Gavin Michalski
Hockessin
Summary
Dynamic lighting designer and programmer with expertise in photometric analysis and DMX programming on a wide variety of consoles. Successfully delivered high-quality productions at Cab Calloway School of the Arts, showcasing strong teamwork and client communication skills. Recognized for innovative lighting designs that enhanced audience experiences and optimized performance environments.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Cab Calloway School of the Arts High School Dance
04.2025 - 04.2025
- Full dance show performed by Cab Calloway School of the Arts High School dance department, Programmed 500 + cues on ETC Ion 1500. Directed by Allyson Cohen-Sherlock, and technical director Brain Touchette.
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Chapel Street Players 24 Hour Playwriting Festival
04.2025 - 04.2025
- 24 Hour playwriting festival performed by volunteer's of Chapel Street Players. Given 2 Hours to program on ETC Ion XE console.
Lighting Assistant, Programmer
RENT the Musical
03.2025 - 03.2025
- Assisted lead designer with programming and other requests. Programmed on ETC Ion 1500. Performed by Cab Calloway School of the Arts High School theater department. Directed by Majorie Eldrith, and technical directed by Brian Touchette.
- Learned safety protocols related to lighting equipment handling and usage.
- Adapted quickly to changing demands during live events and rehearsals.
- Gained familiarity with a wide range of industry-standard software tools for programming and controlling advanced lighting systems.
- Worked with Mainlight with getting rental fixtures to further enhance the show.
Lighting Designer, Programmer
The Foxy Mrs. Bumpstead Leigh
02.2025 - 02.2025
- Full basic show performed at Chapel Street Players. Under the direction of Scott Mason and Suzie Moak, and technical direction of Brian Touchette. Programmed on ETC Ion XE
- Utilized design software to create visual representations of lighting concepts.
- Researched industry trends and innovative lighting techniques for project enhancements.
Lighting Assistant, Programmer
Beauty and the Beast
01.2025 - 01.2025
- Assisted Lead designer with programming. Performed by Cab Calloway school of the Arts middle school theater students, Programmed on ETC Ion 1500. Directed by Brenden Moser, and technical directed by Brian Touchette.
- Supported lead technicians in testing and troubleshooting lighting systems.
- Organized workspaces for efficient access to tools and materials needed for tasks.
- Provided feedback on lighting designs to enhance overall production quality.
- Provided support during live events, ensuring optimal lighting conditions throughout performances.
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Anne Marie Dance Studio Winter Wonderland
12.2024 - 12.2024
- Full dance show programmed within 3 days for Anne Marie Dance Studio, performed at Cab Calloways School of the Arts as a partnership. Programmed on ETC Ion 1500 console. Under the direction of Sonny Leo, and technical direction of Brian Touchette.
- Attended 2 of 2 technical rehearsals to assist with adjustments.
- Managed and maintained equipment between productions.
- Worked with director and other production staff to assess requirements and advocate for associated equipment needs or important safety standards.
- Minimized risk of fire or electrical shock by using optimal safety procedures.
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Cab Calloway School of the Arts Winter Showcase
12.2024 - 12.2024
- Full mini showcase performed for the school (livestreamed on youtube) showcasing select few of the artistic majors. Programmed with ETC Ion 1500. Under artistic direction of Majorie Eldrith, and technical direction of Brian Touchette.
- Maintained version control systems for project files, fostering organization and collaboration among team members.
- Supported the deployment of software updates, ensuring minimal disruption to users.
- Determined best lighting design and techniques according to location and situation.
- Attended 3 of 3 technical rehearsals to assist with adjustments.
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Cab Calloway School of the Arts Middle School Showstoppers
11.2024 - 11.2024
- Full school showcase done at Cab Calloway School of the Arts, programmed on ETC Ion 1500 console, specifically for the middle school programs. Under the direction of numerous artistic directors, and technical direction of Brian Touchette.
- Programmed an entirely timecoded lightshow within 2 days
- Attended 4 technical rehearsals to assist with adjustments.
- Prepared and maintained light plot, channel hook-up, instrument schedule, color and template totals and focus charts.
- Illuminated performance areas to verify audience can clearly see actors and scenery.
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Complete Works of William Shakespeare
10.2024 - 10.2024
- Full show programmed at Cab Calloways School of the Arts on ETC Ion 1500 console. Under the direction of Tessa LaNeve, and technical direction of Brian Touchette.
- Trained junior team members in the use of specialized software, enhancing their abilities to contribute effectively to projects.
- Attended 30 technical rehearsals to assist with adjustments.
- Performed maintenance, repairs and software upgrades on sophisticated computerized lighting systems.
- Used Vectorworks or AutoCAD to create scale plots for lighting rigs designating fixtures, dimmers and channel numbers.
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
A CABaret, Cab Calloway School of the Arts
05.2025 - 05.2025
- Senior sendoff, and musical theater showcase performed by Cab Calloway School of the Arts Musical Theater department at Chapel Street Players. Programmed on ETC Ion XE. Directed by Majorie Eldrith, and technical director Brian Touchette.
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Cabaret
06.2025 - 06.2025
- Full musical 'Cabaret' performed at Chapel Street Players, Programed on ETC Ion XE in 4 days. Collaborated with mainlight to receive fixtures to expand creativity within the show. Directed by Zack Gurock, and technical director Brain Touchette.
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Little Women
10.2025 - 10.2025
- Full show programmed at Cab Calloway School of the Arts on ETC Ion 1500. Performed by Cab Calloway School of the Arts High school theater department auditionees. Directed by Brenden Moser, and technical directed by Brian Touchette.
Education
High School Diploma -
Cab Calloway School of The Arts
Hockessin, DE06-2026
Skills
- Photometric analysis
- Lighting control systems
- Client communication
- Site inspection
- Lighting design expertise
- 3D visualization
- Color theory application
- Design documentation
- LED technology
- DMX programming
- Teamwork
Timeline
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Little Women
10.2025 - 10.2025
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Cabaret
06.2025 - 06.2025
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
A CABaret, Cab Calloway School of the Arts
05.2025 - 05.2025
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Cab Calloway School of the Arts High School Dance
04.2025 - 04.2025
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Chapel Street Players 24 Hour Playwriting Festival
04.2025 - 04.2025
Lighting Assistant, Programmer
RENT the Musical
03.2025 - 03.2025
Lighting Designer, Programmer
The Foxy Mrs. Bumpstead Leigh
02.2025 - 02.2025
Lighting Assistant, Programmer
Beauty and the Beast
01.2025 - 01.2025
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Anne Marie Dance Studio Winter Wonderland
12.2024 - 12.2024
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Cab Calloway School of the Arts Winter Showcase
12.2024 - 12.2024
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Cab Calloway School of the Arts Middle School Showstoppers
11.2024 - 11.2024
Lighting Designer, Programmer, Operator
Complete Works of William Shakespeare
10.2024 - 10.2024
High School Diploma -
Cab Calloway School of The Arts
Awards
Won Technical Theater Service Award at Chapel Street Players.
Similar Profiles
Shannon BoydShannon Boyd
Art Teacher, 9-12 at Calloway County High SchoolArt Teacher, 9-12 at Calloway County High School
Gracee MurphyGracee Murphy
Girls Varsity Head Coach at Calloway County High SchoolGirls Varsity Head Coach at Calloway County High School
Olivia AndersonOlivia Anderson
Teacher's Aide at Calloway County High School - Ashley FritscheTeacher's Aide at Calloway County High School - Ashley Fritsche
Mather RappaMather Rappa
Electrician at PSC Contracting IncElectrician at PSC Contracting Inc
TIMOTHY O’SHAUGHNESSYTIMOTHY O’SHAUGHNESSY
Director of Operations & Finance at Luxtech, LLCDirector of Operations & Finance at Luxtech, LLC