Nananne Porcher

Nananne Porcher, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, was president of Jean Rosenthal Associates, Inc.  She did graduate work at UCLA and holds an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.  She was assistant to Jean Rosenthal from 1944 to 1956.  She designed the lighting for over 100 operas, including two world premieres and numerous American premieres, working on the first opera performed at the Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center as well as the first opera at the opening of the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D. C. She is included in Who’s Who in Opera.

Porcher designed lighting for ballet from 1957, including work with New York City Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theater, and various regional companies.  She served as Lighting Designer and technical coordinator for American Ballet Theatre from 1960‑1966, and as Resident Lighting Designer and technical coordinator from 1971‑1978.

Porcher’s television work included the lighting direction for the 1976 Emmy Award “Live From Lincoln Center” production of ABT’s Swan Lake, and the 1977 Emmy Award “Live From Lincoln Center” production of ABT’s Giselle.  Her film work included the Stage Lighting Direction for The Turning Point, Herbert Ross’ film with Anne Bancroft, Shirley MacLaine, and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Porcher’s professional affiliations included International Association of Lighting Designers, United States Institute of Theater Technology, League of Historic American Theaters, and Theater Historical Society.

Nananne Porcher died in 2001 at the age of 78.