R. Blain's Curriculum Vitae

Master of Fine Arts Theatre Design The Ohio State University June 2006

Thesis Project: A LIGHTING DESIGN PROCESS FOR A PRODUCTION OF NIKOLAI GOGOL'S THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR 

Bachelor of Arts Theatre The Ohio State University March 2003

Theatre Consultant, Specifier, & Project Manager May 2024 – Present

R. Blain Consulting LLC – Saint Clair Shores, MI 

Serving as a consultant to Theatres, Auditoriums, and Performing Arts Venues, with emphasis on Theatrical Lighting, Sound, and Rigging Systems integration. Designing lighting, sound, and rigging systems and preparing budgeting estimates for venue owners and operators. Creating Specification and Drawing Packages for projects going to public bid. Acting as an Owner’s Representative and/or Project Manager for Theatrical Integration projects.

Account Executive August 2022 – May 2024

Fantasee Integration – Detroit, MI 

Designed and Sold Theatrical lighting, sound, and rigging systems and prepared budgeting estimates for venue owners and operators. Created Specification and Drawing Packages for projects going to public bid.

Account Executive March 2019 – August 2022

Vincent Lighting Systems – Cleveland, OH 

Designed and Sold Theatrical lighting, sound, and rigging systems and prepared budgeting estimates for venue owners and operators.

Lecturer – Lighting & Sound Design and Technology August /2016 –May 2019

Wayne State University, Department of Theatre & Dance – Detroit, MI

Taught classroom and laboratory graduate and undergraduate courses in the areas of Lighting and Sound Design and Technology for Theatre and Dance. Designed lighting and sound for departmental productions. Served as faculty advisor for student designers. Developed new courses and curriculum. Acted as an academic advisor to theatre majors. Supervised staff and students in the operation and maintenance of department equipment and facilities. Served as an ambassador, representing the Theatre Department to the greater university and the community.

Assistant Professor   August/2009 – August 2016

Miami University, Department of Theatre – Oxford, Ohio

Taught classroom and laboratory courses in the areas of sound and lighting design and technology, stage management, theatre appreciation, script analysis, and Russian & Czech theatre history. Designed lighting and sound for departmental productions. Acted as faculty advisor for student designers and stage managers. Developed new courses and curriculum. Served as an academic advisor to theatre majors. Supervised staff and students in the operation and maintenance of department equipment and facilities.  Served as an ambassador, representing the Theatre Department to the greater university and the community.

Assistant Professor of Theatre  August 2006 – August 2008

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

Taught three classes per semester including Introduction to Theatre Sound and Lighting, Intermediate Lighting Technology and Design, Stage Management, Technical Direction, Stage Electrics and Special Effects, Theatre Sound Reinforcement and Design, and Theatre Design III - Lighting Emphasis, designed lighting and sound and served as technical director for departmental productions, advised student designers and stage managers, created departmental production schedules and calendars, student academic advising, service on departmental committees.

Event Producer / Designer   1998 – December 2016

EventWorks, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio,  

Served as lighting designer and production manager for concert, political, and business theater events globally. Coordinated set, lighting, sound, projection, video, costume, and all other aspects of production, including: logistics for shipping, local code enforcement, security, accommodations and hospitality. Contracted suppliers and performing artists, facilitated performer’s contract riders, contracted and supervised union and non-union labor resources.

Production Management Team Member Summer 2013

Bonaroo Music and Arts Festival 2013 

Responsible for stage management of the press tent, hearing-impaired systems operations for 8 stages, production management for all sponsor’s stages, supervised union labor resources.

Sound Designer / Engineer Summer 2008 & 2009

The Virginia Shakespeare Festival, Williamsburg, VA

Designed and engineered live sound for three productions each summer, using 16 Sennheiser© wireless body microphones through a Yamaha® DM 1000© digital mixing console w/ built in discrete channel gating, compression / limiting, equalization, and special effects.

Production Manager 07/1996 - 03/1998

The Self Family Arts Center - Hilton Head Island, SC

Supervised production for a 44,000 sq. ft. facility consisting of two theatres, art galleries, art studios, classrooms, and meeting spaces. Served on the senior management team with the artistic, development and financial directors. Hired entertainers, negotiated contracts, produced and promoted theater, concerts, and special events. Organized lighting, sound, costume, projection and set designers. Instructed production personnel. Represented the Arts Center to the Hilton Head community.

Electrical Systems Designer 12/1994 – 3/1996

StarTrax Celebrity Coaches, Hilton Head Island SC

Designed electrical systems for touring coaches. These systems integrated 240VAC-3 phase, 110VAC, 24VDC, and 12VDC on board power systems. In coming power could be selected from 240VAC-3 phase “shore power”, an on board generator, or an on board bank of 6V batteries in a combination series/parallel wiring.

Officer, Designer, Producer  02/1988 - 12/1994

Elephant Productions, Inc. - Columbus, OH

Designed and produced various theatrical, concert, and business theater events, with emphasis on production of large-scale concert tour lighting. Supervised production staff. Managed ledgers, and logistics for transportation and accommodations.

Project Title: Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center Lighting and Rigging Upgrades

Customers: French & Associates Architects / Harbor Springs Public Schools

Project Status: Contracted and Ongoing. Specifications and Drawings Delivered to Owner

Project Scope: Lighting Infrastructure and Fixture Upgrades, Rigging upgrades and Pipe addition, Full Draperies Replacement, Digital Audio Console & Stage Box

Project Budget: $300,000.00

Specifier: Russell Blain

Contracted Consultant: R. Blain Consulting LLC

Completion Date: Estimated 8/2025

Project Title: Charlevoix High School / Middle School Auditorium Upgrades

Customer: Charlevoix Public Schools

Project Status: Ongoing, Specification and Drawings Completed; Revised Bid Package expected to go to public bid January 2025.

Project Scope: Theatrical Lighting Infrastructure and House & Work Lighting Fixture Upgrades and Integration.

Project Budget: $200,000.00

Specifier: Russell Blain

Contracted Consultant: Fantasee Integrations

Consultant for Revised Bid Package: R. Blain Consulting LLC

Completion Date: Estimated 8/2025

Project Title: Soo Theatre Renovations

Customer: The Soo Theatre Project

Project Status: Not Yet Under Contract; Presently working with Structural Engineer and The Soo Theatre Project to evaluate load limitations, prior to establishing system designs or budgeting estimates.

Project Scope: Theatrical Lighting Infrastructure. Fixtures, & Architectural Control, Static and Automated 

Theatrical Stage and FOH Rigging, Audio / Visual Systems, System Integration

Project Budget: $750,000.00 Unofficial Rough Estimate

Specifier: Russell Blain – Not Yet Under Contract

Contracted Consultant: R. Blain Consulting LLC – Not Yet Under Contract

Completion Date: Estimated Summer 2026

Project Title: Saginaw Valley State University Lighting & Rigging Upgrades

Customer: Saginaw Valley State University

Project Status: Infrastructure Completed. Awaiting House Light Fixture Installation.

Project Scope: Theatrical Lighting Infrastructure and Fixtures, & Architectural Control for three adjacent venues, Automated Rigging in Main Theatre, System Integration, Architectural Fixture LED Upgrades

Project Budget: $1,350,000.00

Specifier: Russell Blain

Contracted Consultant: Fantasee Integrations

Consultant for Revisions: R. Blain Consulting LLC

Completion Date: Estimated 8/2025

Project Title: Sault Area High School and Career Center Auditorium Lighting Upgrades

Customer: Sault Area Public Schools

Project Status: Project Completed

Project Scope: Theatrical and Architectural Lighting Infrastructure and Fixtures.

Project Budget: $35,000.00

Specifier: Russell Blain

Contracted Consultant: R. Blain Consulting LLC

Completion Date: August 2024

Project Title: Benzie Central High School Auditorium Lighting Upgrades

Customer: Benzie Central Schools

Project Status: Project Completed

Project Scope: Theatrical and Architectural Lighting Infrastructure and Fixtures.

Project Budget: $300,000.00

Specifier: Russell Blain

Contracted Consultant: Fantasee Integrations

Consultant for Revisions: R. Blain Consulting LLC

Completion Date: August 2024

Project Title: Ludington High School Auditorium Lighting & Rigging Upgrades

Customer: Ludington Public Schools

Project Status: Project Completed

Project Scope: Theatrical Lighting Infrastructure and Fixtures. Dead Hung Rigging System

Project Budget: $300,000.00

Specifier: Russell Blain

Contracted Consultant: Fantasee Integrations

Completion Date: August 2024

Project Title: Commongrounds Cooperative

Traverse City Michigan

Customer: Commongrounds Cooperative

Project Status: Project Completed

Project Scope: Theatrical & Architectural Lighting Infrastructure and Fixtures, Dead Hung Rigging

Project Budget: $150,000.00

Systems Designer: Russell Blain

Installing Contractor: Vincent Lighting Systems

Completion Date: July 2022

Project Title: Erikson Center for the Arts – Pine Center

Curtis, Michigan

Customer: Erikson Center for the Arts

Project Status: Project Completed

Project Scope: Theatrical & Architectural Lighting Infrastructure and Fixtures, Audio / Visual/ Rigging & Draperies.

Project Budget: $200,000.00

Systems Designer: Russell Blain

Installing Contractor: Vincent Lighting Systems

Completion Date: May 2021

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Fest Manchester, TN June 2013

Microsoft 2003 Server Launch Columbus, Detroit, Cincinnati, Cleveland May 2003

National Inventors HOF Inductions Akron, OH 2001

Cleveland Millennium Celebration Cleveland, OH 1999 / 2000

Easter At The White House The White House, Washington DC 1993 - 2000

The Nutcracker Hilton Head Dance Theater, Hilton Head, SC 1992 - 2000

Coty Cosmetics Annual Meeting Sea Pines Country Club, Hilton Head Island, SC 2000

Al Gore Presidential Campaign Cleveland, OH Dec 1999

Madame Butterfly The Self Family Arts Center, Hilton Head, SC 1998

Steve Howe in Concert The Self Family Arts Center, Hilton Head, SC  1998

Hallelujah Singers Spoleto Festival, & other venues, Charleston, SC 1998

Liz Story in Concert The Self Family Arts Center, Hilton Head, SC  1997

A Funny Thing Happened The Self Family Arts Center, Hilton Head, SC  1997

Gary Morris in Concert The Self Family Arts Center, Hilton Head, SC  1997

Once On This Island The Self Family Arts Center, Hilton Head, SC  1997

Steve Allen in Performance The Self Family Arts Center, Hilton Head, SC  1996

Leo Kottke in Concert The Self Family Arts Center, Hilton Head, SC  1996

Dodd Hall Dedication Ceremonies The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 1995 

(Guest speaker: President William Jefferson Clinton)

Grand Opening Ceremonies Columbus City Center, Columbus, OH 1990

President George W. Bush Saint Steven’s Center, Columbus, OH  May 10, 2001

Easter At The White House The White House, Washington DC 1993 - 2000

The Nutcracker Hilton Head Dance Theater, Hilton Head, SC  1996 - 2000

Merck Latin Sales Conference The Contemporary Hotel, Disney World, FL 1999

Lee Fisher – Al Gore Fundraiser Landerhaven Country Club, Cleveland OH 1998

DRB Systems Annual Meeting Sheraton Suites Hotel, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 1998

C.R. Bard Medical Grand Cyprus Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL 1996

Olympics Sailing, Opening Event Savannah, GA 1996

White House Tourism Conference  The Sheraton Hotel, Wash. D.C. 1995

Forever Plaid Port Royal Country Club, Hilton Head, SC  1995

Annual Shareholders Meeting Limited Stores, Columbus, OH 1991 – 1993

Tom Jones World Tour Multiple Cities 1991 - 1994 

Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare” US Tour Multiple Cities  1992 - 1994

Nickelodeon’s “Nick Live” US Tour Multiple Cities  1994

Nickelodeon’s “Wild & Crazy Kids” US Tour Multiple Cities  1994

Weird Al Yankovic US Tour Multiple Cities  1994

Bill Cosby Mirage Resort, Las Vegas, NV 1994

Tony Orlando Mirage Resort, Las Vegas, NV 1994

Al Jarreau US Tour Multiple Cities  1991 - 1993

David Sanborn US Tour Multiple Cities  1991 - 1993

The O’Jays Masonic Hall, Detroit MI 1992

International Special Olympics Minneapolis-Saint Paul, MN 1991

The Violent Femmes Royal Oak Music Hall, Royal Oak, MI 1991

David Lee Roth Marion Popcorn Festival, Marion, OH 1991 

Gladys Knight Masonic Hall, Detroit MI 1991

Shirley Jones Winter Artist Series, Springfield, OH 1989

Joel Gray Winter Artist Series, Springfield, OH 1989

The Outlaws Ohio Center Battelle Hall, Columbus, Ohio 1988

The Marshal Tucker Band Ohio Center Battelle Hall, Columbus, Ohio 1988

Firefall Ohio Center Battelle Hall, Columbus, Ohio 1988

Florence Henderson Ohio Center Battelle Hall, Columbus, Ohio 1988

Much Ado About Nothing Virginia Shakespeare Festival  2009

The Winter’s Tale Virginia Shakespeare Festival  2009

ART Virginia Shakespeare Festival  2009

The Taming of the Shrew Virginia Shakespeare Festival  2008

Othello Virginia Shakespeare Festival  2008

The History of America Abridged Virginia Shakespeare Festival  2008

Long Christmas Ride Home  Miami University, Studio 88 Theatre  Spring 2016

Street Scene Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre  Spring 2016

Miami U. Dance Theatre Miami University, Studio 88 Theatre  Fall 2015

Avenue Q Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre  Spring 2015

Rent   Miami University, Studio 88 Theatre  Fall 2013

Into The Woods  Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre  Spring 2013

Angels In America, Part 1  Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre  Fall 2012

Our Town  Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre  Spring 2012

The Wiz  Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre  Spring 2011

Art Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre Fall 2010

The Arabian Nights Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre Spring 2010

The Grapes of Wrath Northern Arizona University, C.E. White Theatre 2007

The Government Inspector The Ohio State University, Thurber Theatre 2006

Inherit The Wind The Ohio State University, Thurber Theatre 2005

Long Christmas Ride Home  Miami University, Studio 88 Theatre  Spring 2016

In The Next Room Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre  Fall 2015

Macbeth Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre  Fall 2013

Angels In America, Part 1  Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre  Fall 2012

The Glass Menagerie  Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre  Fall 2011

Art Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre Fall 2010

The Arabian Nights Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre Spring 2010

Down In Mississippi Miami University, Gates-Abegglen Theatre Fall 2009

Belles Northern Arizona University, C.E. White Theatre  2007

The Grapes of Wrath Northern Arizona University, C.E. White Theatre  2007

The Tempest The Ohio State University, Thurber Theatre 1983

The Tooth of Crime The Ohio State University, Studio Theatre 1982

Oklahoma, Electrician The Ohio State University School of Music, Columbus, OH 1988

Inxs, Electrician Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH 1988

John Cougar, Electrician The Ohio Center, Columbus, OH   1988

Columbus Symphony  Various IATSE Houses, Columbus, OH  1985 – 1988

Ballet Met Various IATSE Houses, Columbus, OH  1985 - 1988

Vaud Villities, Electrician Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH 1985 - 1988

Aerosmith, Electrician The Ohio Center, Columbus, OH 1987

Thomson Twins, Elec. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH  1987

James Taylor, Electrician The Ohio Center, Columbus, OH 1987

David Lee Roth, Elec. The Ohio Center, Columbus, OH 1987

Orfeo, Electrician The Ohio Theatre, Columbus, OH (Tom Skelton, LD) 1987

Alvin Ailey, Electrician The Ohio Theatre, Columbus, OH 1987

La Cage Aux FauxCarp. Mershon Auditorium, Columbus, OH  1987

(National Tour)

Moysev Ballet, Elec. Mershon Auditorium, Columbus, OH 1987

(U.S. Tour)

Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Ohio Theatre, Columbus, OH  1986

Jethro Tull, Electrician  Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH  1986

Cats, Electrician The Palace Theatre, Columbus, OH   1986

(National Tour)

Midnight Star, Electrician The Ohio Center, Columbus, OH 1986

David Copperfield, Elec. The Ohio State Fair, Columbus, OH 1986

Lipizzan Stallions, Carp. The Ohio Center, Columbus, OH   1985

Mr. Olympia, Elec. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH 1985

Crosby, Stills and Nash The Ohio Center, Columbus, OH   1985

Eddie Money, Electrician Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH 1985

Artist In Residency, Hilton Head High School, 2005

Theatre Operations Consultant / Technical Theatre Instructor