Jesse Vail

OBJECTIVE

To offer my experience, motivation and talent toward the success of your company.

EXPERIENCE

American Musical Theatre San Jose
San Jose, California
Prop Supervisor
September 2006 to December 2006
  • Created and updated prop lists and show plots.
  • Assisted in providing actual or rehearsal props for use during rehearsals.
  • Set up and organized prop storage for productions.
  • Supervised and managed prop shifts during technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and each performance.
  • Assured all props were maintained or repaired if necessary.
  • Accomplished other duties as assigned by Stage Management.

Prop Artisan for "Christmas Dreamland"

  • Created three moving scenic props from provided designs.
  • Designed and built three chestnut puppets.
  • Provided training to the actors who used these puppets.

East Valley YMCA San Jose, California

Acting Teacher September 2006 to November 2006

  • Responsible for producing an acting program appropriate for ages 5 to 17.
  • Prepare descriptions of classes for newsletters, articles and brochures.
  • Teach class participants in methods of acting through improvisation, theatre games, scene study and individual monologue presentations.
  • Train participants in the basics of theatre production.
  • Instruct and assist participants in construction of costumes, props and pieces.
  • Coordinate and present performers at end of session recital.

Gottschalks Danville, California

Visual Manager November 2005 to August 2006

  • Responsible for creating and maintaining storewide visual presentations.
  • Set up mannequins, store signage, seasonal trim, cosmetics and gift promotions.
  • Prepared and fabricated visual collateral.
  • Executed quarterly Visual Merchandising Presentation programs.
  • Ensured plan-o-grams, seasonal shops and strike points followed standards.
  • Assisted with Associate training on standards and visual support tasks.

City of San Jose San Jose, California

Puppet Theatre Coordinator December 1997 to December 2004

  • Successfully managed a six+ person team to implement an age appropriate community based puppet theatre program.
  • Responsible for hiring puppeteers and contractors for theatre related programming.
  • Supervised part-time recreation aides, scheduled work hours, resolved conflicts and helped determine salaries.
  • Composed and delivered annual performance appraisals.
  • Worked closely with other department coordinators to help plan and implement park programs.
  • Studied and analyzed recreational needs and resources available to plan and execute recreation services.
  • Scripted and produced ten new puppet shows.
  • Refurbished and presented four older puppet shows.
  • Recorded and edited these shows using high level computer software.
  • Performed two to three shows per day.
  • Co-creator and performer for Happy Hollow's television program
  • "The Jack and Jill Show."
  • Coordinated successful Puppetry Camp Program appropriate for ages 5 - 9.
  • Initiated new Adventure Camp to expand camp programming.
  • Expanded Puppetry Camp Program by introducing new Advanced Puppetry Class to accommodate ages 10 - 13.
  • Collaborated closely with Zoo Education Program to maximize the experience of children and their parents.
  • Created marketing materials for year round and summer camp programs.
  • Scheduled maintenance and use of puppet theatre.
  • Acted as a lead member of daily revenue processes.
  • Responsible for daily safety checks of park play structures.
  • Scheduled and coordinated breaks to other park positions.
  • Revised park group season procedures to better accommodate our guests.
  • Cultivated strong, lasting relationships with coworkers, students and parents.

The Greater Apes Oakland, California

Writer/Chimp December 2000 to Present

  • Voice talent for multiple projects.
  • Co-writer of the comic book SWIPER.

Children's Fairyland Oakland, California

Staff Member May 1994 to November 1997

  • Worked as a puppeteer, ride operator and cash handler.
  • Parade Coordinator for Personalities Program.
  • On-site Birthday Party Coordinator.
  • Guest Service Coordinator for Children's Fairyland.
  • Managed Carnival at the Jack o' Lantern Jamboree.
  • Created new carnival game for Jack o' Lantern Jamboree.
  • Co-creator of Children's Fairyland Summer Camp Program.
  • Apprenticed as a puppeteer with Mr. Le.

The Lilliputian Players Oakland, California

Puppeteer September 1995 to Present

  • The Soldier's Tale by Igor Stravinsky
  • Mystery of Marple Manor
  • Upset Boulevard
  • Psychopath

OTHER EXPERIENCE

  • City of San Jose sponsored Frontline Leadership Program graduate.
  • Shadow puppeteer for City Lights Theatre production of "Iphigenia at Aulis".
  • Built full sized "Jumbo the Elephant" and "Tom Thumb" puppets for Saratoga High School's production of "Barnum".
  • Traveled to Los Angeles for four months to gain experience working for Bob Baker Marionettes.
  • Accomplished balloon artist.

SUMMARY

My many years of experience have provided me with the opportunity to build a strong track record of success in program leadership, service delivery and community relation's development. Thus, I feel that I could benefit any company's desire for long-term development in several ways:

I have a proven track record of selecting the best practices to improve service delivery in the most efficient and effective manner;

As the Puppet Theatre Coordinator, I implemented a participative management style to revitalize and optimize staff performance levels and encourage collaboration toward the achievement of program goals and objectives;

I am a passionate and results-driven professional who builds strong networks and relationships with coworkers and guests alike.
website and all contents ©2007 Jesse Vail