Howdy!
Caden is a lighting designer, photographer, and creative writer from Rapid City, South Dakota. He is currently based out of Phoenix , AZ. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in may of 2023 with a BA in Theatre Arts: Design and Technology with an emphasis in Lighting Design. In addition, he obtained a Minor in English-Writing and a Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship.
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He fell in love with theatre as a freshman in high school. There was something about it that he found absolutely mesmerizing and captivating. He explored the many different aspects of theatre but always returned to lighting design. It was in this realm of storytelling that he found his passion for creating mood, atmosphere, and enhancing the action on stage to create a visual impact on those who view it.
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Caden is also the owner and photographer of CadenJohn Photography. His passion for photography has helped curate his eye for design and artistic attributes. Both disciplines inspire Caden as a designer and photographer and each share a lot of commonalities that push his creative spirit even further. Caden specializes in portrait and BMX photography and has had 4 published photographs in literary magazines.
He is also an avid creative writer with 4 published pieces. Caden primarily writes in the style of creative non-fiction and poetry.
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Most recently, Caden and several colleagues from the University of Northern Colorado were selected for presentation at the 2023 Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space. They were featured with their submission for the [UN]Common Design Project, Can You Hear Me.
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Testimonials
Emma Norby
Former Starbucks Manager
In his time at Starbucks, Caden has shown leadership through his work ethic, listening skills, and social intelligence. He has been a consistently hard worker; showing integrity by continuing to work even when others have slowed down. He is always responsive to instruction, which has helped him to learn operational tasks very quickly. Caden puts the customer’s needs first and is always willing to correct mistakes. I could easily see him promoting to higher positions in his time at Starbucks, should he choose to do so. For these reasons, Caden is an excellent leader with versatile skills.
Michael Birkeland
RCAS Board Member
Caden is a hard worker and a talented leader. He attacks every task head-on and does not rest until it is complete. Caden throws himself into every project, seeing each all the way to completion. He understands that a group is stronger when everyone is heard and those around him look to him as a guide. Caden has a professional demeanor and maturity that allows him and those around him to excel.
Zach Hamersley
UNCO Light Shop Manager
I have known Caden in multiple capacities over the years. He has always been punctual and dependable, becoming an integral part of the electrics shop and the school's lighting department. Caden is no stranger to hard work. Not only did he get A's in every class, every semester, but he also works full-time at Starbucks as a manager, part-time in the electrics shop, and has several published creative writing pieces and photos. All of this while remaining to be a pleasant person to be around and a prompt, dependable, and exemplary employee.
Emily Wright
Starbucks Store Manager
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Caden for the past 18 months while he was a Shift Supervisor in my store. Caden is the top-ranked Supervisor in this location and has the potential to further his career in any leadership role.
During our time working together, Caden has proved to be an outstanding leader through his strengths in building relationships and driving results. The energy and urgency he brings to our store is contagious and he is able to effectively coach others to push themselves in order to meet his expected goals. His strength in communication has allowed him to be a leader among his peers and has led him to assist in training new supervisors in this role as well. He also takes feedback well, which allows him to take on new challenges and further his self-development.