Michael Nishball

As our principal theatre equipment designer, Michael has overall responsibility for providing clients with efficient, cost-effective systems and safe workplaces. Since 1995, Michael has provided stagehouse design, stage equipment details, and specifications for hundreds of performance spaces. His work includes on-site review of structural systems, rigging equipment, and stage machinery to identify field deficiencies affecting project quality and timely completion.

Before joining Theatre Projects, Michael worked for the rigging contractor Pook, Diemont and Ohl, Inc. for seven years. Michael has worked for many theatre companies in numerous capacities including stagehand, production designer, and I-mag video camera operator. He supervised lighting and rigging for the Wooster Group, touring many cultural capitals and major international festivals. Michael also worked with the Boston Shakespeare Company, the American Repertory Theater, and several modern dance companies in Boston. He has lectured in technical design at the Yale School of Drama.  

Michael received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Massachusetts College of Art in the Studio for Interrelated Media, and his Associate of Science in television production from Grahm Junior College. He is a member of the Construction Specifications Institute with a certificate in Construction Document Technology, a member of the ESTA Technical Standards Program – Stage Machinery Working Group, and a full member of the American Society of Theatre Consultants.