Student Lighting Designer named 2026 Howell Binkley Fellow

The Howell Binkley Fellowship offers fellows exposure to New York City based lighting designers and the theatrical lighting community. It will connect them to the worlds of commercial and nonprofit lighting design. 

A theatrical lighting designer born and raised in Austin, Texas, Cabrera holds a BFA in Theatre from Texas State University and will graduate with her MFA in Lighting Design and Technology from CCM this spring.

Cabrera was the Lighting Designer on CCM's fall 2025 production of Cendrillon (pictured above). Audiences can see some of her work at "In the Spotlight," which showcases CCM Acting, Musical Theatre and Theatre Design and Production seniors on Thursday, March 12; tickets are on sale through the UC Foundation. Cabrera is also the Lighting Designer on CCM's upcoming production of Sweeney Todd, presented April 15-19; tickets are on sale though the CCM Box Office.

The Howell Binkley Fellowship announcement shares that Cabrera is thrilled by the opportunity to work with Ryan O'Gara and Amanda Zieve (former associates of the late lighting designer Howell Binkley, the fellowship's namesake) and intends to make the most of every moment and connection. She hopes to move to New York City and says she is excited to carry what she learns from this opportunity every step. She values storytelling in all of its forms, especially through light.

As the 2026 Fellow, Cabrera will have direct access to Howell Binkley’s two key Associates of many years: Ryan O’Gara and Amanda Zieve. They will provide an inside look at the industry including: developing excellent drafting techniques, advice on finding the next job, observing the tech of a regional, opera, dance or Broadway production; and experience at the tech table for the process of a show. O’Gara and Zieve will be available to answer questions and help Cabrera navigate the industry to start her career. 

The three-month fellowship program honors the legacy of Howell Binkley. When referring to having young designers observe the process with him and his team, Howell would always say, “No one has ever done this for me.” He would take the time to talk to young designers; he loved to hear their stories and help them anyway he could. This fellowship continues his efforts, providing the extra "push" and assistance in fostering the next generation of theatrical lighting designers as they begin their careers.