Hello! I'm Matthew "MB" Russell. (They/Them)
I am a Theatrical Lighting Designer & Production Manager based out of the Pittsburgh, PA area; available nationally for work.
A glance at my work experience will tell you I am seeker of knowledge. Find me in a plethora of environments: creating museum exhibits, teaching, building a set, or typing rapidly behind the lighting console.
My skills, passions, and creativity extend beyond the stage, the screen, and the museum floor. I am passionate about immersive art, interactivity, and sensory experiences. I pursue art that facilitates environments where we may relax, enjoy ourselves, explore, empathize, socialize, and escape into play.
I became a designer in lights, sound, and scenery to channel my diverse skillset. I integrate the concepts of STEAM Design Thinking within my workflow, making great use of Math, Science, and the science of Socio-Physical relationships to inform design decisions.
Art serves the people, the planet, our communities. It represents who we are as a society in a moment in time. Art is an essential building block of society.
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/CERTIFICATION
Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre: Design & Technical Production | University of Memphis
Magna Cum Laude
Magna Cum Laude
OSHA 10 (July ’24)
Non-Commercial Driver's License
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Community Involvement
Scouts BSA Eagle Scout, Germantown Community Theatre, Harrell Theatre, Tennessee Shakespeare Co., Cordova High School, S.T.A.R. Council, HSMTA, UofM Fred Mertz Assoc.
Skills
CAD (Vectorworks & Sketchup), Photography, Videography, EOS console programming, Show Control Networking (IP, MIDI, OSC), Live Event Busking, Theatre Architecture & Facility Planning, Facilities Maintenance, Class II & III electronics, A/V system operation and setup, Single & Double Purchase fly operation, CNC Machinery, 3D Printing, Model Making, Project Management, Leadership, Trompe L'oeil, & more!
Thank you!