Derrick Vanmeter
Fairburn
Summary
Professional designer and educator with extensive experience in AutoCAD and other drafting software. Demonstrates strong focus on precision, technical skill, and collaborative teamwork. Adapts seamlessly to changing project requirements while maintaining high standards and delivering results. Recognized for reliability, effective communication, and proactive approach to complex design challenges.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Theatre Teacher
Clayton County Public Schools
08.2024 - 01.2025
- Promoted the importance of collaboration and teamwork within the theatre environment by assigning group projects and fostering positive communication among students.
- Adapted instruction to meet individual student needs to differentiate instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Facilitated learning with aids, technology and equipment to stimulate higher-level thinking.
- Enhanced academic programs with innovative methodologies and collaboration.
Associate Professor of Theatre Design
Clayton State University
08.2015 - 06.2024
- Earned tenure at the unusual age of 33 through superior teaching, service, and artistic creation
- Collaborated to design and implement scenery, costumes, lights, sound, and projections for 3-6 productions per year.
- Created bills of materials regularly to procure supplies from approved vendors in order to construct scenery, costumes, light, sound, and projections for all productions.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
- Integrated real-world examples into lessons, making course content relevant and engaging for students in 6 classes per year.
- Served on academic committees, contributing insights and expertise to enhance institutional policies and practices.
- Excelled in professional practice designing productions in regional professional theatre and scholarly publication
Temporary Technical Director
Hobart And William Smith Colleges
09.2014 - 04.2015
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to efficiently complete large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Developed innovative solutions to complex technical problems, resulting in improved performance.
- Optimized team performance by establishing clear communication channels and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Monitored production operations for quality and compliance with standards.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Costume Design
Youngstown State University
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Worked closely with department heads to review curriculum standards and implement necessary changes for optimal results.
- Collaborated with colleagues in designing interdisciplinary curricula integrating multiple subject areas for a well-rounded educational experience.
- Actively participated in faculty meetings, contributing valuable insights into teaching strategies and best practices for improved learning outcomes.
- Designed an implemented costumes for 4 productions while supervising students learning in studio/laboratory environment.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Theatre Design
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Greensboro, NC05-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre
Lee University
Cleveland, TN05-2010
Skills
- AutoCAD proficiency (14 years)
- SketchUp 3D modeling proficiency (14 years)
- Adobe creative suite proficiency (14 years)
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Strong communication skills
- Excellence in critical thinking and problem solving
- Safe and innovative construction techniques
- Collaborative project management
- Continuous learning mindset
- Environmental and personal sustainability
Timeline
Technical Theatre Teacher
Clayton County Public Schools
08.2024 - 01.2025
Associate Professor of Theatre Design
Clayton State University
08.2015 - 06.2024
Temporary Technical Director
Hobart And William Smith Colleges
09.2014 - 04.2015
Visiting Assistant Professor of Costume Design
Youngstown State University
08.2013 - 05.2014
Master of Fine Arts - Theatre Design
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre
Lee University
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