Hello!
I'm Matthew "MB" Russell. (They/Them/He)
I am a Live Entertainment Designer, Production Manager, and Technician based out of the Pittsburgh, PA area; available nationally for work.
Find me in a plethora of environments: building museum exhibits, teaching, building a set, or typing rapidly behind the lighting console. Bridging artistry, technology, and innovation, I create visual environments that highlight narrative, atmosphere, and the emotional world of each performance through dynamic color and light
My skills, passions, and creativity extend beyond the stage, the screen, and the museum floor. I am passionate about immersive art, dance, music, and multi-sensory experiences.
I am a maker, an artist, and a believer in the impossible.
Have an interesting project?
Want to get to know me better?
Give me a shout!
-MB
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Summary of Professional Work Experience
Entertainment Lighting Designer & Electrician/Sound Designer & Engineer/Carpenter
Freelance, United States of America, 2018 - Present
Serve as Theatrical Artist and Technical Support at various entertainment venues across the United States. Arts Education, Community Organizations, and Professional. Small Blackbox spaces to touring roadhouses. IATSE, Freelance, and Over-hire.
Field Service Technician
VLS (Vincent Lighting Systems, Inc.), United States of America, June 2024 - Present
Perform testing and energizing of control systems supplied by VLS, bench repair of electrical and electronic equipment, and in-field service, training, and repair of existing systems. Provide customer support via phone, email, or in person, maintain and update records of customer service tickets, and help execute equipment designs for Systems Integration groups.
Technical Director
Germantown Community Theatre, Aug. 2023 - June 2024
Operate, maintain, and safeguard the technical assets of the theatre, including supervising the use of lighting, sound, communications equipment, and the use and maintenance of stage facilities. Determine the necessary technical supports, such as lighting, sound, staging, and other special needs necessary for events and performances presented at the facility in advance of production dates. Assist guest designers and artists with technical matters. Full-time.
Assistant Preparator
Memphis Museum of Science & History - MoSH, Nov. 2022 - Jan 2023
Assist the preparator and collaborate with Exhibits Department in all aspects of Exhibition Install, Planning, Design, Assembly, and Deinstall. Serve as the primary manager of exhibit lighting and Audio-Visual components. Draft Exhibit CAD layouts. Ensure AAM, Environmental, and City of Memphis standards are followed throughout preparation process. AAM Accredited Museum. Full-time.
Exhibits & Facilities Technician
Children's Museum of Memphis, June 2022 - Nov. 2022
Provide part-time support for Exhibit Fabrication, Maintenance, Install. Serve as primary painter for exhibits. Troubleshoot and repair exhibit elements, monitor exhibit safety within an open play environment. AAM Accredited Museum.
Advancement Intern
University of Memphis, Memphis TN. Jan. 2021 - Jan. 2022
Provide part-time support for projects submitted to the Advancement Communications division. Video projects, photography, graphic design in line with brand standards, Web Design, and content development within the AP style.
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EDUCATION
Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre: Design & Technical Production | University of Memphis
Magna Cum Laude
Magna Cum Laude
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CERTIFICATION
OSHA 10 (July ’24)
Non-Commercial Driver's License, A.L.I. Ladder Safety, ETC Termination Technician, Canto Lighting Technician
Non-Commercial Driver's License, A.L.I. Ladder Safety, ETC Termination Technician, Canto Lighting Technician
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Community Involvement
New Hazlett Theatre, Mutable Theatrics, The Becoming Arts Collective, Bricolage Theatre Company, Germantown Community Theatre, Harrell Theatre, Tennessee Shakespeare Co
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Skills
EOS lighting console programming, ETC Architectural Controls (Paradigm, Echo), Media/Projection Design (Q-Lab, Watchout), OSC/MIDI, Lightwright, Scenic Automation and Mechanization (Spikemark), Woodworking, Metalworking, Theatrical Rigging Standards, and Inspection, Photography, Videography, Trompe L'oeil, Arc Lamp Spotlight Repair & Maintenance, Moving Light Repair, A/V System setup & operation, Single & Double Purchase counterweight operation, CNC, Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, Computer Aided Design (Vectorworks), Model Making, Facilities Maintenance, Bookkeeping/Accounting, Project Management, Leadership, & more
Thank you!