Jason Amato (Lighting Designer)

began his career in theatre 24 years ago, running followspot for Austin's Zilker Summer Musical. Since, he has designed over 600 shows. Recently relocated to the East Coast, Jason is excited to spark new collaborations and conversations with artists and audiences to make a brighter more engaged future.  

One of his most recent ventures, Austin Shakespeare’s Anthem, was seen Off-Broadway at the Baryshnikov Arts Center, NYC. In addition to designing at ZACH Theatre for 14 years, he is the resident lighting designer for Austin Shakespeare and the Vortex.   He has toured internationally, designing dance at Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, the Smithsonian and the National Theatre in Taipei, Taiwan.

Jason has received numerous regional awards for his lighting from the B. Iden Payne committee and the Austin Critics Table.  In The Austin Chronicle’s "Best of Austin," he received “Best Lighting Design on a Shoe String” in 1995. In 2002 he was honored with “Best Dazzler” in The Austin Chronicle’s Critics’ poll.  In 2008, Jason received the "Outstanding Contribution to Austin Theater" award from Austin Circle of Theaters. And in 2012 The Kennedy Center recognized Jason’s work on Eurydice at Simpson College, Iowa.