ABOUT
THEATER DESIGN provides each client with the best practical and economical solutions to address their needs. Our experience in the planning, design, and construction of all kinds of theaters throughout the world has informed us about building consensus. We respect diverse viewpoints and cultures. We employ simple, jargon-free language to explain ideas and concepts and encourage the participation of all parties.
Theater Design was founded by Michael Mell in 1999 with the simple goal of Building Better Theaters. A “better” theater is one meeting the needs of performers, staff, and audiences. With an international portfolio of projects, we offer guidance to help our clients create their “better” theaters. Our method is collegial and encourages the participation of all parties from initial design meetings through to opening night.
Michael, Mell
PRESIDENT
Scott Stipetic
ASSOCIATE
Michael Mell is the founder and President of Theater Design. In a long career as a theater consultant, he has also worked in Broadway theaters, on tours, and in television studios as a lighting designer, technical director, stage manager, and stage hand.
As a project coordinator for PRG Scenic Technologies, he has been involved with the fabrication and automation of numerous Broadway shows and tours. He has also worked with the Trisha Brown Dance Company, the Dance Theater of Harlem and Rudolph Nureyev, and the Boston Ballet. Mr. Mell has taught graduate and undergraduate classes at Sarah Lawrence College, CUNY Queens College, and Pace University.
Mell is the author of Building Better Theaters published by Entertainment Technology Press (2006) 2nd ed. 2008.
Scott has worked in the theater industry for the past 40 years and consulted on a wide range of theater projects. Starting with Walt Disney World and the opening of Epcot Center, thru the original production of Beauty and The Beast at Disney Studios. Mr. Stipetic has been at the leading edge of lighting technology integration and some additional projects include Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, the installation of seven venues at Universal Studios City Walk, and the co-lighting design of the New Jurassic Coaster attraction.
Scott is also the co-founder of Applause Academy Children’s Theater, where he was the Technical Director and Lighting Designer for this state-of-the-art facility. Mr. Stipetic also spent 23 years with Barbizon Light of New England as their Sr. Systems Integrator, designing the stage lighting and rigging systems for over fifty, university, high school, middle, and elementary school theaters.
Scott is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, BFA Production, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison with an MFA in Theatre Lighting. He is also an ETCP-certified rigger and a past IES member.
Scott Sizemore
Robert A. Lorelli
TECHNICAL DESIGNER
IN MEMORIUM
Scott is a designer/draftsperson specializing in Revit and BIM modeling. He has worked for Theater Design for three years with a specialty in theatrical rigging, stage machinery, and lighting systems. His work includes permanent installations for K-12, college, and professional performing arts facilities.
Scott is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, B. S. Technical Theater, and San Diego State University, MFA Theater Lighting Design.
Robert A. Lorelli was one of the leading theater consultants in the United States. He was a mechanical engineer with an extensive and diversified background in theater. He was chief engineer for one of the largest theater equipment manufacturers in the world, Joseph Vasconcellos, Inc. where he was responsible for the design, manufacturing and installation of theatrical equipment for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. He was also the Director of Operations for the New York City Center of Music and Drama.
Lorelli was a member of The American Society of Theater Consultants and the League of Historic American Theaters. He lectured at both the Society for College and University Planning and Harvard University, and he has been an Adjunct Professor at New York Institute of Technology.