JASON WHITAKER
Hillsboro,VA
Summary
Seasoned Performing Arts Operations Professional with expertise in theater, chamber music festivals, venue management, and event logistics. Skilled in artist services, technical troubleshooting, and staff coordination, with a commitment to safety in production environments. Background includes performing arts leadership, higher education recruitment, and technical operations in electronics and cybersecurity.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Festival Coordinator
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival
2025 - Current
- Coordinate production and operations for concerts, rehearsals, workshops, donor events, education programs, and community performances across multiple venues.
- Prepared call sheets, production schedules, venue plans, staff/volunteer assignments, artist logistics, hospitality, ticketing, setup/strike, and venue restoration to ensure seamless event execution.
- Supported stage/room resets, audience flow, vendor coordination, supply management, and real-time problem solving to enhance festival operations.
- West Virginia & Virginia | 2026-PRESENT
- Coordinated logistics for festival events, ensuring smooth operation and participant satisfaction.
- Managed vendor relationships, facilitating timely communication and service delivery.
- Oversaw volunteer recruitment and training, enhancing team efficiency during events.
Production Test Technician
L-3 Unmanned Systems
Ashburn, VA
01.2010 - 01.2018
- Programmed and tested electronics, diagnosed equipment issues, improved quality-control protocols, conducted risk assessments, supported systems security/compliance, and trained employees on standard operating procedures.
- Developed and implemented security policies to safeguard sensitive information.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in information systems.
- Collaborated with IT teams to enhance network security protocols and measures.
- Monitored security incidents and responded effectively to potential threats.
- Maintained compliance with industry standards such as HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001, and NIST by enforcing strict protocols and controls.
- Conducted thorough testing of production units to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Seasonal Technical / Festival Operations Support
Contemporary American Theater Festival
Shepherdstown, WV
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Supported multi-production summer theater festival, ensuring timely performances in dynamic public-event environments.
- Assisted with venue readiness and production logistics, coordinating equipment management, changeovers, artist needs, and audience operations for successful event execution.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Recruitment & Planning - Department of Contemporary Art and Theater
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV
01.2019 - 2023
- Coordinated departmental recruitment, outreach, and prospective-student engagement, advising, and planning in collaboration with faculty and university partners to enhance applicant experience.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist (2W1X1)
United States Air Force
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Executed safety-critical checks on aircraft weapons systems, conducted troubleshooting and quality assurance, and led team training under strict technical procedures; supported operational readiness during two deployments to Iraq.
- Conducted inspections and maintenance on aircraft armament systems to ensure operational readiness.
- Assisted in troubleshooting electronic systems, enhancing system reliability and performance.
- Developed training materials for new personnel, improving onboarding process and knowledge retention.
- Played a vital role in achieving mission success by ensuring the seamless integration of armament systems with other aircraft subsystems, enabling optimal performance under diverse conditions.
Education
M.S. - Performing Arts Leadership & Management
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA05-2026
B.A. - Contemporary Theater Studies
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV05-2024
Skills
- Production schedules, call sheets & logistics
- Technical theater & venue operations
- Stage setup, strike & changeovers
- Facility readiness & room conversions
- Artist, patron & front-of-house services
- Staff & volunteer training
- Safety, SOPs & risk management
- Equipment testing & troubleshooting
- Multimedia support
SELECTED CREDITS
- Theater: Peter and the Starcatcher; Avenue Q; Spelling Bee; Every Brilliant Thing; Vintage Hitchcock; Yes, Dear.
- Media: SAG principal; History Channel; Investigation Discovery; Weather Channel.
TRAINING & TOOLS
- Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center; United Scene Theater; DC Improv.
- Microsoft Office; TicketTailor; Zettle by PayPal; Systems Administration.
Timeline
Seasonal Technical / Festival Operations Support
Contemporary American Theater Festival
01.2019 - 01.2024
Recruitment & Planning - Department of Contemporary Art and Theater
Shepherd University
01.2019 - 2023
Production Test Technician
L-3 Unmanned Systems
01.2010 - 01.2018
Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist (2W1X1)
United States Air Force
01.2006 - 01.2010
Festival Coordinator
Appalachian Chamber Music Festival
2025 - Current
M.S. - Performing Arts Leadership & Management
Shenandoah University
B.A. - Contemporary Theater Studies
Shepherd University