Please click here to see a copy of Kat's resume and cover letter with references in Word format.
Kat Lovell
(413) 585-1581 home or (774) 200-0492 cell
75 Hawley Street - Northampton, MA 01060
katlovelltech@gmail.com
Education
2007 University of Massachusetts-Amherst , Magna Cum Laude BA in Theater. Course emphasis on Stage Management and Lighting Design. House Management, and Stage Manager for three student productions, as well as assisting other students in class to understand technical theater coursework. Internships with the Town of Westfield and the Miniature Theater of Chester included set design & construction, adapting town hall space to become a theater, and Front of House Management.
Employment
09/03 Present: University of Massachusetts-Amherst Fine Arts Center . Senior Stagehand, Stage Manager, Lighting Designer. Duties include general stagehand work stage setup, light hang and focus, costuming, light (ETC) and sound board operations, followspot operation, show deck crew and wardrobe (preparation, stitching, draping, quick-changes) as well as Roadhouse Stage Management of over 150 shows. Supervision and training of student stagehand crews for setup/strike and running of shows in all aspects of production duties listed above. Also responsible for setup and running of shows in external venues in various locations around the UMass-Amherst campus.
Freelance Stage Management
2009 - Northampton 24 Hour Theater Project coordinated five stage managers and all technical elements.
2009 - It Happened The Other Day: A True Story private contract with local artist (see Lighting Design). Responsibilities included training and educating new stagehands, calling the show and running lightboard.
2008 - Body Politics contract through UMass Fine Arts Center (see also Lighting Design). Coordination between EveryWoman's Center and UMass Fine Arts Center, working with non-actors. Included education in stage etiquette for actors.
2008 - Gilgamesh private contract through a NYC artist. Coordinated communication between artist, Asian Arts & Culture Program, and UMass Fine Arts Center. Worked closely with Lighting Designer to assemble performance. Calling of performance included special effect elements and live musicians.
2006 - Julius Caesar Hampshire Shakespeare Company. Challenging outdoor venue with Community Company. Coordinated all aspects of the show, including moving performance indoors during inclement weather.
Freelance Lighting Design/Technical Direction
2008 Present Dance Recitals Multiple Lighting Design contracts through Theatrix.
2007 Present UMass Marimba Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble Lighting Design contract through UMass Music Department.
2009 - It Happened The Other Day: A True Story educated new stagehands in how to program/run a lightboard, in addition to designing the show. Coordinated all aspects of load-in and set up of show, including elements involving magical arts. Design occurred in studio-style theater.
2009 - NewWorld Theater (NWT) - Project 2050 and summer playlab workshops at Amherst College contract through NewWorld Theater, Department of the UMass Fine Arts Center.
2008 - Body Politics Lighting Design contract through EveryWoman's Center and UMass Fine Arts Center .
2008 - I Land Lighting Design contract through NWT. Adaptation of touring show plot for UMass performance space.
2008 - Shekadii Walaalo contract through NWT. Worked with community group, educating non-actors about theater etiquette. Coordinated all technical aspects of show and facilitated communication between NWT and UMass Fine Arts Center .
2007 - Glass Menagerie contract through Exit 7 Players, Ludlow , MA . Performance in a converted town hall, with limited resources.
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am excited to learn about this incredible opportunity that you have available. Enclosed, please find my resume and references.
I have a BA in Theater from UMass-Amherst, with a concentration in Stage Management and Lighting Design. I have worked for over 6 years at the UMass-Amherst Fine Arts Center, and am unofficially considered the "non-staff staff person." In other words, I train and supervise the crews for load ins, running the shows, and load outs. I am the "designated adult" when there is an issue, and am the intermediary between front of house and backstage.
The crews I have supervised are mainly students, with various levels of experience. Part of my job has been to train new stagehands in all areas of stagecraft - lighting, rigging, light board operation (ETC), sound setup, video setup and operation, flyrail, followspot, wardrobe (preparation, stitching, draping, quick-changes), and general backstage work. As a roadhouse, the Fine Arts Center is constantly changing with all kinds of shows - Broadway tours, dance concerts (such as Alvin Ailey), small intimate performances in various places around campus (for example, "Club Jazz" or the Pops Concert in the Campus Center), and even some outdoor venues. Additionally, I train students as Stage Managers and Technical Directors.
I have coordinated two tours for the University Dancers, taking care of all their technical needs, and overseeing the load-in/out of all venues. The majority of my experience at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Fine Arts Center has been working bus and truck touring shows as well.
I spent one summer as an intern for the Little Theater of Chester, a Union house in the Berkshires. In this capacity, I functioned not only as a stagehand for the load-in of the season, but also as an administrative assistant in the office, coordinated ticket sales, ran the box office on show nights, and handled any questions/issues regarding ticket sales. I was also the Props Master for one of their shows. I have worked as the House Manager for the University of Massachusetts Amherst Theater Department on many occasions, often filling in last-minute.
For the few things that I may not know or have extensive experience with, I am very teachable I am excited to learn new skills, pay attention, and learn fast. I also have an extensive background in Administration, with many skills in that area including typing over 80 words per minute, and knowledge not only off the Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, etc.), but also Photoshop, InDesign, and Dreamweaver. I have done some sound and video editing as well. Almost all of my extensive computer knowledge is self-taught, and a testament to my ability to pick things up quickly and easily. I have also owned my own business, which has provided me with the opportunity to become highly self-starting and skilled at interacting with the public, as well as creative in marketing and creating my own promotional materials. If you are interested, I am happy to forward to you my non-theater resume as well.
My experience is eclectic, extensive, and combined with my ability to work with people and inspire teamwork in my crew, I feel this job description was custom-made for me! :) I have, on occasion, been referred to as a "kick-butt" Stage Manager as well as the Safety Nazi, and my services are often requested as a Stage Manager, Technical Director, and House Manager, because I am told When I know Kat is there, I don't have to worry ~ everything will be taken care of and done right. and When Kat is there, I know everyone will stay calm. I hope to have the opportunity to show you my skills.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Kat Lovell
(413) 585-1581 home
(774) 200-0492 cell
katlovelltech@gmail.com