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Michael Thomas Essad - Technical Director / Scenic Designer

California Shakespeare Festival

Coconut Grove Playhouse

I have had a rich and full career and it keeps growing. I have worked from coast to coast and in many different organizations including regional LORT and educational theater as well as touring both rock and roll and theatrical groups.  Throughout my career I have been the technical director for well over three hundred productions and a scenic designer for over one hundred shows.

I have been the Technical Theater teacher,Technical Director and Scenic Designer at Westlake High School for 10 years. I was the Technical Director, Resident Scenic Designer and an Adjunct Instructor for The Pittsburgh Playhouse and Point Park University for 11 years.  My career also includes 3 years as the Technical Director at the Pittsburgh Public Theater and 6 years at the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami where we produced many world premiers and sent several shows to Broadway. Other credits include the Berkeley Repertory Theater, California Shakespeare Festival, Actors Playhouse in Miami, San Jose Repertory Company and many others. I have also designed for the Asolo Theater in Sarasota Florida and Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theater in Pittsburgh.

One of the great highlights of my career was as a production supervisor for the half time show for Super Bowl 29.

My company Center Stage Design and Craftsmanship specializes in  design, construction,  renovations and furniture for both theatrical productions and the private sector.

Pittsburgh Public Theater

Pittsburgh Playhouse

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