Mel Springer

Design, technical direct, and build trade show displays, video production sets, and training displays for in house training and video production as well as on the road trainings, trade shows and national sales meetings.

My duties were: To build props from pictures, research, and/or plans.
Oversee the building of props by four other craftpersons.
Maintain shop supplies and safety standards for a six person crew.
Be a liaison between labor and management, work with other departments.
Work with the Shopper/Buyer to obtain shop supplies and materials for building props.
Help maintain the 8000 sq/ft prop warehouse.

I also was on the contract negotiating team representing Labor in contract negotiations between IATSE
Local 13 Shop 2 and The Guthrie Theater
Also a member of the Labor Management committee dealing with issues between labor and
management that fell outside of contract requirements.

I have also worker for KSTP and KSTC television (Minnesota State Fair projects), Pilsbury Playhouse (Prop Master), Center For Hmong Arts and Talent (Prop Master), Minnesota Orchestra (Scene Design, build and Prop Master), St. Croix Valley Summer Theater (Technical Direction), Phipps Center For The Arts (Sets, props, lighting), and other theater/Ballet/ personal props projects.
Skills:Tig welding, carpentry, run crew, rail, metal work, basic lighting, basic electrical, tool repair, shopper, set design, technical direction, basic Mig welding, basic sound, basic lighting design, basic sound design, lead experience, props mastership.

I ran the production and refurb of props for Sesame Street Live Tours. I also build and installed sets for corporate events, museum displays and entertainment events.

Design and technical direct a six show season for an established community theater. Duties included all aspects of the technical end and some building maintenance.