In these episodes, I am going to share over forty years of working on the tech side of the theatre industry. Lighting, Rigging, Scenery, being a TD, LD, stagehand, working as an installer of theatre equipment systems, and ultimately getting into sales and leadership roles. What sparked this idea was talking with a young man who was trying to decide if a future in the theatre industry was right for him. The views and opinions expressed in this program are my own and do not reflect the views or positions of my employer. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.
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60 recent
August 25, 202648 min
What it really takes!
In this episode, I break down 10 practical steps that can help turn a design idea into a successful finished project. From making sure the goal is actually achievable, to building mock-ups, learning from failure, testing, redesigning, and having the drive to keep going when progress gets difficult, these are the lessons I’ve learned from years of hands-on design and development.
March 3, 202651 min
The Curtain Closes after 45 Years
October 12, 202534 min
Why you must NEVER give up!
In a world obsessed with instant results, this podcast dives into the grit behind greatness. Hosted by Damon “Dag” Atwood, an engineer, designer, and creative who has lived through both the thrill of success and the pain of setbacks, Never Give Up explores the real stories behind innovation, the failures, the late nights, and the sparks of inspiration that refuse to die. This episode unpacks how persistence fuels ideation, design, engineering, and development, from garage inventors to aerospace visionaries. You’ll hear how prototypes fall apart before they fly, how ideas evolve through rejection, and why the phrase “never give up” isn’t cliché, it’s the foundation of progress. If you’ve ever felt like quitting, if you’ve ever wondered why you keep building when no one’s watching, this is for you. Because in the world of creation, endurance isn’t just a trait; it’s the ultimate technology. Rock ON!
August 29, 202554 min
Networking-Reps-Prep
In this episode, I delve into some of the most overlooked yet absolutely critical aspects of working in the theatre industry. The Power of Networking – Why knowing people isn’t just about shaking hands, but about building long-term relationships that open doors, solve problems faster, and lead to opportunities you’d never expect. How Reps Work (and What Happens When They’re Replaced) – Sales representatives are the bridge between manufacturers, rental houses, and end users. I’ll break down how reps really function, what makes a great rep so valuable, and what shifts when that person is suddenly replaced. Prepping a Rental the Right Way – In theatre, a rental isn’t just a box of gear—it’s a reputation on wheels. I’ll share why proper preparation is the difference between a flawless show and a career-ending disaster, and give real-world examples of what happens when things are missed. Whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or a seasoned pro, this episode is all about the behind-the-scenes truths that make or break careers in our industry.
August 17, 20251 hr 2 min
Failing Forward Fast/Public Speaking/Why we Fail
July 29, 202559 min
Where is the Talent going?
In this episode- Cool Brushes Engineered Models Talented People Awards Packaged Hoist 20 years later.
June 11, 202557 min
Safety and Mitigating Risk in the Theatre
June 1, 202558 min
Everything (Yes, Everything!)
Everything- -Theatre People -Dealers -Big Sales -Management -To be on Top -Interview -Phase Changing -Bob Holland -Ship and get paid
March 14, 202553 min
F-The-Naysayers and USITT 2025
February 28, 202555 min
USITT-Everyone Counts-Theatre Systems
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