Kenneth E. Mills II
SENIOR-LEVEL Production/Technical Director
Ocoee,FL
Summary
- Operations-management executive with expertise in leading cross-functional teams to meet customer needs and fiscal responsibilities while being able to align worker performance with company objectives in fast-paced production environments.
- Senior technical director, who is well-organized and resourceful in dealing with routine and complex production issues, capable of maintaining consistent on-time delivery for customers and productions.
- Proactive technical director adept at anticipating needs and making effective adjustments to schedules, materials and workflow, ready to bring expertise and 13 years' experience to a company needing a hands- on, knowledgeable and resourceful leader.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Manager/Technical Director, International Tour
Cirque Du Soleil
TORUK
01.2017 - 07.2020
- Orchestrated international logistics for Toruk the First flight by Cirque Du Soleil to Singapore, Thailand, China, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, UAE and over 45 European cities via Sea Container, Chartered Air Cargo and overland by 39 tractor trailers.
- Realized $400K in cost savings in a $12 million technical budget by driving process improvements throughout the operation, as well as improving operating performance through improved maintenance planning, overtime management and ongoing education and training.
- Developed and implemented a stronger inspection process and maintenance schedule for all technical equipment that showed an average of 20% reduction in maintenance costs year over year.
- Substantially improved the safety culture and awareness on Toruk by implementing a safety committee for the technical department. Consistently rated the safest show in the touring show division for Cirque Du Soleil.
- Successfully advanced and approved venues for Toruk in all major markets by negotiating with promoters, venue managers, draftsman and local labor teams.
Senior Entertainment Director/Cruise Director
Celebrity Cruises
Miami, FL
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Directly responsible for the overall quality of all on-board production shows, cabarets, special events, groups, performers, musicians and all technical and artistic elements aboard a mega-cruise ship with a guest capacity of over 3,600 guests.
- Managed a department of over 230 persons from over 17 different nationalities and budgets up to $8.5M.
- Oversaw the entertainment departments compliance with company-wide policies and safety regulations and ensured that all staff was passionate and energetic.
- Directed, mentored, supervised and evaluated the performance of entertainment team members, while guiding the development of activity programs for specific audiences.
Production Manager/Performance Director
Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus
Tampa, FL
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Managed a cast of 106 performers and 52 Technicians performing over 350 shows throughout North America and Mexico.
- Responsible for the quality and consistency of the Show’s creative and technical production elements including: quality of sound and lights, consistency of acts/production numbers and energy level.
- Developed and coordinated the scheduling of all rehearsal and practice times for cast, crew, stage managers and disseminated general information about the production to department heads.
- Ensured the development, rehearsal and management of all performance contingency plans for stage equipment, properties and performers.
- Provided mediation of work-related disputes between performers, crew and staff and addressing performer disciplinary problems to uphold and maintain professional standards of conduct, appearance and workmanship of personnel in their respective roles.
Entertainment Director/Cruise Director
Norwegian Cruise Line
Miami, FL
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Supervised up to the 300 employees from 17 different nationalities and budgets up to $8.2M.
- Led planning, organizing and implementation of on-site functions and events.
- Oversaw the development of all entertainment and activities onboard including planning, technical/artistic direction and implementation.
- Evaluated all departments and completed performance reports for headline entertainers, production show cast members, stage managers and other entertainment staff.
- Performed as a seasoned emcee and host of the ship nightly to over 3000 guests on the main theater stage while also serving as the face of the ship recording TV spots and a daily cruise news television show.
- Collaborated with entertainment department heads and assessed performance of entertainment staffs.
- Ensured the satisfaction of each customer’s experience by clearly and energetically by communicating and listening, to all guests with concerns or questions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education K-12
Marshall University
Huntington, WVAir Traffic Control Specialist -
United States Navy
San Diego, CASkills
Cross-functional teams leadership
Vendor and contract negotiations
Training and Leadership development
Performance Management
Multi-site Operations
Budget/Financial planning and management
Safety compliance/OSHA regulations
Logistics management with live touring productions
Maintenance schedule planning and oversight
Continuous improvements of operational processes and standards
Supervised/managed in union and non-union environments
Planning and Development of Event Productions/Presentations
Artistic/Technical theater direction
Timeline
Production Manager/Technical Director, International Tour
Cirque Du Soleil
01.2017 - 07.2020
Senior Entertainment Director/Cruise Director
Celebrity Cruises
01.2014 - 01.2017
Production Manager/Performance Director
Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus
01.2013 - 01.2014
Entertainment Director/Cruise Director
Norwegian Cruise Line
01.2010 - 01.2013
Air Traffic Control Specialist -
United States Navy
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education K-12
Marshall University