Hello, I’m Nick!

Entertainment Designer & Storyteller

From animatronics and special effects to large-scale drone shows, I design experiences where technology, storytelling, and spectacle come together.

VIEW MY WORK

work experience

Creative Director & Show Programmer

SkyGlow Drone Productions

November 2023 — PRESENT

Translate client visions into compelling nighttime storytelling through concept development, storyboarding, and custom soundtrack production. Develop detailed pre-visualizations to communicate creative concepts and ensure safe, FAA-compliant flight patterns. Design, program, and animate 2D and 3D drone formations using industry-standard animation and show control software, optimizing flight trajectories for safety, efficiency, visual impact, and precise synchronization with music. Integrate drone performances with other show elements, including architectural and area lighting, networked audio, pyrotechnics, and other systems, to create cohesive productions. Entrusted with developing and delivering high-profile productions for theme parks, Fortune 500 companies, major brands, municipalities, and large-scale live events.

Special Effects & Technical Designer

Apex Attractions, LLC — Self-Employed

September 2023 — PRESENT

Design, fabricate, and install bespoke technical and creative solutions for themed entertainment attractions and live entertainment venues. Lead projects from concept development and CAD design through fabrication, controls integration, installation, testing, and commissioning.

  • Consulting on the PCB design and firmware development of interactive control systems for a dark ride retrofit.
  • Design and installation of a custom splashdown water effect for a classic roller coaster attraction.
  • Design and fabrication of custom animated figures and interactive show elements.
  • Design and installation of a large-scale networked lighting system spanning nearly one mile of roller coaster track.
Creative Projects Lead & Ride 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

Support the design, construction, finishing, and technical implementation of immersive themed environments for a nationally recognized haunted attraction.

  • Design and install thematic lighting, audio, and show-control systems throughout immersive environments.
  • Program multi-actuator animated figures, including figures reaching 16 feet in height.
  • Assist with fabrication, scenic finishing, installation, and integration of animated and interactive show elements.
  • Collaborate with creative and technical teams to bring environments, characters, and effects from concept through operation.

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 54-lecture course covering the fundamental disciplines, processes, and principles of themed entertainment design. Coursework was taught by Steve Alcorn, a former Walt Disney Imagineer and founder of Alcorn McBride, providing practical insight into professional attraction design and development.

Coursework in Mechanical Engineering

University of Tulsa

August 2020 — May 2021

Completed coursework focused on mechanical design and engineering fundamentals, including 2D and 3D CAD modeling, detailed mechanical drawings, and assemblies using SolidWorks. Participated in collaborative, hands-on design projects developing and fabricating adaptive devices for children with disabilities in Northeastern Oklahoma.