Remembering Roloef Peter (Ron) Snippe

A Tribute by Rosemary James

January 23, 1948 – June 24, 2025
Remembering Roloef Peter (Ron) Snippe for his artistic contribution as an outstanding lighting designer.

In 1973 Roloef or Ron as he was known, started his long-serving contribution as a lighting designer with Toronto Dance Theatre. He designed more than 150 works for the company. In his lighting career with TDT he collaborated with Patricia Beatty, David Earle, Peter Randazzo, Christopher House, guest choreographers such as James Kuldelka, company members and for Dance Arts Institute (formerly known as The School of Toronto Dance).

Throughout his time with TDT, Ron assumed the roles as technical director, building, company, stage and touring manager. He was the resident lighting designer from 1983-2002 and occasionally would return to design lighting for Christopher House’s works such as Chiasmata (2006) and Dis/(sol/ve)r (2008).

On tour, it was amazing to witness Ron’s ingenuity. He was a master at adapting to any theatre or space, especially in different environments which lacked the necessary lighting plots. As an artist, he would create lighting looks that were similar to the original design, and often made adjustments prior to the performance. 

Over the years, Ron’s lighting designs were recognized by dance critics.

Deirdre Kelly in the Globe and Mail wrote about the premiere of Sunrise (1987) a work choreographed by David Earle. “ Ron Snipe’s lighting design is reminiscent of Turner’s late brooding paintings and Brahms’ Symphony No.1 is certainly German and romantic enough for Earle’s purposes.” And in her review for Dreamsend (1993), “Earle skillfully structures the story into 12 distinct parts, each appearing before the audience in the illuminating glare of Ron Snippe’s lighting design. The parts begin and end in darkness, a simple but effective technique that allows each scene to stand on its own as a striking tableau while still contributing to a sense of narrative flow.”

Paula Citron in the Globe and Mail commented on the lighting for Persephone’s Lunch (2001) a work choreographed by Christopher House. “Roleof Peter Snippe’s atmospheric lighting conveys both the intense Grecian light and its amber-hued sunsets.”

In 2003 William Littler’s Toronto Star review for the remount of Severe Clear (2000) choreographed by Christopher House remarked, “Snow white is the dominant colour throughout, with Roelof Peter Snippe’s lighting reflecting the intensity of the northern summer.” 

It was educational to be in the theatre with Ron. He knew his craft and would share his knowledge and love for lighting design with the community. He had an easy going manner, was generous, kind and had a wry sense of humor. He was extraordinary in his designs, and would capture the vision of choreographers with his versatility and creativity.

On behalf of myself, and the entire TDT family, our extended condolences go out to the family, friends, dance, theatre, and opera communities, mourning the loss of this wonderful human and artist.