About
Hello! My name is Michael James and I am a Scenic Designer, Painter, Builder, Carpenter, and Props Master with a deep love of story telling. I finished my B.A. in Theater Business from the University of Redlands in the Spring of 2023 and am currently attending the University of Florida seeking my M.F.A in Theatrical Design with an emphasis in Scenic and Props Design.
I found theater through a local community dinner theater that specialized in youth productions and musical theater. I was and am a singer and love music but I fell head over heels for technical theater in Highschool when I was selected to assist in the scenic design for a production of Almost, Maine and I have been chasing that work and to learn as much about it as I can ever since.
Youth and Community theater has especially meant a great deal to me because my local youth theater got me into theater in the first place. As well as I have found that those who work, own, or volunteer at community theaters truly love this work for the art and the breadth of emotion that that art can bring to so many people.
I hope you find something exciting to look at as you browse my past work! Or maybe even a small part of inspiration for the future. Have a colorful and interesting day!
Resume
Education: University of Redlands, BA in Theater Business-minor in Creative writing, Granted May 2023
University of Florida, M.F.A Scenic Design, expected graduation spring of 2027
Experience:
2024 Scenic Designer, Agbedidi, Rujeko Dumbutshena,(dir.) University of Florida Black Box
2023 Props Master, The Cake, Jay Arroyo,(dir.), Frederick Lowe Theater
2023 Scenic Design, Painting and Props Master, Sweeney Todd, Gregory Ramos,(dir.), Glenn Wallichs Theater
2022 Scenic Designer, The Understudy, Matt Jackson,(dir.), Frederick Lowe Theater
2021 Props Master/Assist. Scenic Designer, Native Gardens, Gabriel Rodriguez,(dir.), Frederick Lowe Theater
2020 Props Master, The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds, Sophia Marrow,(dir.), Frederick Lowe Theater
2019 Props Master, She Kills Monsters, Stelle Salsbury,(dir.), Frederick Lowe Theater
Related Experience:
2023 Scene Shop Overhire, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
2023 Stagehand, Rhino Productions LLC., Denver arenas/event centers
2021 Lighting Designer, Sense and Sensibility, Kerry Jones,(dir.), Redlands Footlighters Theater
2020 Lighting Designer, Pride and Prejudice, Kerry Jones,(dir.), Redlands Footlighters Theater
2020 Stage Manager, The Christmas Express, Rob Thurmond,(dir.), Redlands Footlighters Theater
Related Skills and Interests:
Carpentry and welding, Auto-cad software(Vectorworks and Sketchup), Painting, Computer literate, well read. Enjoys writing and storytelling in general.
Awards:
2023 Departmental Honors, University of Redlands Theater Department
2023 Magna Cum Laude, University of Redlands
2020-2023 Deans List, University of Redlands