#339 - Marsha Stern - From Disco to Digital: The Evolution of Lighting - LEADING LADIES PODCAST
In this episode, Marsha Stern shares her journey through the lighting design industry, reflecting on her legacy projects, including a significant exhibition on disco culture. She discusses the evolution of lighting technology, the vibrant nightclub scene of the 70s and 80s, and the transformative shifts in the industry over the past two decades. Marsha emphasizes the importance of storytelling and education in the arts, advocating for a deeper understanding of the constructs behind lighting design. In this engaging conversation, Marsha Stern and Sarah discuss the impact of technology on mental health, the importance of personal connections, and the joy of music in life. They explore the evolution of the entertainment industry, the significance of community support, and the need for open discourse about mental health. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of nightlife and the importance of setting boundaries in a 24/7 world.
This Episode is brought to you by Lightswitc
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup
02:11 Reflecting on Past Conversations
07:27 Legacy Projects and Museum Exhibition
18:31 The Impact of the Disco Era
21:21 Future Plans and Closing Thoughts
23:03 The Evolution of Events and Legacy Projects
26:08 Preserving Musical History and Personal Legacies
34:16 The Spirit of Early Nightclub Days
38:06 Transitioning from Music to Lighting Design
45:12 The Impact of Digital Technology on Lighting
52:19 Reflections on the Past and Future of the Industry
54:39 The Impact of Cataclysmic Events on Society
55:54 Mental Health in a Tech-Driven World
58:12 The Importance of Personal Connections
01:00:11 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth
01:03:01 The Role of Music in Emotional Well-Being
01:14:32 Music as a Healing Force
01:18:50 Community Support in the Entertainment Industry
01:23:06 The Importance of Emotional Health
01:24:53 Asking for Help: A Personal Journey
01:26:46 Setting Boundaries in a 24/7 World
01:30:18 The Need for Breaks and Mental Health Awareness
01:32:53 Finding Joy in Daily Life
01:34:39 Email Etiquette and Work-Life Balance
01:37:12 Nightlife and Social Changes
01:45:12 The Evolution of Social Spaces
01:49:16 Leading Ladies Outro.mp4
Marsha Stern
Lighting Designer, Technologist & Producer – Backlit Productions / MSLDC
Marsha Stern is an award-winning lighting designer, programmer, technician, and production manager whose career spans five decades across music, nightlife, architecture, and live events. Beginning in the vibrant NYC nightclub scene of the late 1970s, Marsha became a key figure in shaping the visual language of the disco and live performance era, bringing artistry and precision to iconic venues like The Saint, Limelight, and the Palladium.
By the mid-1990s, she was pioneering the integration of automated and entertainment lighting technologies into architectural environments — a transition that bridged her love of performance and design. In 1999, she founded Marsha Stern Lighting Design & Consulting (MSLDC), leading innovative projects for retail, hospitality, and live environments around the world before joining Acclaim Lighting, the architectural division of ADJ Group, in 2017.
Today, Marsha continues to channel her passion for storytelling through Backlit Productions, her creative hub dedicated to music culture and preservation. Her current projects include the acclaimed exhibition “Disco: I’m Coming Out” at the Paris Philharmonic Museum (now preparing for an international tour), a forthcoming documentary slated for 2026, two legacy websites, and The Heartbeat of the Dance Floor® podcast — a celebration of the DJs, designers, and dreamers who built the soundtrack and spectacle of the disco generation.
A lifelong advocate for the creative community, Marsha proudly supports Behi…
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