2023
Technical Director McLeod Summer Playhouse Southern Illinois University
TD for three productions - Bridges of Madison County, Corduroy, and Footloose. Also did extensive maintenance and improvements on the facility, updating equipment and processes, as well as training and educating volunteers, undergrads, graduate students, and recent graduates.
2015 - Present
Aerial Rigging Designer Multiple Projects EPS Productions
Designed and installed custom circus equipment for several clients. Installed and operated aerial points for both professional and academic productions, as well as created aerial systems for studios around the country. Notable clients include E11even, Circ-X, Sean Combs, FADCA, Perry Ellis, Celebrity Cruises, Maybach, and BMW.
2014
Aerial Rigging Designer Multiple Productions Univision Studios
Designed multiple aerial flying effects for several productions, both motorized and manual.
Aerial Apparatus Designer Multiple Pieces EPS Photo
Created several custom aerial and floor apparatuses, for numerous clients - notably Club E11even and Celebrity Cruise Lines.
Rigger / Carpenter / Electrician Multiple Events IATSE Local 500
Various projects ranging from trade shows, touring Broadway productions, concerts, and several live events.
Scenic Designer. Technical Director. Indulgence Celebrity Cruises
Designed and built scenic elements and circus apparatuses for speciality performance experience. My design won a Gold Magellan Award.
2013
Aerial Rigging Designer Multiple Productions Univision Studios
Designed multiple aerial flying effects for several productions, both motorized and manual.
Aerial Apparatus Designer Multiple Pieces EPS Photo
Created several custom aerial apparatuses, for numerous clients.
Rigger / Carpenter / Electrician Multiple Events IATSE Local 500
Various projects ranging from trade shows, touring Broadway productions, concerts, and several live events.
2012
Rigging Grip Iron Man 3 Marvel Studios
Part of the rigging grip core crew (FL) working under Rigging Key Kent Baker.
Rigger / Lead Aerial Rigger Mira Quien Baila Univision
One of the riggers for the buildout of the new studio (Studio One) at the Doral, Florida Location. Also Lead Aerial Specialist, for human flight.
Rigging Grip Pain and Gain Paramount Pictures
As one of three core rigging grips, I would rig lighting positions into a variety of locations, attach lighting, cameras, and other equipment to vehicles, and also worked as a grip on 1st unit. Rigging Key - Rick Harris
Lead Rigger/Designer Multiple Events Flying Arrow Prod.
Designed and built custom aerial apparatus for circus performers. Install rigs on site.
2011
Rigger / Carpenter / Electrician / Audio Multiple Events IATSE Local 500
Over the course of the year, I worked on projects ranging from numerous trade shows, several touring productions, a dozen concerts, and even ran audio for the Vice President of the United States.
Master Carpenter Snoopy Area Stage Company
Constructed scenic elements for their production of Snoopy! Directed by Arthur Whitelaw.
Head Carpenter / Shop Foreman Multiple Projects The Miami Guild
Built elements for multiple special events, including Maybach USA, Christian Dior.
Propmaker / Rigger Rock of Ages Brian Markey Construction / New Line Cinema
Carpenter for construction and installation of scenic elements for feature film shot on location in Miami.
As rigger, designed and installed systems on set, and did location rigging to secure scenic elements.
Technical Director Celtic Fire Michael Londra Productions
TD for nationally touring Irish Step dance and Musical Production. Duties Included:
• Design and implementation of Lighting Plot
• Supervision of local audio technicians, to assure quality of production
• Creation of touring paperwork and technical information
• Advance all shows, and modify production elements as required
2010
Head Carpenter How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1st National) Big League Theatricals
Head Carpenter for Yellow Card Production. Six truck touring production, multiple week sit-downs.
Duties included:
• Running touring and local IA crews for installation, performance and strike of show
• Creation of touring paperwork, import manifests and technical information
• Establishing crew tracks and safe working strategies
• Operation of production automation
• Liaise with receiving houses to ensure all technical requirements were met
Head Carpenter Storytime Live! Broadway Across America / Nickelodeon
Head Carpenter for Yellow Card Production. Four truck touring production, one nighters and split
weeks. Duties included:
• Running touring and local IA crews for installation, performance and strike of show
• Creation of touring paperwork and technical information
• Establishing crew tracks and safe working strategies
• Manage, install and operate manual performer flying point, multiple positions, multiple characters.
• Training new crew on touring principles
• Liaise with receiving houses to ensure all technical requirements were met
2007 – 2009
Technical Director / Head Rigger Multiple Productions Patrice Marques Productions
Responsible for the technical conception, implementation and on-going management of a variety of
productions for Patrice Marques Productions. These include:
Global Tour Tango Pasíon
• Management of all technical installation, show operation and load-out
• Design and implementation of new scenic elements
• Manage local crew, calling cues and running the deck
• Management of international logistics of transporting show
Casino du Liban – Lebanon Sexy Lady, Hot Legs, Dance Fever
• Management of all technical installation, show operation and load-out
• On-site support during production run to artistic management and cast
• Manage local crew, calling cues and running the deck
• Install, maintain, and operate all performer flying apparatuses
Celebrity Cruise Lines (The Solstice) Solstice, Pulse, Ghostlight
• Oversee the installation of three shows into the new ship, supervise all scenic construction
• Design and installation of all aerial rigging systems and train crew in proper techniques for flying aerial
acts and motor maintenance, supervise all scenic construction
• Implement new safety programs for new class of ship, train ship-board cast / crew in safety
protocols and new technologies, conduct quarterly on-site safety inspections
• Create technical documentation, inventory and archives for all shows
Casino Estoril - Portugal Four, Espirito dos Elementos: 2007 - 2008
Visions, Espirito dos Sonhos: 2008 - 2009
• Manage all technical production elements, maintain the integrity of artistic concepts and act as liaison between Portuguese-speaking crew and English speaking company
• Supervise all backstage show operations, supervise daily aerial training, assist in the teaching of
new circus acts and assure optimal conditions for all circus acts and dancers
• Establish and maintain safe working environment for both technical and artistic departments
• Redesign of existing rigging elements and manage continuing safety of all aerial rigging and
scenic elements
•Inspect, maintain, and operate flying equipment
•Operate flying points for acts, to help develop new skills and techniques
• Update and maintain staging and sets archives, inventory, technical and customs documentation
• Implemented installation of new computer technologies into the daily operations of the
management office
• CAD design and drafting for Visions.
2007
Head Flyman The Light in the Piazza (1st National Tour) Networks Presentations
• Manage load-in and tear down of flying scenic elements, creation and manipulation of CAD
drawings
• Supervise and operate the running of the fly floor during all calls and assure the safety of all
rigging for the show
• Act as positive liaison between touring show crew and local IA members and assist the Head
Carpenter as needed
2006-2007
Head Carpenter Alegría (European Tour) Cirque du Soleil
• Manage all aspects of staging and set operations during show, including operation of automation.
• Design and implement technical improvements to scenic elements, maintain all scenic automation,
supervise all scenic operations and maintenance activities, supervise backstage area and equipment
• Manage setup, operation and tear-down of technical and artistic facilities, assist with site / tent
installation and teardown
• Update and maintain staging and sets archives, inventory, technical documentation and customs
documentation
• Establish and maintain safe working environment for both technical and artistic departments and
train swing technicians regarding all scenic department practices
2003 - 2005
Master Carpenter / Electrician / Rigger The Oprah Winfrey Show
Harpo Studios (IL)
• Creation of designs for show elements and studio improvements, creation of CAD drawings
• Execution and construction of scenic designs and specialty props, operation of automation.
• Fabrication of custom cabinetry and other high quality wood and metal projects, including furniture.
• Preparation of studio spaces, hang and focus of lighting equipment, operation of follow spot during
tapings
• Managing studio budget for all construction elements
• Assist with installation of rigging for wild scenic elements
Additional Credits Include
Forever Plaid AEA Stage Manager / TD KL Management
2003 Season TD / Master Carpenter The Next Theater
2001 - 2002 Seasons Technical Director Stagebrush Theater
1999 – 2001 Seasons Technical Director Valley Youth Theatre
1999 Season Production Manager / TD Adirondack Theatre Festival
John and Jen Master Electrician Playwrights Horizons (Off B'Way)
Qualifications and Skills
ETCP Certified Rigger for Arena and Theater (#1277)
Member - IATSE (Local 500 and Local 492)
Member - Actor’s Equity Association
Member - Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA), Professional Photographers of America (PPA), National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), America Circus Educators (ACE)
Skilled in Cabinetry, Joinery, Furniture creation, and numerous other decorative and specialized carpentry techniques
Software proficiency in AutoCAD, MS Office, Photoshop, Lightroom
Certified Fire Responder (Netherlands National Fire Safety Commission)
Welding - Gas, MIG, TIG, Stick
Pyrotechnics Experience
Circus Aerial Rigging Designer
Aerial Flyer for Straps, silks, cerceau, and many other aerial disciplines (motorized and manual points)
Comfortable working at height, rappelling, and climbing
Musical score sight reading
OSHA 10 Certified - Motion Picture and Stage Industry
Certified forklift, and MEWP operator
Full US Drivers License, International Drivers License
Languages: Intermediate French and Portuguese, Some conversational Dutch, Sign Language [ASL]
Puppeteer (Marionettes, hand and rod, body puppets)
Circus Arts (Advanced Whip, Shape Manipulation, Spanish Web Spinner, Fire Poi Spinning)
Accomplished Professional Photographer (see website at www.eps-photo.com )
Great attitude and sense of humor (plays well with others)
Honors and Awards
2014
Gold Magellan Award for Indulgence - a specialized event onboard multiple Celebrity ships. Scenic design and construction - Jonathan Givens
2005
Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design (The Oprah Winfrey Show – while not specifically named, I was the Master Carpenter in charge of construction and I built most of the elements)
After Dark Award Nomination for Best Set (The Lady From the Sea – Greasy Joan Theatre: Designer Matthew York)
2004
Joseph Jefferson Award Nomination for Best Set (The Misanthrope - Next Theatre Company: Designer Matthew York)
2003
Scottie Awards for Best Set, Best Costumes, Best Lighting, Best Direction, Best Show and Best Props
(Forever Plaid – Stagebrush Theatre)
2001
AriZoni Award for Best Set (Winnie the Pooh – A Christmas Tail) – Valley Youth Theatre