Gordon W. Olson

Gordon W. Olson is a Lecturer in Lighting Design and Technical Production at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, affiliated with the Production Arts and Operations unit. With over 90 professional theatre and opera productions to his credit, he combines academic instruction with practical design expertise.

His career highlights include Broadway assistant roles for Good People (2011) and Jerusalem (Tony-nominated for Best Lighting Design), as well as resident lighting designer positions at Florida Grand Opera (2008-2011) and Houston Grand Opera (2006-2008). He has designed for notable productions such as Madama Butterfly, Lucia di Lammermoor, and the world premiere of Hansel and Gretel.

As an educator, Olson contributes to lighting design pedagogy while maintaining active industry engagement. His work spans interdisciplinary collaborations across opera, drama, and technical theatre domains.