Employee Spotlight: Bryce O’Dell

Wilson Center Local Crew member Bryce O’Dell has been interested in theatre since the sixth grade. He started his theatre journey as an actor. However, in the 8th grade, he was assigned the role of a spotlight operator. From that moment on, Bryce envisioned himself as a dedicated stagehand.

Bryce’s passion led him to put the spotlight on some famous acts that have performed on the Wilson Center stage. He recently had the opportunity to work as the lighting designer for Kenny G.

“It was a privilege to work with an amazing and talented artist,“ shared Bryce. “It was a wonderful experience that not many people get to have – to work with artists and be their lighting designer.”

Since Bryce was a first-year student at CFCC, the staff at the Wilson Center has observed his growth and the expansion of his skills. Ashley Black, the Production Manager at the Wilson Center, is consistently impressed by Bryce’s positive and can-do attitude.

“Bryce has been one of our most dedicated employees, even volunteering during the COVID shutdown,” Ashley commented. “We are all so proud of the technician he has become. His passion and “whatever it takes” attitude is inspiring. We are so blessed to have him!”

Bryce graciously agreed to sit in front of the spotlight to share his CFCC experience with us.

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT CFCC AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?

In 2018, I enrolled at CFCC in the Information Technology and Film and Video Production Technology programs. While I was a student, I was active in the Live Productions Technology Club. Through the club, I got hands-on experience at the Wilson Center and my foot in the door.
When I saw a position for stage crew opened up, I immediately applied for the job. I started in the loading dock, moved to carpentry and building sets, and then moved to the lighting department, where I advanced from hanging lights to programming lights.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Many Broadway shows come to the Wilson Center with a full tech crew, so I primarily work as the house light operator at the beginning and end of the show. In between, I get to sit and enjoy the performance. It’s always exciting to work the lighting for some of the musicians that perform. When the artists do not have a light design, I can be creative and incorporate some texture in the spur of the moment.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, WHAT DO YOU DO?

I am making sure that I get some time with my family. Go to the beach on little family trips.

WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR EDUCATION AND/OR CAREER PATH?

All the adults I’ve worked with motivated me to continue working at the Wilson Center. They’ve been in the industry for so long. I have benefited from the methods that they taught me. I’ve worked closely with the lighting department and learned a lot of lighting design tips and tricks.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

The best advice that’s been given to me is to just take a breather when I get overwhelmed. Some things can be frustrating, but just get back on the horse.

WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I have high-functioning autism. I do not let that stop me from following my passion for theater. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to show people I can do things that anybody else can do. I just do it differently.

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

Associate in Applied Science, Information Technology
Information Technology Certificate
Network Administration Certificate
IT Systems Administration Certificate