Master of Fine Arts

2012 - 2015

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

• Concentration: Technical Direction

• Thesis: ‘Guys & Dolls: A Featured Production’

• Committee: Zachary Stevenson [chair], John Miller, Norman Coates

Journeyman

2013 - Present

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

• Membership: Local 635 of Winston-Salem, Thomasville, and Lewisville, NC

• Initiated: August 3rd, 2013

• Positions Held

  • Secretary-Treasurer – October 1st, 2020 to October 1st, 2022

  • Finance Committee Chair – January 7th, 2021 to October 1st, 2022

Visiting Faculty

2023

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

WINSTON-sALEM, nc

• School: Design & Production

• Course Taught: DEP7431 Graduate Rigging (Spring)

Technical Director

2017 - 2022

Elon University

Elon, NC

• Department: Performing Arts

• Responsibilities: Overseeing the upkeep, maintenance, and inventory of three performance venues, three shop spaces, and a scenery storage facility. Preparation of estimates, static structural analysis, and shop drawings. Leading fabrication, installation, and demolition of eight to ten Performing Arts Department produced shows per academic year. Supervision and mentoring of Theatrical Design & Technology students with an interest in entertainment fabrication, technical direction, and shop management. Coordination of all performance venue activities with the Production Manager for Performing Arts, the Production Manager for Cultural & Special Programs, and their assistants.

• Courses Taught

  • TDT1100A + TDT1100B: Theatre Workshop

    • Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022

  • TDT110A + TDT110B: Theatre Workshop

    • Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021

  • THE110A + THE110B: Theatre Workshop

    • Fall 2017, Winter 2018, Spring 2018

• Committees

  • Health, Safety, & Environmental Management Committee – 2018 to Present

  • Event and Facility Safety Committee – 2019 to Present

  • Elon Driver Training for Trainers Review & Update Committee – 2020

  • Performing Arts Production Safety Task Force – 2018

  • Environmental Management Systems Committee – 2017 to 2018

• Guest Lectures

  • TDT2100: Technical Production in Theatre

    • Fall 2021, Spring 2022

  • TDT210: Technical Production in Theatre

    • Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021

• Workshops

  • Reading Technical Drawings + Taping Out a Ground Plan [1.5 hours]

  • An Introduction to Fine Woodworking [2 hours per week for 10 weeks]

    • Spring 2019, Fall 2021

  • Advanced Theatrical Rigging [2 hours per week of 10 weeks]

    • Spring 2018, Spring 2021

  • An Introduction to MIG Welding + Metalworking [2 hours per week for 12 weeks]

    • Fall 2020

  • CNC Router Operations + Programming [2 hours per week for 8 weeks]

    • Fall 2019

  • Theatrical Drafting in AutoCAD Mechanical [2 hours per week for 8 weeks]

    • Fall 2018

Guest Lecturer

2020

University of North Carolina Greensboro

Greensboro, NC

• Course: THR491: Advanced Theatre Practices - Scenery

• Instructor: Christopher Haas

• Lecture: ‘CNC Cutting: Feeds & Speeds’. An introduction to feed, speed, and chip load calculation in CNC router operations.

Master Class Lecturer

2011 - 2012

Chaminade College Preparatory School

St. Louis, MO

• ‘The Scenic Design Process’ [1.5 hours]

• ‘The Collaborative Art Process’ [1.5 hours]

• ‘Designing to a Budget’ [1.5 hours]

Lead Craftsperson

2015 - 2017

VStar Entertainment Group

Minneapolis, MN

• Fabricated trade show, touring show, museum, and theatrical scenery, road cases, and carts. Supervised overhire workers and the maintenance of shop space in collaboration with other Lead Craftspersons. Served as primary AutoCAD draftsperson for Production Services and Costumes & Creatures. Collaborated with the Costumes & Creatures shop to streamline manufacturing of mechanical components. Responsible for setup, operation, and maintenance of a ShopSabre 408 Pro CNC Router Table. Established best practices, operational procedures, and training regimes for new CNC Operators. Trained two CNC operators including my replacement when I left the company.

• Selected Projects

  • NBA Skills Challenge – Graphic Displays, Passing Targets, Ball Plinths

  • Paw Patrol Live Tours – Vehicle CNC Carving, Puppet Harnesses, Puppet Head Mechanics

  • Malt-O-Meal Trade Show Display – Prize Wheel, Graphic Displays, Transport Carts, Masking Walls

  • Boar’s Head Sandwich Photo Op – Foam Sandwich & Chip Carving, Condiment Sewing, Deck & Crate Fabrication

  • Minneapolis Children’s Museum – Joyous Moves Climber Technical Design & Fabrication Team Lead

Technical Director

2010 - 2012

STAGES St. Louis

Kirkwood, MO

• Fabricated trade show, touring show, museum, and theatrical scenery, road cases, and carts. Supervised overhire workers and the maintenance of shop space in collaboration with other Lead Craftspersons. Served as primary AutoCAD draftsperson for Production Services and Costumes & Creatures. Collaborated with the Costumes & Creatures shop to streamline manufacturing of mechanical components. Responsible for setup, operation, and maintenance of a ShopSabre 408 Pro CNC Router Table. Established best practices, operational procedures, and training regimes for new CNC Operators. Trained two CNC operators including my replacement when I left the company.

• Productions

  • My One and Only – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by James Wolk

    • Left company before installation. Not affiliated with any rigging or flying effects

  • The Sound of Music – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by Mark Halpin

  • The Jungle Book – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by James Wolk

  • Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by James Wolk

  • Victor Victoria – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by Mark Haplin

  • The Secret Garden – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by James Wolk

  • 101 Dalmatians – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by James Wolk

  • A Chorus Line – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by Mark Halpin

  • State Fair – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by James Wolk

  • The Aristocats – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by James Wolk

  • Promises Promises – Directed by Michael Hamilton – Scenic Design by Mark Halpin

Automation Specialist

2009 - 2010

Carnival Cruise Lines

GalVeston, TX

• Maintenance, repair, and operation of a twenty-eight axis Stage Technologies lift system. Assisted in the maintenance and repair of all scenery, lighting & sound equipment. As Senior Technician, supervised three other entertainment technicians aboard, and was responsible for event planning, requisitions, entertainment technician training, and inter-departmental repair coordination under the supervision of the Cruise Director.

• Vessel: M.S. Carnival Conquest

  • Additional Role: Senior Entertainment Technician – November 2009 to January 2010

Technical Designer

2021 - present

Empire Technical Fabrication

Wayne, NJ

• Here We Are - Diorama Boxes + Roll Drop

• Here Lies Love - The Broadway Theatre 3D Model + Audience Gallery Steel Superstructure + Blender + Telescoping Platforms + Revolve

• Room - Act 2 Pivot Walls

• 95th Academy Awards - Friction Drive Orchestra Platform

• How to Defend Yourself - Spring Assisted Flipper Wall

• A Sign in Sydney Brustein’s Window - Steel Superstructure + Second Floor

• The Collaboration - Pivoting Walls

• LegoLand NY - Miniland Railings

• When Playwrights Kill - Producer Flipper + Louvre Wall

• Death of a Salesman Hudson Theatre - USR Tower B + Tracking Platform

• Little Island - Sheet Metal Layouts + Bend Plans for Mobile Concession Units

Technical Designer + Fabricator

2019 - Present

Majestic Scenic

Winston-Salem, NC

• Collaborate with the Shop Foreman on the creation of technical designs, construction methodologies, and build schedules. Development of CNC designs, tool pathing, prototypes, and production runs as the primary CNC operator. Creation of shop drawing packages as needed. Fabrication of key elements as assigned.

  • Disney Animation Vault - Technical Design + CNC Design for Portals

  • Immersive Frida Kahlo Exhibits – CNC Design + Operation for Part Work

  • Immersive Van Gogh Exhibits – Technical Design + CNC Design + Fabrication for Mirror Columns and ‘GOGH’ Signs

  • Patton Oswalt: I Love Everything Netflix Special – CNC Design + Operation + Fabrication for Elliptical Deck

  • Deon Cole: Cole Hearted Netflix Special – Floor Tile Finishing + Sign Rigging

Technical Designer

2015 - 2022

Production Resource Group

New Windsor, NY

• Outsource, offsite work for the Technical Design & Engineering Department. Jobs are completed remotely on an as-needed, hourly basis. Responsible for the technical design, full 3D drafting, CNC-ready dxf/dwg files, a complete bill of materials, and plating of theatre spaces, theatrical scenery, and mechanical systems as assigned. Responsible to the Project Manager(s), Senior Technical Designer(s), and the General Manager for Engineering and Operations to ensure designs are to specification, on budget, and optimized for fabrication

  • Disney Cruise Lines’ Welcome Shop, Aladdin, Little Mermaid – Fire Matrices

  • ‘Life is Beautiful’ Promotional Installation – Walls + Framing

  • ‘Forest of Us’ Installation – Compound Curve Railings + Blind Support Brackets

  • Frozen Australia Tour – Ice Bridge Unit

  • Unmasked – Automated Stair Units

  • The Phantom of the Opera 2019 World Tour – Traveling Bridge Elevator Unit

  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory National Tour – TV Camera

  • Moulin Rouge – Brick Wall Traveling Legs

  • The Beauty and the Beast for Disney Shanghai – Castle + West Wing Automated Units

  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – TV Camera + TV Moon Portal + Jungle Portal

  • The SpongeBob Musical – Surround Walls + Platforming + Escape Stairs

  • Pip’s Island – Grumble’s Kitchen

  • Radio City Music Hall’s 2016 Summer Show – Dollar Signs + Coin Stacks

  • Fully Committed – Wine Bottle Back Wall + Show Legs

  • Paramour – Venue Survey + Show Deck + Pit Extension

Technical Director

2013, 2017, 2019, 2022

National Black Theatre Festival

Winston-Salem, NC

• A weeklong, biennial festival features 40-50 productions across 20+ venues. Created estimates and drafting packages as necessary. Supervised and led construction, supplementary rentals, transportation, load in, and strike of scenic elements for 10-20 productions and 3-6 temporary, pop-up venues. Planned and supervised the storage facility for all lighting, costume, props, and audio elements during the festival. Supervised the install, storage, and strike crew of 4 carpenters, 30-40 festival hands, and 8-12 IATSE stagehands.

CNC Designer + Fabricator

2019

Triad Stage Theatre

Greensboro, NC

• It’s a Wonder Life Live Radio Drama Chandeliers

  • Four custom clear acrylic chandeliers. Each 30” diameter chandelier featured gold accents, integrated electrics, and concealed internal rigging hardware. Created technical design, executed CNC cutting, finished parts, and led final chandelier assembly. Collaborated with the master electrician to assure space for planned electrics.

Technical & 3D Print Designer

2019, 2021

Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre

New York, NY

• 3D Printed Integrated Deck Low Fog Diffusers

  • Five dry ice fog vent covers to replace the show originals which were modified from existing products, had a long lead time, and broke frequently. Designed a durable, 3D printed vent cover that would better diffuse the fog, support 500lbs+, and could be printed in less than 24 hours. Collaborated on printing with students at Elon University.

  • Reprinted in 2021 with upgraded filament after a diffuser was damaged during maintenance

Draftsperson

2016 - 2019

North Carolina Black Repertory Company

Winston-Salem, NC

• Responsible for technical design, designer plates, or shop drawings as assigned.

  • Black Nativity – Stage Escape Stairs

  • Top Dog Under Dog – Rigged Ceiling Unit

  • The Right Reverend Dupree in Exile – Scenic Design Package

  • The Sting of White Roses – Scenic Design Package

Fabricator

2018

Elon University

Elon, NC

• ADA Compliant Motorized Podiums

  • Two motorized podiums that met ADA specifications for access. Collaborated on design with the Production Manager for Cultural & Special Programs. Final product had 19” of vertical travel, would auto-deploy wheels when completely collapsed, and would fit through a standard 36” exterior doorway.

Technical Director

2017

Mu Performing Arts

Minneapolis, MN

• Charles Francis Chan Jr.’s Exotic Oriental Murder Mystery

  • Directed by Randy Reyes

  • Scenic Design by Sarah Brandner

• Responsible for mechanical design, budget, and build for all scenic elements including a two-level stage deck, rolling door units, a transforming bar/bed unit, and a telephone pole. Supervised an IATSE crew for load in and strike in The Guthrie Theater’s Dowling Studio space. Shared responsibility for scenic painting with Scenic Designer.

Technical Director

2016

Pillsbury House & Theatre

Minneapolis, MN

• The Children

  • Directed by Noël Raymond

  • Scenic Design by Joel Sass

• Responsible for mechanical design, budget, build, load in, and strike of all scenic elements including reclaimed wood walls, a raised platform concealing a secret passage for performers, and hanging ceiling trusses rigged to swing in the ‘wind’ Shared responsibility for scenic painting with Scenic Designer.

Assistant Technical Director

2016

Children’s Theatre Company

Minneapolis, MN

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical

  • Directed by Jenn Thompson

  • Scenic Design by Scott Davis

  • Technical Direction by Adriene Heflin

• Responsible for technical design and creating build plates for scenic units and tracking scenery.

Carpenter + Welder

2015

The Guthrie Theatre

Minneapolis, MN

• Responsible for fabrication and installation of steel & wooden scenery for The Music Man and Stage Kiss

Technical Director

2014

Heritage Theatre Festival

Charlottesville, VA

• Heritage Theatre Festival is a two-month summer theater festival produced by the University of Virginia. Assisted the Production Manager in hiring of forty seasonal employees. Managed a staff of three assistant technical directors and a hourly shop of twelve fabricators. Responsible for design negotiations, producing budget & labor estimates, technical design, load calculations, and build schedules as well as a large share of the shop drawings for all shows. Supervised build, installation, and strike of all shows in three venues.

  • Thoroughly Modern Millie – Directed by Robert Chapel – Scenic Design by Katie-Bell Springmann

  • Shear Madness – Directed by Brian Garie – Scenic Design by Brian Barker

  • Avenue Q – Directed by Renee Dobson – Scenic Design by Katie-Bell Springmann

  • One Man Two Guvnors – Directed by Robert Chapel – Scenic Design by Brian Barker

Associate Technical Director

2013

STAGES St. Louis

Kirkwood, MO

• Legally Blonde

  • Directed by Michael Hamilton

  • Scenic Design by James Wolk

  • Technical Direction by Max Flicker

• Assisted the staff technical director with technical design, shop drawings, fabrication, and load in of all show portals. Collaborated with the master electrician to integrate lighting and electrics into show portals. Solely designed, analyzed, and executed all rigging and flying effects.

Assistant Technical Director

2013

The Piedmont Opera

Winston-Salem, NC

• The Flying Dutchman

  • Directed by Steve Lacosse

  • Scenic Design by Mark Pirolo

  • Technical Direction by Dennis Booth

• Produced in collaboration with The Princeton Festival. Created technical design and shop drawings then supervised an IATSE Local 635 build crew in collaboration with another Assistant Technical Director. Created new scenery & rigging elements and repaired and refurbished an existing raked deck.

Carpenter

2013

Open Dream Children’s Ensemble

Winston-Salem, NC

• Repaired existing touring scenery, rebuild unrecoverable elements, increase the stability of an existing kabuki roll drop rig, and constructed a series of lightweight wood and plastic crates to allow for the safe transport of body puppet props.

Scenic Designer + Projections Designer

2011 - 2012

Chaminade College Preparatory School

St. Louis, MO

• Elephant’s Graveyard – Directed by Sarah Armstrong

• Alice in Wonderland – Directed by Sarah Armstrong

• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Directed by Sarah Armstrong

Assistant Technical Director

2009

Heritage Theatre Festival

Charlottesville, VA

• Heritage Theatre Festival is a two-month summer theater festival produced by the University of Virginia. Assisted the technical director with technical design and creating shop drawings. Took a lead role in build, installation, and strike of all shows in two venues. Planned and supervised all changeovers between repertory productions

  • Oliver – Directed by Robert Chapel – Scenic Design by Sara Ward

  • Pump Boys & Dinettes – Directed by Renee Dobson – Scenic Design by Rachel Witt

  • Moonlight & Magnolia – Directed by Doug Sprigg – Scenic Design by Lisa Stoessel

  • Little Shop of Horrors – Directed by Geno Carr – Scenic Design by Sara Ward

Welding Lead

2008

Heritage Theatre Festival

Charlottesville, VA

• Heritage Theatre Festival is a two-month summer theater festival produced by the University of Virginia. Led the metal shop for fabrication of all steel elements for all productions. Once construction was complete, assisted the Run Crew Chief and Assistant Stage Managers with the organization of run crews, creation of run sheets, and choreographing of scenic transitions.

  • City of Angels

  • I Am My Own Wife

  • Master Class

  • Forever Plaid

  • Lighting in the Piazza

Assistant Master Electrician

2007

Theatre West Virginia

Beckley, WV

• Assisted the master electrician in hanging, focusing, and cabling stage lighting for all productions in an outdoor amphitheater. Conducted instrument and dimmer maintenance, repair, and replacement after lightning strikes. Assisted in the build of all shows, served on run crew for two productions and spotlight operator for the third.

  • Honey in the Rock

  • Hatfields and McCoys

  • Grease

Lead Presenter

February 2020

Southeastern Theatre Conference

• Session: ‘CNC Router Tools & Techniques’

  • Introduction to industry terminology, cutting and hold-down techniques, feature considerations, bit selection, dust extraction, feed and speed calculations, and methodological approaches to tool pathing.