Amber Whatley’s specialization is in live performance lighting design. Her skills include lighting for theatre, dance, concert, and lighting for the camera. Her technical strengths are programing and moving light programing. She has worked as a lighting designer and consultant for several theatres and churches in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. Her MFA graduate studies in lighting design at The University of Texas at Austin led her to the creation of Blackout a workshop and video series in which her objective is to bring lighting design and technology awareness to Black youth and under supported communities. Her research interests include creating accessible lighting knowledge for BIPOC youth and under supported communities, new works, and non-traditional theater design. As a recent graduate and Post-MFA Artist, Whatley enjoys teaching, freelance designing, and furthering the development of Blackout.