I have been reading this board for a couple of years, and I suppose it is about time I introduce myself.
My experience in entertainment and theatre is extensive and varied due to the fact that I have worked in many different aspects of the industry. Originally, my background was in set fabrication for regional theatre, moving on to working in a large fabrication shop that built scenery for Broadway, touring shows, and corporate events.
I have specialized in moving scenery for corporate meetings and special events, many of these projects needing extensive rigging in hotels and other odd spaces. As commercial products were not readily available I had to construct the winches and control systems to operate these machines. Resources used included AC/ DC motor control, Stepper motor control, Pneumatics and Hydraulics.
After a downturn in the industry, I adapted and pursued technical direction in Academic theatre.
While holding down that steady job, I sat for (and passed!) ETCP exams for Theatre Rigging, Arena Rigging, and Entertainment Electrical.
With the State of Washington’s money woes this Fall, I changed direction to work on a few cruise ships using Foy provided human flying apparatus, as well as repairing and maintaining all of the automated rigging, scenery, and theatre facility equipment. On one ship, I experienced a full renovation of the theatre in a 4 week period during dry dock.
Now, I am back home in NW Washington, working part time for the College, working the occasional job for the IA, and writing a lot of cover letters to send with my resume.
So if anyone knows of an interesting automation, fabrication, or rigging jobs...
Happy Friday,
Mark O
My experience in entertainment and theatre is extensive and varied due to the fact that I have worked in many different aspects of the industry. Originally, my background was in set fabrication for regional theatre, moving on to working in a large fabrication shop that built scenery for Broadway, touring shows, and corporate events.
I have specialized in moving scenery for corporate meetings and special events, many of these projects needing extensive rigging in hotels and other odd spaces. As commercial products were not readily available I had to construct the winches and control systems to operate these machines. Resources used included AC/ DC motor control, Stepper motor control, Pneumatics and Hydraulics.
After a downturn in the industry, I adapted and pursued technical direction in Academic theatre.
While holding down that steady job, I sat for (and passed!) ETCP exams for Theatre Rigging, Arena Rigging, and Entertainment Electrical.
With the State of Washington’s money woes this Fall, I changed direction to work on a few cruise ships using Foy provided human flying apparatus, as well as repairing and maintaining all of the automated rigging, scenery, and theatre facility equipment. On one ship, I experienced a full renovation of the theatre in a 4 week period during dry dock.
Now, I am back home in NW Washington, working part time for the College, working the occasional job for the IA, and writing a lot of cover letters to send with my resume.
So if anyone knows of an interesting automation, fabrication, or rigging jobs...
Happy Friday,
Mark O
