MATTHEW ZAPATA
LD SYSTEMS / ILIOS PRODUCTION AND DESIGN
Austin,TX
10
years of professional experience
Live entertainment and production professional with experience in lighting design, console programming and operation, concert and festival production, corporate events, and audiovisual systems. Skilled in coordinating production logistics, leading crews, troubleshooting technical systems, and collaborating with touring artists, production managers, clients, and vendors. Combines hands-on technical expertise with project management, creative problem-solving, and leadership in fast-paced live production environments.
Work History
Lighting Designer / Project Manager / Crew Lead
2 Years 9 Months- Design, program, and operate lighting systems for concerts, festivals, and large-scale live entertainment productions.
- Collaborate with touring artists, production managers, and technical teams to execute lighting designs and show requirements.
- Lead production crews and coordinate load-ins, equipment setup, troubleshooting, and strike operations.
- Oversee lighting execution and technical operations while maintaining production schedules and quality standards.
- Balance hands-on lighting programming with crew leadership, communication, and real-time problem-solving.
Project Manager / Lighting Designer
2 Years 10 Months- Progressed from contract work into a full-time Project Manager position based on technical performance and leadership capabilities.
- Managed event logistics, client communications, equipment coordination, and onsite execution for corporate, private, and live entertainment events.
- Oversaw lighting design implementation and technical production.
- Maintained strong relationships with clients, vendors, and production teams.
- Coordinated project requirements, resolved technical challenges, and ensured successful event delivery.
Production Assistant
1 Year 4 Months- Supported daily production operations at a major performing arts and nonprofit venue.
- Assisted with stage operations, lighting systems, event setup, and technical coordination for theatrical performances, concerts, and community events.
- Collaborated with production staff, local artists, and technical teams to execute event requirements.
- Developed hands-on experience with theatrical lighting systems, venue infrastructure, and live entertainment workflows.
Contract Audio Visual Technician
3 Years 6 Months- Provided technical production support for multiple audiovisual and live event production companies.
- Installed, configured, operated, and dismantled lighting, audio, staging, and video systems.
- Supported production crews with equipment preparation, technical troubleshooting, and onsite event execution.
- Developed a strong foundation in AV systems, equipment management, crew coordination, and live event production.
Skills
Lighting design and programming
Live production operations
Crew leadership and coordination
Project and production management
Concert and festival production
Standard lighting rigging practices
Video construction and programming
Corporate event production
Technical troubleshooting
Equipment and resource coordination
Client and vendor relations
Stage operations
load-in and strike
GrandMA3
GrandMA2
Hog 4
ETC Eos
Chamsys
Avolites
Experience includes both lighting console programming and live show operation.
Timeline
Lighting Designer / Project Manager / Crew Lead
LD SYSTEMS / ILIOS PRODUCTION AND DESIGN
02.2024 - CurrentRead More
Project Manager / Lighting Designer
AUSTIN EVENT LIGHTING
04.2021 - 02.2024Read More
Production Assistant
THE LONG CENTER
10.2018 - 02.2020Read More
Contract Audio Visual Technician
FREELANCE AV TECHNICIAN
08.2016 - 02.2020Read More