David Stephens

Experience

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  Mendenhall Productions

  Dec 2002 - Oct 2004

  Lighting Department

  Joined the established company on a seasonal basis but quickly earned full-time employment through my determination and focus. Became the lead electrician for the production company, overseeing the storage, repair, rent-outs and use of over 300 conventional lighting instruments, 150 moving lights (Beam and Moving Head), our line-up of ETC lighting consoles, 4,000 feet of truss and miles of cables. Oversaw logistics for shipping out rentals, receiving and returning rentals from other production houses, truck loading and transportation to various events worldwide and worked as crew chief, L1 for various productions in Las Vegas, Central and Southern California. Show less

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  Long Beach Unified School District

  Oct 2004 - Mar 2012

  Stage Technician

  This opportunity was a two-fold experience. I was employed as a Stage Technician/Technical Director/Production Manager as well as a Vocational Instructor for high school students.As a stage technician: I collaborated with a diverse group of directors to accomplish one common goal, make our performing art students stand out. I initially created, from scratch, the technical theatre program at a new Performing Arts High School (RHSA). We took a 120 seat multi-purpose auditorium and turned it into a 100 seat performing arts center. Oversaw the Lighting Control System upgrades, Electrical System Upgrades, ADA Upgrades, Sound Reinforcement Upgrades and so much more. I oversaw the budget, ran cost-analysis for upgrades, enforced safety and fire codes, certified as the set medic for all productions and more.I was asked to transfer to the flagship high school (Long Beach Poly) to build the program there. I took over the 1,680 seat performing arts complex, the 99-seat black box theatre and oversaw all productions around the school and in area venues for the Grammy-award winning school. I oversaw the electrical upgrade, lighting system upgrade, sound reinforcement upgrade and introduced a new videography program at the high school. Oversaw a budget with various stakeholders, certified as the set medic for productions and oversaw pyrotechnics when needed.As instructor: Taught over 170 students a year the art of technical theatre. Many students were inner-city youth and my course was a backstop against them dropping out. Several have gone on to earn degrees in technical theatre, became teachers themselves and hundreds have gone on to be successful stage hands in the industry. My philosophy in class was "I will teach you life lessons and mix a little technical know-how in there periodically." Programs became highly sought after that applications had to be placed to join.Responsible for the oversight and management of nearly 200 productions over a 175 day school year. Show less

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  LBS Financial Credit Union

  May 2014 - Mar 2018

  Project manager overseeing rebranding of all collateral within credit union.Oversee employee volunteer program, LBS CARES. These duties include selecting and meeting with various community groups to discuss volunteer activities for our employees to participate in. Also, worked as team leader and liaison during these events, handling situations as they occur and oversee staff working.Designer for our digital media boards which include promotions, advertising and event information for our in-branch Members. Other duties include copy-writing, press releases, report generation and dissemination, surveys, branch merchandising (posters, flyers, etc.), occasional photography, Member statements, social media and implementing branding standards.Main vendor contact, negotiated contracts and payments for give-a-ways and other company needs.Worked in business development by presenting our company message and offerings to large groups of potential members. Worked closely with full time business development representative to set them up for success during their outings. Regularly exceeded goal for number of members signed up.Experienced and professionally trained in Adobe Creative Suite. Show less

  • Marketing Coordinator

    Mar 2015 - Mar 2018

  • Marketing Assistant

    May 2014 - Mar 2015
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  Blue Panther Marketing

  Aug 2018 - Aug 2022

  Lead Creative

  Consulted with small business owners to offer economic marketing and advertising services. Projects include: Various restaurant menus, newsletter for educator union, social media content for butcher.

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  IATSE 31

  Mar 2022 - Jul 2022

  Stagehand

  Stagehand working with IATSE 31.Lighting Technician at The Kauffman Performing Arts Center. Worked on several load-ins and load-outs such as the Ballet, Jesus Christ Superstar and more.

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  Kaw Valley Engineering

  Aug 2022 - Nov 2023

  Graphic Designer / Marketing Coordinator

  During my time at KVE, I oversaw the social media marketing, website management, brochure creation, internal newsletter production, SEO writing and video production for the company.Several SEO articles were written and posted to the website that garnered incredible responses. One in particular catapulted to our #1 article via all time hits and engagement within 2 months, exceeding the previously #1 article that was live for 14 months.Facebook engagement and retention was profound. I removed all paid marketing to the channel and through content alone, Organic engagement and retention went up over 50% year over year with no money invested in the channel.I conducted an extensive social media audit comparing our guidelines, policies and posts to our peers in the industry. This empirical exercise allow me to better focus our resources, budgets and time to directly compete with those in our field.I also spearheaded our philanthropy focus by engaging in community organizations to help send volunteers and developed an extensive scholarship program for high school students studying civil engineering for the leadership to review and implement. Show less

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  William Jewell College

  Nov 2023 - Jun 2024

  Marketing and Communications Coordinator