EXPERIENCE
Cornell University Department of Performing & Media Arts (PMA): Project Manager: Prop Master, Set Decorator & Scenic Paint Coordinator/Co-Technical Director/ Teacher
Ithaca, NY, 2001-Present
- Managed design process, supervised construction, built and met prop needs for 130+ Equity and non-Equity level productions over 20 year period at Cornell. Set decorator for all productions
- Co-Technical Director spring 2017, spring, fall 2018-2019. Supervised and coordinated build, overseeing construction from scenery load-in through strike. Actively involved in construction, painting and installation of all scenic elements
- Developed lab class, experiential learning curriculum. Taught and trained students in carpentry, welding, scenic painting, sculpting, mold making, casting as well as other stagecraft/tool skills for creating department productions
- Responsible for creating prop and paint budgets as well as developing build schedules and coordinating staff and student labor. Coordinated and trained backstage student crews in use of props and scenery for productions
- Active member of design team working closely with all departments from pre through post- production, working with numerous guest directors, designers and artists over 20 year period
- Supervised, maintained and coordinated use of assets in 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse containing PMA prop, costume and scenic stock
- Mentored, advised and assisted student theatrical and film productions providing props, scenic and technical support
- Coordinated prop/scenery rentals with regional theaters, university departments and other clients
- Designed scenery for multiple department and community productions
- Successfully completed master's degree in Cornell’s School of Industrial & Labor Relations concurrent with PMA position. Coursework included business strategy, HR management, dispute resolution, labor law and research focused on entertainment industry and related unions
Hangar Theater Company: Prop Master/Builder
Ithaca, NY, May-August 2004
- Managed multi-person crew building props and set dressing for all productions working with Broadway directors, designers and actors. Advised and assisted designers for laboratory and children’s shows
Glimmerglass Opera Company: Props Artisan
Cooperstown, NY, May-August 2003
- Designed and built props under guidance of resident scenic designer John Conklin for summer repertory season of New York City Opera Company
Curious Pictures: Props/Scenery Artisan / On-Set Crew
New York City, NY, 1999-2001
- Designed and built props and scenery, on-set crew for commercial and stop-motion shoots for clients that included Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Wendy’s, Kraft Foods and NY Toy Fair
- Managed 6-person prop construction crew for ATT stop-motion/CGI commercial shoot. Sourced, purchased and rented props and scenery for shoots
PBS/Where in Time is Carmen San Diego: Costume Prop Designer / Builder
New York City, NY, 1997
- Designed and fabricated small and large-scale fantasy costumes and prop elements under guidance of Emmy-nominated costume designer Wendy Stuart
- Designed and mass produced 2nd season flying clock, logo badge worn on contestant’s costumes
Independent Entertainment Projects: Prop Master / Designer /Actor
San Francisco, CA, New York City, NY, 1990-2001
- Designed and built props for clients that included HBO, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Court TV, Foot Locker, Pfizer, United Way and New York Museum of Natural History
- Built props, costumes and scenic pieces for multiple sketch/improv comedy performances
- Produced, wrote and performed in multiple stand-up, sketch and improvised comedy shows in San Francisco and New York City working with industry actors and directors
- Performed stand-up, improvisational and sketch comedy over 10+ year period. Auditioned regularly for sitcoms, commercials and voice-overs
- Starred in “Reel Jokes,” HBO film nominated for Best Short Film at 1997 Aspen Comedy Festival
EDUCATION
E Cornell, Online University, Project Management Program, Ithaca, NY, April - June 2020
Completed 40 hours of training toward PMI, SHRM certification
Cornell University, School of Industrial & Labor Relations, Ithaca, NY, January 2017
MILR Degree (Master’s in Industrial and Labor Relations)
Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences, Ithaca, NY, May 1988
Bachelor of Arts in English, Concentration in Theatre,
Dean’s List, Graduated with Distinction in All Subjects
SKILLS
Photoshop CS, Vectorworks, Microsoft Office, 3D Printing (SLA), carpentry, welding, sculpting in multiple media, mold-making and casting, basic electronics, upholstery, costume construction-pattern making, hand stitching and sewing, hand drafting, sketching, graphic design, scenic painting, trompe l’oeil, faux finishes, stage combat training, trained in handgun safety and marksmanship, IATSE high lift certified
References and comprehensive production list available upon request
