Get to Know: Andrew Sproule

Meet One of SF Ballet’s SPOTLIGHT OPERATORs

When the curtain rises at the War Memorial Opera House, all eyes are on the dancers. But just beyond the glow of the stage lights, and sometimes right above our heads, another artist is at work: Andrew Sproule, one of our spotlight operators. Whether drawing focus to a featured dancer, enhancing dramatic moments, or subtly illuminating a plot point, the spotlight operator plays a crucial role in shaping how we experience the performance. Their precision and timing bring an added layer of artistry to the SF Ballet experience.

The duties of a follow spot operator include preparing and double checking lamps and gear before performances. Sproule operates Robert Juliat 1800 watt Victor HMI spots that can be controlled by the lighting consoles as well as by the operators.

While hidden away behind the scenes and sometimes tucked away just above the audience, the three primary locations of spotlights in the War Memorial Opera House are the ceiling cove, which is behind the chandelier, as well as four spots on the first lighting bridge above the stage. Spotlight operators have to wear fall protection harnesses to get on the first bridge, and they sit on small boating chairs. The final primary location of spots is the lighting booth. These spots are only used for shows that need a long shallow throw to reach upstage. Shows such as Swan Lake, Giselle, and Raymonda all need booth spots. 

To offer a glimpse into his personality beyond the lighting booth, we invited him to take the Proust Questionnaire—a 19th-century parlor game-turned-classic Q&A that reveals personal insights through a series of reflective, revealing questions. In true SF Ballet fashion, we’ve added a bit of a ballet twist. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness to me means living in a world of peace and good health, along with those you love. Living in balance with nature and being able to create personal fulfillment and spiritual growth. 

Who would you invite to attend the ballet with?

I would invite my mother to the ballet.  She studied ballet in her youth and loves to see ballets. She has attended Nutcracker at SFB.

Which living person do you most admire?

Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

What is your most treasured possession?

A statue of a silver lion given as a memorial to my grandfather after he died in the Second World War. It was given to my grandmother by his regiment, the Second Royal Lancers of the Indian Army Corps.

Get to know our staff and dancers and stay tuned for more upcoming Proust Questionnaires here on the blog!