EXPERIENCE

David Gallo Design, Partner, 2014–Present

Manage the studio, handle client accounts, supervise employees and contractors, and oversee the business
Collaborate on artistic process
Collaborate and assist in design process
Create digital models, drafting, research pages, scene-to-scenes, and other materials

Playful Productions, President, 2002–Present

Direct and co-produce the International Jugglers Associations Stage Championships (2013-present)
Directed Take Two at Canal Park Playhouse (2012)
Directed Stunt Lab at Canal Park Playhouse (2012) Show sold out its scheduled run and was extended. The New York Times said, we had “invented a new genre, Jackass for nerds.”
Founded and produced the NYC Regional American Youth Circus Festival (produced 2011-2012, co-produced in 2014) One-day event includes over 30 workshops, meals and snacks, and a Showcase performance for 100 kids.
Co-produced The Grand Falloons’ A Village of Fools/Soutine, Singer, and the Stories of Chelm (2007-2009)
Produced Juggle This Show Spectacular (2001 and annually 2003-2011)
Produced Night of Freaky Juggling at Coney Island USA (2007)
Co-produced New York City’s juggling convention (2001 and 2003-2011)
Provide circus and variety artists and instructors for special events, television, corporate training, and education programs

Omnium Circus, Tour Manager, 2024–Present

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, Director of Youth Programs, 2004–Present

Direct and co-produce Bindlestiff Cavalcade of Youth performances (2-4 shows/year since 2002)
Teach circus skills at Children’s Workshop School and through other programs
Lead workshops and participation groups at American Youth Circus Organization
Performer, box office/house manager, carpenter, roustabout, and bartender
Consult in strategic planning, budgeting, and marketing as Advisory Board member

Circus of the Kids, Board Member, 2023–Present

[fat] life, Producer, Art Director, 2021

Co-created a short film about the medical issue of obesity
Managed the grant application and fulfillment, budget, casting, personnel, location scouting and rental, scenic fabrication and load-in, tech, rehearsals, scheduling, and post-production

Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill (Netflix), Art Director, 2019

Managed design process
Managed communications between client, producer, designer, production staff, venue, shop, and other parties
Oversaw scenery load-in, shoot, and strike
Co-created digital model and design renderings
Assisted on design process

Sesame Street, Art Director, 2018–2019

Managed the art department
Managed relationships and orders with scenery and prop shops, specialty manufacturers, and other vendors
Supervised scenery and prop builds, delivery, installation, and removal
Assisted on design process
Hired assistant art directors and art department production coordinators
Art directed the television show, special social impact shoots, a new show pilot, and the 50th anniversary special

Phish, NYE Gag Creative Producer, 2016–2018

Produced three of Phish’s New Year’s Eve theatrical extravaganza at Madison Square Garden
Assisted Creative Director David Gallo in writing, directing, and designing the gag
Managed the budget
Cast and supervised 10 aerialists (2018) as well as multiple other performers and crew (all years)
Scheduled and coordinated technical rehearsals at Rock Litiz Studio, Lititz, PA, including transporting, housing, and feeding gag cast and crew
Called technical cues (2017)
Coordinated multiple third-party vendors (balloon drop, souvenir giveaway, LED wristbands, aerial equipment)

Big Apple Circus, Program Consultant, 2015–2016

Directed Circus to Go program, providing circus performers for events, school assemblies, and stage shows
Coordinated four Circus of the Senses® performances (two each in two tour markets) for children with vision and hearing impairments
Produced ten Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism performances (six theater shows and four performances in four different Circus tour markets) for audience members on the spectrum

CircusTalk, Media and Communication Director, 2014 – 2015

Managed an international online news magazine, including assigning and editing contributions from many non-native English writers
Researched and wrote news articles, feature stories, and other magazine content
Wrote web content including user instructions, FAQ, and error messages
Wrote marketing materials, advertisements, social media posts and responses, email notifications and newsletters, and other corporate communications

Flying Karamazov Brothers, Company Manager, 2005–2008

Circus of the Kids, Coach, Stage Manager, Writer, 2002–2015

Taught juggling, rolling globe, roller skating, clowning, fire eating, quartet, mini-trampoline, trapeze, web, wire, hand balancing, and teeterboard
Managed all video and audio, including overseeing four-camera HD video shoot
Created and executed publicity campaigns resulting in television, radio, and newsprint attention
Directed roustabouts and other stage crew
Wrote and edited show scripts, press releases, and marketing materials
Assisted with rigging, video production, concessions, costuming, marketing, and merchandise

Big Apple Circus, Director of Special Projects, 1996–2001

Directed financial and operational aspects of Circus To Go!®. Doubled annual gross revenues to $350,000 in FY 01
Directed Beyond the Ring® program, educating children about circus. Doubled program hours and earned income and increased annual reach from 100 to 700 children. Managed annual budget of $130,000 and oversaw a staff of 14
Directed all strategic and operational aspects of Circus of the Senses® performances for blind and deaf children
Developed mission for Circus For All!®, which provides tickets to children with special needs
Designed and created organizational materials including Study Guide and Hospital Activity Book
Created and implemented membership and promotional activities in partnership with other cultural organizations
Coordinated new reception tent design to address needs of multiple internal and external constituencies
Created trademarks Beyond the Ring® and Circus For All!® and managed all intellectual property protection

Big Apple Circus, Manager of Special Projects, 1993–1996

Generated, developed, and implemented new program and product ideas for Health and Community Programs Division
Created marketing plan and training manual for Clown Care Unit®
Developed and adopted business plan for Circus Arts in Education program

EDUCATION

Yale School of Management, Master’s degree in Public and Private Management

Harvard University, Bachelor of Arts