Hello, I’m Nick!

Designer & Storyteller based in Branson, MO

Crafting meaningful experiences that move, inspire, and resonate with audiences.

A passion for creating moments that become memories

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work experience

Creative Director

SkyGlow Drone Productions

November 2023 — PRESENT

Translate client visions into compelling nighttime storytelling through initial storyboarding and custom show soundtrack mixing. Develop pre-visualizations to present concepts to clients and insure safe and FAA-compliant flight patterns. Program and animate 2D and 3D animations using industry-standard animation software, optimizing drone trajectories for efficient, safe, and emotionally impactful displays.

Freelance Entertainment Designer

Various Clients

September 2023 — PRESENT

Design, fabricate, and install bespoke technical and creative solutions for various entertainment venues. Some of this work includes: consulting in the design and programming of interactive dark ride retrofit controls, design and installation of a “splashdown” water effect on a classic roller coaster attraction, creation of custom animated figures, and the design and installation of a large-scale networked lighting system that spans nearly a mile of roller coaster track.

Creative Projects Lead & Controls Technician

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

May 2021 — September 2023

Designed, fabricated, and installed various theming additions to the Frontier City theme park, including full story & scenic overhauls of multiple attractions. Responsible for park-wide networked audio systems, light shows, and various seasonal displays. Troubleshot, implemented, and maintained electrical and control systems for rides, shows, and other attractions. Supported upgrades and retrofits of existing ride systems with modern control hardware and software alongside corporate engineering.

Show Controls & Scenic Technician

Tulsa Hex House

Seasonally, Since 2020

Seasonally assist in the design, construction, and set finishing of immersive themed environments for the nationally-recognized haunted house-type attraction. Install thematic lighting, sound, and animated figures. Program multi-actuator animated figures towering up to 16′ tall.

education & certifications

Themed Entertainment Design Certification

Immersive Design Academy

June 2024 — May 2025

Participated in a year-long, multi-disciplinary creative and technical design project with a close-knit team from around the globe. Worked under simulated real-world constraints with guidance from industry-leading professionals through weekly educational sessions. Developed a well-rounded themed entertainment project; taking it from initial blue sky concept to schematic design, including regular “client” reviews from industry professionals, culminating in presentations at IAAPA. Responsible for early ride system ideation and creating detailed lighting, audio, and effects CAD schematics and documentation.

Theme Park Design Certification

Steve Alcorn, Udemy

August 2021

Completed an intensive online course spanning 54 lectures, highlighting the various disciplines and fundamental concepts within themed entertainment design. Taught by a veteran Walt Disney Imagineer and CEO of Alcorn McBride Inc.

Coursework in Mechanical Engineering

University of Tulsa

August 2020 — May 2021

Carried out coursework focused on 2D and 3D CAD modeling, creating detailed mechanical drawings and assemblies in Solidworks. Contributed to hands-on, group collaboration, designing and creating adaptive projects for children with disabilities in Northeastern Oklahoma.