Objective

• To provide students an overall view of theatre and acting for the stage. Skills taught to include: movement for the stage, pantomime, improvisation, articulation, diction, characterization, scene study and analysis, stage combat, theatre history, set design, basic tool identification, basic set construction techniques, basic theatrical lighting, and basic theatrical sound.

Experience

Western Connecticut State University - Fulltime Faculty Assistant Professor

Tech Director/Shop Supervisor -  Aug 2022 - Present

Interpet Designer's drawings

Calculate accurate estimates for material, reduce production costs by recycling scenery and lumber.

Instruct and mentor theatre students in basic scenery construction.

 

Western Connecticut State University - Adjunct Faculty/Tech Director/Production Manager- Aug 2015 - May 2022

Interpet Designer's drawings

Calculate accurate estimates for material, reduce production costs by recycling scenery and lumber.

Instruct and mentor theatre students in basic scenery construction.

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Red Hook High School - Red Hook, NY - Theatere Consultant/Technical Adviser

Sept 2022-June 2022

Advise staff on best practices for lighting, sound, set and rigging.   Organize inventory, design and construct sets, teach and mentor student technicians

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Sharon Playhouse - Technical Director - May 2018 -Sept 2022

Interpet Designer's drawings

Calculate accurate estimates for material, reduce production costs by recycling scenery and lumber.

Instruct and mentor theatre students in basic scenery construction.

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Aquila Theatre - Production Manager - U.S.National Tour 2016/2017

Murder on The Nile/Much Ado About Nothing

Build Scenery and Props for National Tour

Instruct Touring staff on break down and transport of set and props

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In Motion Dance Center – LaGrangeville, NY - Tech Director/Office Manager August 1993 - Present

Design and Build Scenery for annual dance recital

Instruct and mentor student volunteers during the design and implementation of lighting and sound

Edit and record all music for recital

Design T-shirt, playbill, and marketing materials

Manage all aspects of the front office including payroll, student records, sales tax, income tax, and ticket sales.

Build and repair dance studios including the refinishing of the dance floors annually

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SRO Theatre Company - LaGrangeville, NY - Scene Designer/Tech Director/Director February 2008 - 2015

Founding partner

Design, Build, and paint all scenery for all 12 productions to date

Directed 6 of the 12 productions.

Calculate accurate estimates for material, reduce production costs by recycling scenery and lumber.

Instruct and mentor students during design and implementation of light and sound.

Instruct students in acting, using characterization, blocking, and improvisation.

Assist in the design and construction of costumes

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Arlington High School - LaGrangeville, NY - Scene Designer/Tech Director/Fight Dir. Sept. 2011 - 2018

Choreograph and teach safe stage combat scenes

Design, Build, and paint all scenery for all productions to date.

Calculate accurate estimates for material, reduce production costs by recycling scenery and lumber.

Instruct and mentor theatre students in basic scenery construction, scenic art, lighting, and sound design

 

Unionvale Middle School - LaGrangeville, NY - Director January 2012 – April 2013

Instruct students in acting, using characterization, blocking, improvisation, and theatre games.

Assist in the design and construction of costumes

Assist in the design of scenery, lighting, and sound.

 

Education

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts – CUNY September 1986 – March 1989

Theatre Arts Major – course study in Acting, Dance, Play Analysis, Set Design and Construction

Western Connecticut State University January 2013 – May 2015

Bachelors of Arts in Theatre Arts –Performance option

Course study in Acting, Technical Theatre, Scenic Arts

University of Idaho - Anticipated Graduation May 2020

Masters of Fine Arts - Theatre Arts - Technical Direction

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Skills

Computer Programs: Sketch up, Microsoft Office, Inkscape, Audacity, Basic operation of ETC Expression and ION lighting consoles, Basic operation of Mackie and Yamaha sound boards, Basic operation of Sennheiser EW100 G3 wireless microphones, Magician skilled in close up as well as Stage Illusions, Basic Hand to Hand Stage Combat, Basic Single Sword Stage Combat Certification with Society of American Fight Directors, Basic Broadsword and Shield  Stage Combat Certification with Society of American Fight Directors, Krav Maga Level 3 Practitioner, 10 Hour OSHA Course

References

Elizabeth Popiel USA Local 829 (SD) Good Morning America/ABC TV 917-374-1266 scenicdesigner@hotmail.com

 

Frank Herbert Technical Theatre/Lighting/Children’s Theatre/Play Production WCSU Danbury, CT 203-837-8353 herbertf@wcsu.edu

 

Sarah Combs Theatre Arts Teacher/Director (Retired) Arlington High School LaGrangeville, NY 845-486-4860 x1173 sara.combs@gmail.com