Credit Your Designers!

What is in a name, and why do show credits matter?

This semester, I have had the honor of working as the Associate Director for Michigan State University's production of A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of Great Lakes. We just opened this past Friday. Though I did not receive a program on opening night (I came in through the back), I later learned through social media that no designer was credited on the program. The sad truth is that the average audience patron doesn't realize sets, lights, costumes, etc., and so forth don't appear out of thin air unless the paper in their hands directly tells them otherwise.

In each MainStage production at MSU during my undergrad career, the primary designers are acknowledged in the printed program. This recognition is a coveted privilege that designers put in significant effort for. It was disheartening not to see the names of the dedicated team members, many of whom were first-time lead designers or working on an out-of-area show for the first time, or were simply thrilled to have their hard work acknowledged. Regrettably, the program only credited the Stage Manager, the director, and me as part of the creative team. Additionally, none of us were credited using our preferred or correct professional names.

Names are significant. We learn in school that the name we select for our professional identity carries importance and is a major choice since it stays with us forever. When I am acknowledged using my complete name, I am Katherin 'KAT' Poon. It is precise, meaningful, and my deliberate choice. Initially, I felt it was trivial and arrogant to be upset about this. If you share this sentiment, don't. You have the right to be addressed correctly.

As an action-oriented person, I decided to immediately reach out to production management, expressing my disappointment and concern. Though we were unable to reprint all the programs, we were able to get a display board near the entrances with the design team listed. It is not a perfect solution, but it showed that production management cared and wanted to rectify the situation.

I also reached out to the cast to take to social media and put the names of designers out there. Designers work tirelessly to highlight the actors through their costumes, the space they inhabit, ensuring that the lights and sounds set the mood for their performance. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful company that immediately responded with excitement and love for their design team.

The last piece that I set in motion was a TikTok-style video idea that was pitched to the students running the social media for the department. It showcased the beautiful work of our designers and mentioned each one of them by name. Seeing how grateful and touched designers were in the comments made me smile.

So in conclusion, credit your designers because it is the decent thing to do. Use people's preferred professional names because names hold meaning. Advocate for yourself and others. And if you make a mistake, it's okay, as long as you strive to make amends and be better in the future.