Daniel Salazar is a Chicago-based lighting designer who has been designing since 2012. After moving from Shreveport, Louisiana to Chicago in 2018 to further pursue lighting design and acting, his career path expanded into corporate design and event management. During this time, he also served as a Lighting Supervisor for a Chicago-based production company. Daniel is now transitioning back to focusing on regional theatre and Broadway.

He began the pursuit of his lighting design career at a community college in Texas before returning to Shreveport in 2013, where he joined Stage Center Inc. as a resident lighting designer, he designed over 40 productions and was also actively involved as an actor and director. He continues to collaborate with the company as both a designer and performer.

In addition to his design work, Daniel serves as Production Manager and a board member for Bodies of Water, an organization dedicated to fostering artistic innovation and community engagement through interdisciplinary performance. The organization supports artists at all career stages through the creation, education, and presentation of new work.

Daniel is also the creator of The Industry, a YouTube channel that offers insight into the careers and processes of live entertainment professionals. Through interviews and discussions, the channel aims to provide emerging artists with practical guidance and a clearer understanding of the industry. In addition to providing education through content creation, Dan consistently spends his time freelancing with low income or high school theatre companies helping guide young/start up technicians in becoming well rounded in the world of production.

Also Dan spends as much time as he can participating in local Chicago social justice acts and performances. “I prioritize spending my time and money supporting the LGBTQIA+ community being a part of it myself. Giving back to the community that welcomed and accepted me is of upmost importance, especially in our current political climate.”

He is committed to fostering creative, inclusive, and empathetic environments in all of his work. Daniel believes in leading with care and respect, and strives to uplift others while contributing to a more equitable and supportive artistic community.