Jim Mathias
Artist/ Fabricator, IATSE local 15 Seattle WA
In addition to my experience in technical theatre and rigging listed below, I have had the opportunity to acquire many special skills from the commercial/ custom sign industry, custom design/ fabrication and construction industries. I have found that this gives me a unique aptitude for collaboration and problem solving.
Experience
Special Assistant Builder, 5TH Avenue Theatre — 2017-PRESENT
Fabricator of high quality scenic elements, automation mechanisms, special effects and functional properties within time constraints. Collaborated with designers and technical staff to develop unique structural and mechanical solutions to stage automation challenges. Constructed, implemented and maintained complex scenic and structural elements from technical files. Assisted in developing shop infrastructure and special projects for other departments. Assisted guiding overhire on training, shop safety, standards and practices, load-in/out and provided show support as needed.
Freelance Builder/ Stage Technician IATSE Local 15 — 2016 - present
Set fabricator for the Seattle Opera and 5th Avenue Theatre. Crew carpenter/ grip for the Paramount, City of Seattle, Seattle Opera, Fifth Ave Theatre, Village Theatre.
Master Carpenter, Village Theatre, Issaquah WA — 2013-2016
Supervised construction, load and strike of all VT productions. Worked closely with Technical Director pertaining to materials, design and special problems for each build schedule. Maintained scene shop tools/ facility/ inventory. Performed regular fly house rigging maintenance/ inspection. Supervised safety and best practice in all rigging and stage operations. Supervised installation and maintenance of all stage automation equipment. Worked closely with ZFX for installation and troubleshooting of flying effects. Designed and fabricated many custom structural/ mechanical projects.
Stage Technician, Stage Alliance, Austin TX — 2013
Crew carpenter for productions at Bass Concert Hall and the Long Center
Rigger, Carpenter, Automation Tech, Crew Chief/ Flyman, Zachary Scott theatre, Austin TX — 2012-2013
Performed installation and operation of all stage automation equipment. Lead Flyman for load/ strike. Supervised run crew as Flyman. Automation Technician run crew. Worked closely with ZFX for installation and operation of human flying effects.
Rigging Installer/ Foreman, I.weiss and Sons, NY NY — 2007-2009
Performed installation of complete fly house rigging. Fabricated custom structural steel components. Installed various automated fly systems including J.R. Clancy Powerlift and DeSisti winch systems. Performed rigging demolition and upgrades throughout the NYC school system. Installed a wide range of custom soft good jobs.
Education
University of Kansas — BFA Fine Art
Trade Skills
Installation/ operation/ maintenance/ fabrication of stage rigging and automation equipment.
Advanced carpentry wood, plastics, foam.
Extensive experience MIG, TIG welding aluminum and steel. All types of metal fabrication structural and aesthetic (decorative). Custom design rigging hardware, complex metal structures, dimensional signage (sheet metal).
Extensive experience in all aspects of scenic carpentry from standard flats and box sets to large automated scenery.
Aptitude working from complex 3D CAD models, reading designer plates and construction drawings.
Ropes access (self ascension, belay) climbing. Scaffold, Genie and boom lift operation.
Bidding, purchasing and project planning.
Shop safety, tool maintenance, repair.
Arena rigging, Western Washington Training Trust ground rigging at Key Arena.
Other Skills
Creative problem solving.
Ability to think quickly and collaboratively problem solve.
Design, conceptualization of structures and aesthetic elements.
Knowledge of engineering principles, strength of materials, mechanics.
Basic electrical knowledge of motors, actuators and lighting.
Audio production.
CNC machining
References
Laurel Horton, Head Carpenter 5th Avenue Theatre - 206-260-2156
Luke Mathis, Head Builder 5th Avenue Theatre - 206-372-6059
Stacey Garrett, Director of Production Staging Techniques - 206-940-6401