About FlashCue
Specific lighting information for the people who need it.
FlashCue connects theatre lighting information with audiences, and brings photosensitivity education to the people who design the light.
How FlashCue began
“When are the flashing lights?”
Before buying a Broadway ticket and attending a show, the founders of EpiArts Alliance asked that question.
FlashCue founder Nicole Hughes, together with researchers and contributors, has worked to answer it: providing specific lighting information to audiences, and educating lighting designers about photosensitivity.
The people building FlashCue
Nicole Hughes
FounderNicole leads FlashCue’s work connecting audiences, theatre professionals, researchers and educators. She is a playwright and impact producer, and an advocate for disability rights and inclusion in the arts.
Dr. Laura South
App developer · Lecturer in Computer Science, University of New HampshireLaura’s research focuses on digital accessibility, including assistive technology for people with photosensitive epilepsy across virtual reality, data visualization and social media. She is building the FlashCue audience app and contributor tools.
Researchers & contributors
FlashCue’s work draws on research, lighting practice, access expertise and lived experience.
Dr. Arnold Wilkins
Vision scientist · Emeritus Professor, University of EssexAuthor of Visual Stress. After two years at the Montreal Neurological Institute, he worked as a research scientist at the Medical Research Council Applied Psychology Unit in Cambridge before joining the University of Essex. His studies of photosensitive epilepsy led to a broader interest in vision and health.
Donald Holder
Lighting designerDesigner of 59 Broadway productions, with fourteen Tony nominations and wins for The Lion King and the 2008 revival of South Pacific. He is Head of Lighting Design at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. Co-author of the FlashCue lighting guide.
Barbara Samuels
Lighting designerObie Award-winning lighting designer, organizer and producer creating design-forward live events that prioritize generosity, equity and representation. Proud member of USA 829.
Paul Behrhorst
Accessibility · ConsultAbilityCo-founder of ConsultAbility and Accessibility Manager at the Perelman Performing Arts Center. He has worked with disabled theatre professionals since 2008.
Contributing lighting designers & productions
Howard Hudson, Jessica Creager & SM team
& Juliet
Cory Pattak & Elizabeth Talmadge
A Wonderful World · The Great Gatsby
Derek Jones & SM team
Back to the Future
Kat Zhou
Cabaret · Water for Elephants
Craig Stelzenmuller, Peter Nigrini & Robert Figueira
Hell’s Kitchen
Jamie Roderick
It’s All Your Fault, Tyler Price!
Craig Stelzenmuller, Peter Nigrini & Kate Ducey
MJ The Musical
Nick Solyom & Espen Garner
Moulin Rouge! · Once Upon a Mattress
Joshua Benghiat
Our Town
Jiyoun Chang, Jonah Bobilin & SM team
Stereophonic
Kevin Adams & Timothy Reed
Swept Away
Wilburn Bonnell & Erica Holmes
The Notebook
Amith Chandrashaker
Purpose
Cha See & Bev Fremin
Oh, Mary!
United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829
Theatre Lighting for Photosensitivity training with Donald Holder and Dr. Arnold Wilkins. 70+ lighting designers trained.
Watch the trainingEpilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation has recognized FlashCue’s work sharing detailed flashing light information with audiences.
Get in touch
We welcome conversations with audience members, lighting designers, educators, researchers and theatre teams.