Dr. Mike Garrett

Biography

Mike Garrett is a seasoned lighting sound technician, designer, and educator with decades of experience in theatrical live event production. He is currently finishing his MFA in Theatre with a focus on Lighting Design at the University of Idaho. Mike has held key academic roles at Cornell University and Ithaca College, where he taught a wide range of technical theatre courses and mentored students in lighting, sound, and projection technology design. His leadership in production management and technical supervision has supported hundreds of performances, including mainstage theatre and student showcases. In addition to his academic contributions, Mike served as Technical Director for Ithaca Ballet and Production Manager at the historic State Theatre Ithaca. His freelance work spans lighting design, rigging, and audio engineering for clients such as HBO, Google, Mazda, and Binghamton University. He has contributed to high-profile events like NASCAR at Watkins Glen and Lawrenceville Academy's 200th anniversary, as well as numerous national concert tours. Mike is certified in OSHA safety and CPR instruction and volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician. He continues to expand his expertise through workshops in rigging, intimacy coordination, and race theatre, reflecting his strong commitment to education and the performing arts.

Research Interests