I have been working in the entertainment industry for over 30 years.  From performer to Technical Director, stage mopper to scenic designer, there is not much I don't do.  And I love every bit of it.

It would be really easy to sit here and write a bunch of stuff about great gigs I've had, people I've worked with, and stuff I know how to do.  But that's what the RESUME is for.  While I absolutely LOVE my work, I am much more than just a technician.  Working with kids is great.  I like finding new places to eat.  I love learning new languages.  Traveling is awesome, and I do it as much as I can.  I tell some really great (and some really terrible) jokes.  Ask me about when I first went to Scotland!  I've lived all over the world, from Hawaii to Beirut, Lebanon, and I travel all the time.  Read about how I went to all 50 states in 90 days, when I wrote my best-selling book Dance Across the USA!  See THAT project, by clicking this link - DANCE ACROSS THE USA WEBSITE

I am very proud of the work I do, and it shows in my craft.  I am not just concerned with my portion of the project, but about how my work will affect other departments, the performers, and the audience.  I am proud to be part of a team, working together to bring a production to life.  I keep my tools clean, and my work area cleaner.   I manage groups, budgets, and time well.  I am also very good about getting the work done as quickly, accurately, and efficiently as possible.  I always keep the budget in mind, as well as the people who are bringing it all together.

If I can work with you to help bring your ideas to reality, get in touch with me on my CONTACT page.  Want to see some of the cool stuff I've done?  Visit the NEWS page.  I'll be happy to discuss your project, and see if I, or someone I know, can help you realize your idea.  Thanks for taking the time to visit my site!

Best,

Jonathan Givens

Like the saying goes - "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life!"  And I truly do love my career.  Here are some of the services I can perform - 

• Technical Direction
• Production Management
• Scenic Design
• Rigging Design and Implementation - Circus, Arena, Theater, Film and Television, and more
• Theatrical and Finish Carpentry
• Circus Equipment Design and Fabrication
• Stage Management
• Master Electrician
• Audio Technician
• and much, much more!

IATSE

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, or I.A.T.S.E., is a labor union representing over 119,000 technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including live theatre, motion picture and television production, and trade shows.

AEA

Actor's Equity Association

Actors' Equity Association ("AEA" or "Equity"), founded in 1913, is the labor union that represents more than 49,000 Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions and provides a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans, for its members. Actors' Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions.

ETCP

Entertainment Technician Certification Program

The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP), focuses on disciplines that directly affect the health and safety of crews, performers, and audiences. There are two areas of certification - electrical skills and rigging skills, and an entertainment technician may take exams to hold one or more of the following certifications: Rigger–Arena, Rigger–Theatre, and Entertainment Electrician.

PLASA

Professional Lighting and Sound Association

PLASA is the lead international membership body for those who supply technologies and services to the event, entertainment and installation industries.

The association, which operates from offices in Europe and North America, has over 1200 members and acts as the worldwide voice for the industry, providing a wide range of business resources, technical support and commercial benefits to its members.

PLASA is also an effective lobbyist on a range of issues, working in partnership with the industry to campaign against government and regulatory decisions that negatively impact on the sector. In many of its campaigns and consultations it has achieved real change and created greater awareness and understanding of the industry.

PLASA is actively involved in the development of standards and directives worldwide. In North America, PLASA leads the ANSI accredited Technical Standards Program which is responsible for developing standards and recommended practices that facilitate the use of new and existing equipment and promote safe working conditions in the industry. Under the TSP, PLASA facilitates a number of industry-led working groups focusing on camera cranes, control protocols, electrical power, fog and smoke, followspot position, performance floors, photometrics, rigging and stage lifts.

ACE / AYCO

AMERICAN CIRCUS EDUCATORS / AMERICAN YOUTH CIRCUS ORGANIZATION

AYCO, the parent organization of ACE, has been serving circus educators since its founding in 1998, when the main form of circus education in the USA was catered towards youth. Since then, circus has gained in popularity and students range in age from toddlers to elders and everything in between. As a result, AYCO formed ACE in order to better serve the emerging circus education community.  AYCO is now dedicated to distinctly serving young people and their supporters through a variety of youth-focused programs.

NATAS

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

The Suncoast Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a nonprofit Florida corporation dedicated to excellence in television. We offer annual EMMY® Awards called The Suncoast EMMY® Awards to television markets in the entire State of Florida, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and New Orleans, Louisiana, Mobile, Alabama, Thomasville, Georgia and Puerto Rico.

The Chapter is composed of professional people who work in television or students who are studying television in colleges or universities and aspire to become professionals.