Kim Scott – Director of Show Support Resident Shows Division

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Kim Scott serves as the Director of Show Support for the Resident Shows Division of Cirque du Soleil. Her responsibilities include the strategic oversight of the training, technical development, systems/applications and procurement departments. Currently, her team supports over 1200 artists and technicians. In addition, she is responsible for identifying resources to employ qualified skilled technicians to support the global growth of Cirque du Soleil.

Kim is responsible for the conception and the execution of the Educational Cooperative Program between Cirque du Soleil and identified university programs around the world. The program sends operational teams from the Resident Shows Division to instruct entertainment technology courses to professors and students and provide insight into current curriculum within the industry.

Kim is a woman of scholar and holds a MFA in Dance Science from the University of California-Irvine. Her reputation in dance science has been recognized through her selection to present at the International Dance and Technology Conference. Kim has served on the faculties of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Bettina Bolzer-Bowles

05/2011-present Costume Department/ Head of Wardrobe-Cirque du Soleil –MICHAEL JACKSON IMMORTAL WORLD Arena Tour

12/2010-1/2011  Costume Department/ Assistant Wardrobe-Cirque du Soleil –QUIDAM, Canadian Arena Tour

02-09/2010  Costume Department/ Head of Wardrobe-Cirque du Soleil - SALTIMBANCO European Arena Tour

Includes managing permanent and temporary staff of a multinational background, supervising the maintenance of costumes, wigs, headpieces and shoes, supervising and training staff and artists in Make up, integrating new team members, perform fittings, administrative tasks related to ordering costumes and maintaining a tight link between the tour the workshops in Montreal, budget management.

Geoffrey Devenney is an Entertainment and Arts veteran with close to 30 years experience. His current mandate is Operations Production Manager at the Cirque du Soleil production of La Nouba, based in Orlando, Florida.

Originally from Canada he has toured extensively through North America and over 20 other countries. During his career he has held a variety of Leadership and Management roles including Executive Director, General Manager, Production Manager and Technical Director.

He has been with Cirque du Soleil for five years working on three different productions including Dralion, Corteo and now La Nouba.

He is very happy to return to UNCSA and the technology conference again this year and looks forward to a fantastic time.

Kathleen Price

Artistic Makeup Supervisor

Kathleen did her first full makeup application on another person at the age of 12 for a boy who was a huge fan of the band KISS and wanted to put on a show for his parents. Her professional career started many years later and she remains passionate about bringing dreams to reality.

Kathleen graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a BFA in Graphic Design and minor equivalencies in both Technical Theater and Sculpting.  While in Los Angeles, she worked not only as Graphic Designer but also as a freelance theatrical & SFX Makeup Artist, including 10 years as a Monster Maker for Knott’s Scary Farm’s Halloween Haunt.  

Now in her 9^th year with Cirque du Soleil, she currently resides in Las Vegas and oversees all aspects of makeup for the seven Cirque du Soleil shows there.  She has assisted Makeup Designer, Nathalie Gagné during the creations of KÀ, The Beatles LOVE, CRISS ANGEL Believe and Viva ELVIS.  She and her team are tasked with maintaining the visual integrity of the makeup designs for these shows as well as Mystère, “O” and Zumanity, on a nightly basis.  

Nicola Roberts is an experienced Stage Manager with over 20 years experience in the business. She is currently the General Stage Manager for La Nouba, Cirque du Soleil’s production in Orlando, Florida, where she has worked for over 8 years.

Nicola is originally from the UK where she studied theatre, and then worked in London for over 12 years on various productions such as Disney’s The Lion King in the West End.

She is looking forward to meeting everyone at UNCSA.

Andy Paris has made a career of developing new works for the stage and screen, including THE LARAMIE PROJECT:10 YEARS LATER, THE LARAMIE PROJECT, GROSS INDECENCY: THE THREE TRIALS OF OSCAR WILDE, by Moises Kaufman, Lucie Tiberghien’s THE QUIET ROOM, and INNOCENTS, by Rachel Dickstein. As a an Emmy-nominated writer, he most recently completed GOING PUBLIC, along with Ellias Johansen-Miller and THE AMERICAN FAMILY, which he directed at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival. Also as a writer/director, Andy created THE FANMAKER’S INQUISITION, co-adapted with Anushka Carter from the novel by Rikki Ducornet, developed GOLDSTAR OHIO, directing the world premier at The Cleveland Public Theatre, co-wrote and directed GOING PUBLIC at Amherst College, fostered and directed MIGRATION at the Experimental Theatre Wing at NYU and he worked with Faith Pilger, directing her piece THE STAGES OF BURNING. For The Women’s Project he wrote THE CORPORATE CARNIVAL, which was presented in the Winter Garden at the World Financial Center. Currently he is co-writing and directing SQUARE PEG ROUND HOLE, a play about living on the autism spectrum. Andy was invited to participate in The Lincoln Center Directors Lab in 2008. As an actor he has performed in countless plays in New York, Regionally, and in Europe, including OR,, by Liz Duffy Adams at The Women’s Project. Regionally, he has been seen at Denver Center, Playmaker’s Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse, Rep Theatre of St. Louis, Hartford Stage, Theatre Virginia, Berkeley Rep and La Jolla Playhouse. FILM/TV credits include LARMIE PROJECT (HBO) and LAW & ORDER (NBC). Andy has produced and directed hundreds of audiobooks, and he has also been the recipient of two AUDIE Awards for his audiobook narrations. As an original member of Tectonic Theatre Project, Andy has worked under the mentorship of Moises Kaufman, and now teaches the techniques which he and Tectonic developed over the past twenty years. He has taught workshops at New York University, DePaul University, Naropa Institute, Bucknell University, Missouri State University, NOCCA and in Osaka, Japan, among others. Andy grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and is a graduate of NYU.

Sarah Martin is a freelance scenic and devising designer from New York City.  After earning a BA in Design (architecture) from Clemson University and an MFA from Northwestern University, she worked as a theatre consultant with Charles Cosler Theatre Design and taught at the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan.  She is currently an Assistant Professor and Resident Scenic Designer in the Department of Theatre at Adelphi University where she teaches and mentors design and production, mechanical drafting, and devising.  Her current research focuses on devising with design, and how devised, multi-disciplinary, and non-traditional collaborations change the shape of design processes as we know them.  She is primarily interested in exploring what happens when artists work collaboratively outside their comfort zones, and what are the most effective and meaningful ways to teach “process” to a new generation of theatrical designers.  Sarah has presented her research at The Association for Theatre in Higher Education and the Kennedy Center-American College Theatre Festival (Region 2), and was recently nominated for a New York Innovative Theatre Award for her scenic design work with Sara Nelson on F*IT Club’s production of Spring Fling, an evening of commissioned new works by emerging playwrights and directors.  

Devised credits include: Identity Project (At Hand), The Civilized Captivity of a Primitive Existence (lighting design; Sidney Boquiren, music; Trebien Pollard, choreography), The Triangle Factory Fire Project (Maggie Lally, co-direction/design), The American Family (bi-coastal collaboration: Anjalee Nadkarni Hutchinson, Mark Hutchinson - Bucknell University;  Dr. Rich Brown - Western Washington University; Andy Paris, director – Tectonic Theatre Project).  Current design projects include: Square Peg Round Hole (Andy Paris, writer/director; Anushka Carter, writer) and The Good Person of Szechwan (Maggie Lally, director).

Anushka Carter started working as an actor on T.V. at age 11. She studied devising at Australia's National Theater and the Swinburne Institute of Tecnology. While at Swinburne she was fortunate enough to study with Phillip Gaullier. Other work  in Australia includes St Feets for St Martins, Library Stories at The Malt House, Hiroshima for the Melbourne Spoletto Festival and Janus for the Australian Broadcasting Comission. NY credits include Carson Krietzer's Self Defense and Valerie Shoots Andy. Kirk Bromely's Icarus and Aria, Bocca for Target Margin, Basil Twist's Symphonie Fantastic, Mephisto for Reverie, Lucie Tiberghein's The Quiet Room, Gwen John Dir by Leigh Fondakowski, Family Running For Mr. Whippy dir Elyse Singer and Marcia Jean Kurtz's Between Two Worlds.  NY film & T.V.: Host  X-Games for ESPN & Ed Bowe's Picture Book.  Anushka is a graduate of The Public's Shakespeare Lab and the Naropa Summer Writing Program. Writing Credits: Fan Makers Inquisition with Andy Paris. Currently working on Square Peg, Round Hole for Tectonic Theater Project.

Sam Pierce: Director of Operations, Scenic

Based in PRG”s New Windsor office, Sam supervises all fabrication, logistics, rental crew, and maintenance of the facility and equipment. Sam is also responsible for creating and maintaining the shop’s production schedule, coordinating production with engineering, project management, automation/electrics and logistics, as well as assisting in forecasting to help decide on the shop’s capability of taking on new work. Sam received his B.F.A. from SUNY Purchase.

Sam joined Scenic Technologies with experience as a mechanical shop foreman, installation manager and a carpenter on Broadway. Brought on as Installation Manager in 1994, Sam has played a major role in developing the systems currently used to track and account for installation budgeting, refining the installation process. In 2000 as Director of Installation, Sam’s responsibilities included the planning, development, management and scheduling of project installations of all sizes and types. Sam assumed the role as STNY Shop Manager in 2006 and has since expanded his responsibilities to become the Director of Operations.

Sam spends his spare time as the President of the Esopes Meadows Lighthouse Restoration, which specializes in old home restoration.

Lisa Cline: Director of Project Management and Estimating

Lisa Cline heads up the department that bids and manages the projects that are built at PRG Scenic Technologies.

Lisa came to PRG in 1997 from the world of television and film production where she worked for over 15 years as producer and assistant director on numerous commercials and movies. The organizational and management skills that she honed in the film business have served her well at PRG where she is most often in charge of managing the fast-paced theatrical and corporate projects.

The main focus of her department’s work is Broadway shows and tours, but she and her team also manage a variety of other projects such as the Olympics, Las Vegas productions, concert tours, as well as countless coporate industrial and special events.  Some of the recent projects managed by her team include Wicked, (Broadway and touring shows), Lincoln Center’s South Pacific, Shrek, the Musical, and The Circus Starring Britney Spears Tour 2009.

Outside of work Lisa enjoys restoring old houses and involving herself in anything having to do with the Hudson River and its history.

Shawn Nolan: Head of Technical Engineering and Standards

Based in New Windsor, Shawn directs standards development for mechanical and structural systems while providing structural and mechanical engineering analysis and review services throughout PRG.

Shawn started his 30+ year career in technical theatre and became a Licensed Engineer in 2001.  He founded ESG in 2001 and NES in 2008, providing engineering services for entertainment.  Engineering work has included theatre building analysis (Broadway & beyond); structures for the X-Games and outdoor roof supporting 200,000+ pounds. Structural and mechanical engineering includes projects for Brown United, Cirque du Soleil, J.R. Clancy, FTSI, H&H, I. Weiss, Mountain Productions, Sapsis Rigging, Secoa, Serapid, Stage Technologies and many others.  Projects have included conventional and automated rigging, effects, grids, hoist design and extensive aluminum analysis.  He has worked with PLASA to develop ANSI Standards and on the ETCP Arena Rigging test.

Baldwin-Wallace College, Technical Theatre

University of Cincinnati, Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering

Shawn’s pursuits outside of work include cabinet making, cooking, fiction (especially John LeCarre) and a bit of sailing.  He has been known to enjoy a sip of Irish Whiskey from time to time.

Tony Meola is one of New York's most in-demand sound designers, with credits on more than twenty-six Broadway productions including Wicked, Lysistrata Jones, Sweet Smell of Success, Kiss Me Kate, Footloose, The King and I and Smokey Joe's Café. He received the 1998 Drama Desk Award for his sound design on the Broadway production of The Lion King, and his design for the revival production of The Sound of Music was nominated for an American Theatre Wing Design Award. He also has designed the sound for off-Broadway shows (A New Brain and Love, Janis among others) as well as productions in London and elsewhere in Europe.

Michael J. Kelley is a senior producer, principal designer and Emmy award-winning art director and set decorator with experience in all facets of entertainment, achieving success in Broadway, regional theatre, television, film and themed entertainment. International credits include projects in Czechoslovakia, Japan, Dubai and China. Michael has been art director and set decorator for HBO, Nickelodeon, Universal Studios, Lifetime Network, Children’s Television Workshop and Walt Disney Imagineering in Tokyo. He received Emmy awards for his work on Deadwood and Sesame Street. His producer credits include Dubai’s Marvel Theme Park, China’s Shanghai Expo and currently working on Disney Shanghai Resort.  Michael attended North Carolina School of the Arts and received a BFA in Scenic Design.

Keith Dyer

Keith is currently Manager, Entertainment Safety Integration for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Creative Entertainment where he leads the injury reduction and prevention efforts in all facets of Entertainment, Costuming, and Imaging.  As a native of Central Florida, Keith graduated from Florida Southern College and attended graduate school at Florida State University School of Music.  He has traveled internationally as a Performer, Music Director and Production Manager for Up With People.  Keith has worked for Disney for over 20 years as Performer, Stage Technician, Production Assistant, Production Manager, Producer, and Manager of Entertainment Operations.  Keith's favorite productions during that time have been two Super Bowl half time shows, “IllumiNations 25” at Epcot,  “March of the Artimals” at Disney's Animal Kingdom, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire -- Play It!” in Florida and California along with various tours and special events.  He has also provided production support and operational leadership in all U.S. Disney parks as well as Downtown Disney, the Walt Disney World Resorts, and World of Disney New York.

David Miller leads the Technical Direction and Systems teams for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Creative Entertainment, which develop all of the lighting, sound, video, and special effects for entertainment products such as World of Color, Soundsational, Fantasmic, Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty's Castle, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and the variety of engaging Fireworks spectaculars.  He previously worked as Production Manager and Producer for a variety of Entertainment shows and events including the Pixar Play Parade and The Disneyland Resort Half Marathon. David also opened Hong Kong Disneyland as a Technical Director and has traveled all over the world for the Walt Disney Company providing technical, production, and business technology oversight for entertainment.  In addition to his work with Disney, David has also worked on design and production for Opera Pacific, Geffen Playhouse, Princess Cruises, and Seattle Opera.  He is a graduate from UCLA with an MFA in Lighting Design.

Trevor O’Donnell has developed marketing and/or sales initiatives for Disney Theatrical Productions, Cameron Mackintosh, Cirque du Soleil, the Music Center of Los Angeles, Center Theatre Group, Symphony Space, Blue Man Productions, Broadway’s Nederlander Organization, The Autry Museum, Goldstar and for numerous Broadway shows and arts organizations across the US.  A recognized authority on brand activation, cultural tourism and strategic planning for marketing and sales, Trevor specializes in the development of new audiences, new messaging models and new sources of earned revenue for fine arts, performing arts and stage entertainment. He is the author of the new book, Marketing the Arts to Death: How Lazy Language is Killing Culture, a fun-to-read, down-to-earth, slightly naughty critique of the way “artsy types” talk to the world around us, and a useful guide for speaking more persuasively to new audiences. Trevor is a graduate of Emerson College (BS) and Bowling Green State University (MA). 

Ken Davenport is a multi-talented Broadway producer whose credits include Godspell, Chinglish, Oleanna starring Bill Pullman and Julia Stiles, Speed-the-Plow, Will Ferrell's You're Welcome America, Blithe Spirit starring Angela Lansbury, and 13, as well as Altar Boyz, My First Time, The Awesome 80s Prom, and Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating, & MarriageOff-Broadway. His company is the general manager for the smash hit, Avenue Q and COCK. Projects under development include bringing the first-ever revival of A Few Good Men to Broadway; creating a new show called Garage Band; and adapting the novel and film, Somewhere in Time,into a Broadway musical. Combined, Davenport’s productions have grossed more than $100 million worldwide and are produced internationally in more than 25 countries including Germany, Mexico, France and Korea.

Joe Champelli

Joe joined the ZFX team in the spring of 2009 as General Manager.  In addition to overseeing daily operations Joe works with ZFX founder Robert Dean on mechanical design for new projects and documentation of existing systems.   

What you always wanted to know about Joe… Joe began his career in Las Vegas as a member of the design department for the Pirate Battle in Buccaneer Bay at TI.  In 1993 he joined the automation department at The Siegfried and Roy Show where his duties included machinery design for new illusions and mechanical effects.  Joe left the S & R show to freelance as a designer and consultant for entertainment and architecture clients, including Flying By Foy, Magic Craft, Mirage Resorts and Wynn Design and Development.   In the summer of 1997 Joe joined Scott Fisher for the incorporation of Fisher Technical Services, Inc.  In addition to operations management, Joe headed hoist product design including FTSI’s  “F” series and “M” series flying winches.   Joe holds a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Technical Production from Penn State University and a B.S. in Design for Theatre from Illinois State University.  In his free time he enjoys motorcycle riding and ice skating with his family. But not at the same time. What you never thought you would know about Joe… Joe bought his wife a to-scale model of Han Solo frozen in carbonite for an anniversary present, which she loved by the way. Favorite part of ZFX… Joe admits that the company culture at ZFX is like none he has ever experienced, even as a serious veteran of the technical theater world. It is one of excitement mixed with individuality, innovation and efficiency. Joe’s Stats… EDUCATION: Illinois State: Theatre Design with a Minor in Philosophy (Undergrad), Penn State: Technical Production (Grad School) CALL SIGN: Maddog PLAYED D&D: never BOY SCOUT: occasionally FAVORITE SUPER HERO: Batman – he’s got all the cool toys.

Caitlen Smith

Caitlen joined the ZFX team in the summer of 2011 after interning with ZFX in the summer of 2010.  After a tour of duty in the Automation shop, Caitlen is now a member of the flying department  where she creatively applies all of her rigging, Automation and technical experience.

What you always wanted to know about Caitlen….Caitlen is a native of Charleston, SC and Raleigh, NC. A graduate of UNCSA, Caitlen received a BFA with her focus in Technical Direction. As a student at UNCSA Caitlen was one of 10 students in the country to be invited to USITT young technicians forum and the only one invited for Technical Direction. Caitlen began her theatre career working at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and for Theatre in the park. She continued to return home to Raleigh on her school breaks to continue giving back to these theatre programs. Caitlen spent two summers working at Utah Shakespere Festival as a master carpenter and in her off time developed a love of rock climbing. As Caitlen continues to grow personally and professionally she would like to thank her friends and family for their continued support.  The quickest way to my heart is probably through ice cream or cake. (cheese and bacon come in for a very close second though) What you never thought you would  know about Caitlen…. I really hate ants, that creepy crawly feeling is one of the worst feelings out there. Favorite part of zfx….. The passion and creativity that is brought to the table on a daily basis. Caitlen’s Stats: Education: Graduated with a BFA from UNCSA. Call sign: Bam-Bam. Played D & D: Still trying to figure out what kind of game that is. Boyscout: Being a girl makes it a bit difficult to be a boyscout but I was a pretty awesome brownie girlscout back in the day.  Favorite superhero: All of our men and women in the armed forces.

Dan Eslinger

Dan joined the ZFX team in the summer of 2011 as the Head of Automation.  In addition to keeping the automated equipment flowing in and out of ZFX, Dan works with ZFX Founder Robert Dean on electrical and controls design for new projects and documentation of existing systems.   

What you always wanted to know about Dan… Dan’s great love (besides automation) is the outdoors, starting with his exploration of the country as a child. With a home base in Arkansas, his family spent summers trekking across the country between National Parks.  He continues that today with his lovely new wife Erin. Hiking, rock climbing, cycling, running, you name it; they do it.   How Dan got into automation… Looking for an extra course in college, Dan wandered into the back of a theater and never turned around.  Applying his math background, he was able to contribute technical skills to artistic productions that created moving experiences for the community. What better aspiration could there be? Grad school in technical direction was the next step where he started specializing in automation. Over the past ten years, he has worked for regional theaters and automation companies from the Midwest to the West Coast. His work graces theaters and theme parks around the world. Now, he proudly sports a kilt with the ZFX team (no far stretch for the originator of the Pantless Party in grad school).  What you never thought you would know about Dan… A Ben and Jerry’s ice cream fanatic, Dan’s home includes a display of over 150 Ben & Jerry’s pint containers, all different flavors!  Favorite part of ZFX… The Legion of Fun, say no more.  Dan’s Stats: Education: BA in Math from Grinnell College (Iowa), MFA in Theatre Technology from University of Missouri-Kansas City  Call Sign: Slinger  Played D&D: Nope.  Boy Scout: Briefly, before the episode….   Favorite Super Hero: his dad

Michael Pettit

Michael joined the ZFX team in the summer of 2005 and progressed rapidly from shop grunt to Lead Automation Programmer.  Recently back in Louisville after touring with Taylor Swift , Michael is an expert at 3D motion profile programming with the Stage Technologies E-Chameleon program and a key member of the Automation team.

What you always wanted to know about Pettit… Michael, a native Kentuckian, is proud to call Louisville home. Michael has studied theatre design and technology at Western Kentucky University, and has worked as technical director, designer and a variety of other positions at theatres from Maine to California. Don’t let this technical expertise fool you – Michael actively engages in choreographic, visual and musical exercises – all in order to maintain a keen creative edge, which he uses on, off and above the stage floor. Whether he’s designing custom hoists, creating a computer controlled flight of fancy for “American Idiot”, or playing you love songs on his guitar this true-to-life artist/designer will bring to the table a lot of personality. Michael loves and thanks his family for supporting him in this his greatest endeavor: life (awwww). What you never thought you would know about Pettit… I can tie from memory around 200 knots. I change my socks every day at lunch (dry feet are happy feet). Favorite thing about ZFX… It’s never boring, ever. I mean just when you think it’s going to slow down it goes faster. Pettit’s Stats: EDUCATION: BFA in Theatre- Emphasis in Design and Technology- Western Kentucky University 2005 CALL SIGN: Live Wire PLAYED D&D: Yes, as a cleric BOY SCOUT: No. FAVORITE SUPER HERO: Forge, the guy can build anything.

Gemma Guy, Business Development Manager

Having trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, in the UK, Gemma Guy has been involved in the theatre entertainment industry for more than 15 years. She has had extensive experience managing technical departments both onboard Carnival cruise ships and as technical coordinator in Carnival Corporation’s Miami headquarters. Gemma joined Stage Technologies’ as Sales Manager in June 2006, enjoying two years in their London Headquarters before being appointed General Manager of the Las Vegas Office in 2008. As of 2011, Gemma now focuses on developing Business for Stage Technologies Group, holding the title of Business Development Manager.

Jenny Knott

Graduated from the University of Missouri, Kansas City with an MFA in Design and Technology.  Jenny has freelanced as a Scenic Artist for over 25 years.  She worked for regional theatres such as Missouri Rep (now KC Rep), Arena Stage, the Guthrie and Goodspeed Opera House as well as union scene shops for theatre, film and TV and an artist in residence/instructor at the University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana.  She is a member of United Scenic Artists 829 as well as serving on the Board of Directors for USITT.   Jenny joined Rosco as their Paint Product Manager in July of 2003.   She teaches seminars for Rosco all over the world and enjoys slinging paint and mixing up goop. Jenny continues to paint, keeping current with emerging scenic artists and new ways of approaching paint challenges.