MARCUS MORPHEW
859-396-0823 | [email protected] | Lexington, KY
Professional Summary
Accomplished and versatile Entertainment Professional with over 25 years of
experience leading live event production, high-stakes stage management, and advanced
technical theater operations. Proven leadership as an Audition Director managing large-
scale talent acquisition events. Expert in pyrotechnics, show control systems, and
backstage carpentry for world-class theme parks, historic outdoor dramas, and regional
theater companies. Dedicated to maintaining rigid safety standards, weaponry
maintenance, and seamless show execution under pressure.
Core Skills
• Stage Management & Show Control
• Live Event & Audition Coordination
• Commercial Pyrotechnics (Pyro Tech. II)
• Aerial Class A Fireworks & Live Fire
• Prop Weaponry Maintenance & Safety
• Scenic Carpentry & Staging Setup
• Backstage Operations & Crew Leadership
• Interdepartmental Communication
Professional Experience
Audition Director / Assistant Audition Director | Southeastern Theatre Conference
(SETC) – Greensboro, NC Seasonal: Mar 2012 – Nov 2019, Mar 2023
• Directed on-site audition logistics, talent screening, and scheduling for one of the
largest theater conferences in the United States.
• Utilized high-level negotiation and event management skills to coordinate
between university recruiters, casting directors, and thousands of undergraduate
candidates.
Pyro Special Effects Tech. II - IV | Universal Orlando Resort – Orlando, FL
Full-Time & Seasonal Roles: Mar 2013 – Mar 2020, Nov 2022 – Jan 2023 (Total 7+ Years)
• Tech IV / Show Control: Operated complex show control systems and handled
large-scale staging for landmark attractions, including Beetlejuice, Poseidon, and
the Lagoon Fountain Show.
• Relief Lead / Pyro Tech. II: Served as Relief Lead for four houses and Nighttime
Lights at Hogwarts Castle, managing nightly technical cues and safety protocols.
• Special Events / Tech 4 Carpenter: Built, installed, and struck complex scenic
elements and staging structures required for premium park events.
• Production Coordinator / Assistant Production Stage Manager: Managed back-
of-house logistics, performer cues, and talent flow for Halloween Horror Nights (HHN).
Lead Pyro Technician | Horn in the West – Boone, NC 2013
• Managed all pyrotechnic inventory and safely built, set up, and executed complex
special effects for nightly outdoor drama performances.
• Trained cast and crew members in comprehensive pyrotechnic safety protocols
and acted as show runner to ensure tight timing.
• Maintained live fire props, managed the striking of the show each night, and led
the nightly inspection, cleaning, and securing of all cast prop live firearms.
Stage Manager | SeaWorld – Orlando, FL
Seasonal: Sep 2021 – Oct 2021, Aug 2022 – Nov 2022
• Oversaw daily entertainment operations, calling complex technical cues and
ensuring absolute timing across live park performances.
• Coordinated schedules, performer safety, and cross-departmental
communications between audio, lighting, and husbandry teams.
Entertainment Technician 3 | Walt Disney World – Orlando, FL
Full-Time: Feb 2022 – Jul 2022
• Supported daily operations of entertainment venues, maintaining high technical
standards for live theatrical environments.
• Monitored and maintained stage equipment while problem-solving technical
issues rapidly mid-show.
Technical Director | Bluegrass Community & Technical College – Lexington, KY
Oct 2012 – Dec 2012
• Oversaw the technical build, safety inspections, and production schedules for
collegiate theatrical designs.
Stage Manager | Palace Theatre – Myrtle Beach, SC
Sep 2010 – Feb 2011
• Managed the running crew, backstage operations, and show calls for high-
frequency regional theater productions.
Lead Pyro Technician | The Lost Colony – Manteo, NC
May 2007 – Aug 2010
• Managed all pyrotechnic inventory, pre-setup of the firing area, and safely built,
set up and executed complex special effects for nightly outdoor drama performances.
• Maintained and managed proper storage/inventory for all aerial Class A
fireworks, shooting off nightly show fireworks.
• Created the first set of fire bars effect in the show’s history and maintained all
fire effects.
• Established high safety protocols and meticulous inspection checks per state
requirements for all flame, pyro, and fireworks effects.
• Trained cast and crew members in comprehensive pyrotechnic safety protocols
and acted as show runner to ensure tight timing.
• Maintained live fire props, managed the nightly strike, and led the regular
inspection, cleaning, and securing of all cast prop live firearms.
Stage Manager / Prop Master / Assistant Pyro Tech | Daniel Boone the Man and the Legend – Harrodsburg, KY
2000 – 2001
• Coordinated backstage calling, actor tracking, and performance logistics for a
large-scale outdoor historical production.
• Managed the sourcing, upkeep, placement, and tracking of period-accurate
theatrical props.
• Assisted with the safe rigging, loading, testing, and execution of live pyrotechnics
and atmospheric effects under strict safety protocols.
Stage Manager / Lighting & Sound Tech / Carpenter / Stagehand | Actors Guild of Lexington – Lexington, KY
1996 – 2001
• Advanced from stagehand to stage manager, directing back-of-house logistics
and calling performance cues for regional theater productions.
• Constructed, installed, and struck complex theatrical sets and scenic elements
as a production carpenter.
• Hung, focused, and programmed lighting instrumentation, and set up live sound
reinforcement systems.
