‘Light Up Guy’ continues to illuminate campus, set to graduate in December

Brendon Tiggs, also known as “Light Up Guy,” has evolved in his five years at ETSU.

“I was a different person when I first came here,” said Tiggs.

Tiggs, originally from New Orleans, came to Johnson City from Memphis in 2016 to attend ETSU. In the time since, he has become well known on campus for his self-made light-adorned costumes and dance routines.

“Everything is self-taught. Everything is improvised. I just go with the vibe and rhythm,” said Tiggs. “I used to get made fun of for dancing, but then, when I moved over here, that all went away.”

Tiggs cites YouTube videos and watching artists like Jabbawockeez as early inspiration.

“I got started in it when I was around ten years old,” said Tiggs. “I remember seeing a lot of YouTube videos about people who had a whole bunch of light-up gear.”

At the age of 14, Tiggs designed his first pair of light-up shoelaces.

“They didn’t go so well,” said Tiggs. “When I was a child I didn’t really have as much to work with. It wasn’t until I started at ETSU when I made a suit, mask, and glasses.”

Tiggs will be graduating with a degree in psychology in December. He has worked in social care during his time at ETSU.

“Last semester I was working with foster care kids,” said Tiggs. “Then, over the summer, I was helping adults with prevention of suicide, helping them the best way that I can.”

Tiggs is passionate about performing as “Light Up Guy” and views it as a way to bring joy to other people.

“Some people look at me and they see hope in the world,” said Tiggs.

Tiggs is undecided on his next move after graduating. He is considering a master’s program, pursuing performance full-time or entering the workforce in his desired field of psychology/sociology.

“I had a lot of anxiety and a lot of stress upon me, but then as I grew up, that has kind of went away,” said Tiggs. “I had to grow up to be a leader.”

Tiggs’s Instagram account, where he posts all of his dance videos, has garnered over 15,000 followers in his time at the university. To see more of his content, visit his Instagram @lightupguy.