Name: Steeve Vajk
Title: Associate Principal Production Manager
Years Worked at VT: Joined in 2021
Favorite Project: I really enjoyed working on the St. James Children’s Fountain at Beaver Creek. It was a small project, but it was pure creativity. The dynamic interaction of water and light was fascinating. The most rewarding part was when children and adults would come across the fountain while they were just out walking, and how much spontaneous joy it brought them. Working all day in an outdoor “office” in the Colorado mountains was pretty nice, too.
Funniest or most memorable memory at Visual Terrain: I will never forget lighting the secret pocket in the wall at the MAW Wish Works that revealed Oliver’s hand print on the core of the building (he had wished to be a Construction Worker, and had helped build the MAW building). It’s just a simple contact switch and a bit of LED tape, but it was just the thing needed to create such a powerful moment I will never forget.
Favorite Aspect of Lighting Design: I love when the design and execution of the entire project are so seamless that people don’t even notice the lighting, they just become immersed in the experience.
What/Who Inspires You: I love an elegant design. Simplicity and refinement make me happy. From the design, to the programming, to the details in the drawing package; it all comes down to making it elegant, efficient, and clean.
Fun Fact About Yourself that No One Knows: My first “real” job in high school was being Barney the Dinosaur for children’s birthday parties. The funny part is that almost every time I would arrive at the party, all the small kids would scream and run away – a 6’4″ tall Barney was far more intimidating in person than on a small TV screen. They would eventually warm up to me, but the initial shock was comical.
What is your favorite part about being a production manager? It’s about the “opening night”. When the audience gets to experience all your hard work, and (hopefully) the magical moments work to amaze, touch, or inspire them. Seeing all the work pay off when a guest says, “That was amazing! How did they do that??!?!”