TU alum, student make sure 2016 VMAs are "lights out"
Brandon Ingle '06, assistant technical director and master electrician in TU's Department of Theatre Arts, and theatre arts student Tyler Gahs '17 helped build some of the scenic elements for the show's stage, including the LED components that illuminated two large walls and a tunnel where presenters walked in and out.
By Heidi Stasiowski '17 on September 19, 2016
While your favorite recording artists rehearsed for the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, a TU alumnus and student worked hard to prepare the stage.
Brandon Ingle ’06, assistant technical director and master electrician in TU’s Department of Theatre Arts, and theatre arts student Tyler Gahs '17 helped build some of the scenic elements for the show’s stage, including the LED components that illuminated two large walls and a tunnel where presenters walked in and out. Although Ingle was nervous that any complications would be aired on live national television, he says everything went off without a hitch.
“I actually got emails from the lead designer on the show and one of the production managers that praised our team for its preparedness, attention to detail and good work overall,” Ingle says.
The opportunity began with a phone call Ingle received last year from two TU graduates, Brendan Leahy ‘10 and Trevor Collins ’11, who are both assistant project managers for Atomic Design. The production company is based in Lititz, Pennsylvania, a small farm-town and, in Ingle’s opinion, the up-and-coming Silicon Valley of the event industry, with of the world’s leading scenic lighting production companies headquartered there.
Leahy and Collins requested help with a project from Ingle and TU students—the set for the 2016 Video Music Awards that aired Aug. 28. Gahs and Ingle traveled to Lititz prior to the show to assemble the LED elements before it was sent to Madison Square Garden. Ingle was in New York City the week leading up to the show and stood by during the show just in case there were any complications.
He involves students in professional projects outside the department because the experience is a learning tool that allows them to see the creative freedom that comes with larger budgets. These outside experiences shape students into employees companies want to hire.
Gahs notes, “Almost every company I’ve worked for has had a Towson [University] graduate in it. It’s great for me, and it’s great for other students. That’s why I tell other students to come to [TU]. All of these graduates want to help you out no matter where they are.”