James Gunn
Madera
Summary
Professional High School Teacher and Scenic Designer/Technical Director with extensive, hands on experience in public education, stage carpentry, scenic art, rigging, and innovation and collaboration in the face of sudden changes in circumstance and technical issues.
Known for artistic excellence and creativity, and have taught students who become successful in Regional and National competitions.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VAPA Technician
Madera Unified School District
Madera, CA
08.2022 - Current
- Designed, built, painted, and installed scenery for MTHS drama productions, enhancing overall production quality. Supervised and taught students safe use of power tools and basic stagecraft, fostering skills in set building and painting.
- Website: https://maderausd.org/
- Location: Matilda Torres High School
- Part time variable hours
- Rate: $29.00/hour
- Supervisor: Elena Navarrette
Teacher-Drama and English
Madera Unified School District
Madera, CA
08.2010 - 06.2019
- Taught English I, II, III, and Drama I, II, III, fostering student engagement and comprehension in literature and performance. As the Drama teacher, produced, designed, built, and directed all performances in the MHS black box theatre.
- Website: https://maderausd.org/
- Rate: $67,000/year
- Reason for leaving: Retirement
- Supervisor: Robyn Cosgrove
Freelance Set and Lighting Designer/Technical Director
J.G. Enterprises
Madera, CA
06.1986 - 08.2008
- Attended preliminary and final production meetings; produced working drawings to scale, complete color-rendered models, and painter’s elevations; supervised building, painting, and installation of scenery per contract specifications.
- Location: Variable
- Rate: $50.00/hour
- Reason for leaving: Permanent injury/Business closure.
- Supervisor: Self
Education
CTE Credential - Career and Technical Education
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA12-2014
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Teacher Preparation
California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA06-2010
MFA Theatre Art - Scenic Design
University of Washington Seattle
Seattle, WA01-1989
B.A. Theatre Arts - Theatre Arts
California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA06-1987
Skills
- Scenic design
- Technical drafting
- Stage Carpentry
- Stage rigging
- Vectorworks
- Scenic Artist
- Teaching
- Multitasking and organization
- Work under pressure
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
Certification
CTE Credential #230261720
Issued January 2016, expires December 2028
Single Subject Teaching Credential #220266987
Issued January 2010 (Clear 2012), expires December 2027
Timeline
VAPA Technician
Madera Unified School District
08.2022 - Current
Teacher-Drama and English
Madera Unified School District
08.2010 - 06.2019
Freelance Set and Lighting Designer/Technical Director
J.G. Enterprises
06.1986 - 08.2008
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Teacher Preparation
California State University Fresno
MFA Theatre Art - Scenic Design
University of Washington Seattle
B.A. Theatre Arts - Theatre Arts
California State University Fresno
CTE Credential - Career and Technical Education
Fresno Pacific University