Shannon O'Brien

Experience

• 

  New Century Theatre Company

  Jun 2012 - Aug 2012

  Scenic Painter and Props Master

  * Assisted Design Team in creating 4 productions in 10 weeks. * Organized prop acquisition and painting work calls. * Supervised intern and apprentice company in all painting and prop duties.

• 

  National Theatre

  Aug 2012 - Aug 2012

  Independent Archive Researcher

  * Proposed and developed research surrounding Drum Revolve system in the NT Olivier Theatre.* Catalogued a history of productions using the Drum Revolve. * Generated data and visual representations of findings.* Interviewed Drum Revolve specialist and toured system.* Devised comprehensive report and presentation on Drum Revolve.

• 

  Smith College

  Sept 2012 - May 2013

  Scenic Painting Intern and Props Master

  * Collaborated with Designer, TD, and Director to execute 4 productions for Theatre Department. * Attended regular Production Meetings throughout design process. * Oversaw all painting and prop work calls. * Managed and maintained paint area and prop cages. * Advised and oversaw students enrolled in Theatre Production class.

• 

  New Century Theatre Company

  Jun 2013 - Jul 2013

  Set Designer

  * Designed and oversaw construction for GOOD PEOPLE, directed by Sam Rush.

• 

  Walnut Street Theatre

  Jul 2013 - May 2014

  Properties Apprentice

  * Contributed to 20 productions, including five Mainstage and five Studio shows.* Completed assignments from concept to delivery.* Participated in load ins, load outs, work calls, and tech rehearsals.* Acquired new repertoire of skills including machine sewing, upholstery, Photoshop, and carpentry.

• 

  Dorset Theatre Festival

  Jun 2014 - Aug 2014

  Props Master

  * Served as the Props Master for 4 productions, including a world premiere play by Leslie Ayvazian.* Collaborated with the production team to deliver concept from page to stage.* Oversaw Properties Intern and maintained the properties stock.

• 

  Colt Coeur Theater Company

  Aug 2014 - Sept 2014

  Props Designer

  * Responsible for buying and creating props for DRY LAND, a new Off-Broadway play.* Collaborated with other designers and technical staff to build a realistic locker room interior.* Successfully sourced a working vending machine and AV cart for use in the show.* Perfected blood bag system to mimic an abortion on stage.

• 

  Bella Books

  Sept 2014 - now

  Author

  * Published first novel, Sing Me Home, with Bella Books, a leading publisher for niche fiction.* Published second novel, Lead Me Home, with Bella Books in 2021.

• 

  Just The Lads Theatre Company

  Oct 2014 - Nov 2014

  Set Designer

  • Remounted a production of The Last Post following a successful run at Tiger Dublin Fringe.• Researched Irish postal service to portray a historically accurate RLB branch.• Organized prop acquisition and set dressing for a unique interactive theatre experience.

• 

  Project Arts Centre

  Nov 2014 - Dec 2014

  Run Crew

  • Moved complicated set pieces each night for FUSED, a live action point-and-click videogame.• Adapted to elements of audience participation, including switching sets and moving props.• Assisted with get-in, including scenic painting and fine detail work.

• 

  DORSET THEATRE FESTIVAL

  Jun 2015 - Aug 2015

  Props Master

  • Invited to return for a second year at the Festival as head of the Props Department.• Served as Props Master for 4 productions, including regional premiere of OUTSIDE MULLINGAR.• Oversaw Properties Intern, maintained properties stock, and facilitated prop rentals.

• 

  Colt Coeur Theater Company

  Aug 2015 - Sept 2015

  Props Designer

  • Returned to design HOW TO LIVE ON EARTH, a new Off-Broadway production by MJ Kaufman.• Created and sourced props in the Tri-state area for performances in Manhattan.• Delivered props on time and under budget.

• 

  FÍS Film Festival 2015

  Oct 2015 - Nov 2015

  Camera Operator

  • Worked as Camera 4 for the FÍS Film Festival awards ceremony that was livestreamed.• Attended the recce, load-in, load-out, and post show debrief.• Spent weeks prior to filming rehearsing shots to be used on the day.

• 

  Colt Coeur Theater Company

  Aug 2016 - Sept 2016

  Props Designer

  * Returned to design EMPATHITRAX, a new Off-Broadway production by Ana Nogueira.* Commuted to NYC and Brooklyn to deliver props for rehearsal and the run at the HERE Arts Center.* Created consumables that mimicked prescription medication that were safe for actors to eat.

• 

  Theatre Row Studios

  Apr 2017 - May 2017

  Props Designer

  * Designed and sourced props for Pressing Matters, six short Off-Broadway plays.* Sorted local inventory and safely transported items to New York for rehearsals.

• 

  People's Light

  May 2017 - Jan 2018

  Assistant Stage Manager

  * Assisted company PSMs in stage management duties for multiple productions over two seasons.* Generated paperwork used backstage for the rehearsal process and the run of various shows.* Managed crew backstage and partnered with other staff to solve in-the-moment issues.

• 

  Lantern Theater Company

  Aug 2017 - Oct 2017

  Props Master

  * Designed and sourced props for "Red Velvet" at the Lantern Theater Company.* Organized period accurate rentals from various sources, including locally and New Jersey.

• 

  Bristol Riverside Theatre

  Jun 2018 - Aug 2022

  Props Master

  * Worked as department-of-one for all productions, including a world premiere musical.* Maintain prop stock and sourced items from local resources to fill requirements for each show.

• 

  Philadelphia Theatre Company

  Sept 2019 - Aug 2022

  Props Master

  * Responsible for production budgets and crew management, as well as all buying and fabricating.* Supplied props for The Wolves, which pivoted to online performances due to COVID-19 Pandemic.

• 

  Walnut Street Theatre

  Jun 2022 - now

  Props Manager

  * Supervises a crew of props artisans and apprentices at America's Oldest Theatre.* Manages the Prop Department for all load-ins, load-outs, work calls, and technical rehearsals.* Responsible for labor and material budgets and processing payroll on a weekly basis.