new ideas. He loves finishing and then starting on something new.
He’s currently working on a design for the “America’s Got Talent” tour which comes out in late September, while coordinating the lighting for the Austin’s City Limit Musical Festival.
“I’m still able to work on concerts,” Jackson said. “I usually do it in the earlier part of my day before I go to Webster.”
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