Michael Dodge's journey illuminating success in the lighting technology industry

From his early beginnings with a karaoke machine and a mission in Orlando, Florida, to his current passion for “building a new, more resilient, economically sustainable industry,” Michael Dodge has made waves in the lighting technology industry. 

Since graduating from the School of Design & Production’s (D&P) lighting concentration in 2014, Dodge’s successes have been numerous – at just 26 years old, he was highlighted in Live Design International’s (LDI) “30 Under 30,” in the field; he was on the product development team for the Emmy award-winning PRG Ground Control™ system; and he has worked his way up from Product Specialist to the Vice President of Lighting at Production Resource Group (PRG) North America based in Secaucus, New Jersey.

As a student in D&P, Dodge was one of four to design the 2013-14 Winston-Salem Light Project (WSLP) “Artery.” The design was conceptualized to reveal hidden movement along the Main Street Strollway from downtown Winston-Salem to the Southeast Gateway and was inspired by works such as Christo and Jean-Claude's “The Gates” in New York City’s Central Park. Dodge designed the UNCSA productions of “Street Scene,” “'Tis Pity She's a Whore," “Emerging Choreographers 2012/2013” and “Studio III Directing Scenes 2012.” He was also a co-production designer for the end-of-the-year Beaux Arts Ball.

Since graduating, Dodge has continued to be involved in the School of Design & Production, and to give back to the concentration that helped launch his career. He provides invaluable industry connections and access to new technologies and equipment for current and graduating students, especially around D&P’s annual “Photona” event. When Dodge returned to campus in December 2023 for “Photona,” he joined the year’s designers as an alumni panelist, offering insights into his experiences as a student and into his current work at PRG.

Recently, the Alumni Engagement team caught up with Dodge to learn more about his story, from how he chose UNCSA to his current position. Here’s what he had to say.

Where did you grow up and how did you find your way to UNCSA?   

I had the pleasure of being born and raised in Orlando, Florida. It was a great place to grow up, but I knew early on that I wanted to work in something other than the theme parks.

My first year of college was spent in Chicago at DePaul University. Among many rewarding experiences, I was fortunate to work with an incredible crew in the school's Merle Reskin theatre. But at the time, the school only had a design track for lighting, and I knew I wanted to be closer to lighting technology.

The facilities, the value, the focused mission to the arts, the local projects like WSLP (thanks, Norman Coates), and the industry connections outside of the ivory walls all led me to UNCSA.

Michael Dodge

Searching for the next steps, I quickly realized I needed to find a school entrenched in the industry. UNCSA's Design and Production program was an obvious choice. My initial interest was from its involvement in the theatrical technology association, USITT. The more critical ingredient was the active presence of the professors in the industry — for example, Eric Rimes, who was working on a national Broadway Tour. During his tenure, he supported countless students into professional positions.

The facilities, the value, the focused mission to the arts, the local projects like WSLP (thanks, Norman Coates), and the industry connections outside of the ivory walls all led me to UNCSA.

What is your current role and what do you like most about your work?  

I am the Vice President of Lighting for PRG. This marks ten years with the company, and I’ve gathered many "hats" over the years. My newest responsibilities include managing our asset catalog (what we invest in, what we need to part with), managing the lighting technical project managers, improving our lighting operational standards and collaborating with manufacturers to support current equipment while also developing roadmaps for the future. All of these responsibilities align with the overall mission of this job, building a foundation of assets that will remain relevant and enduring for the long term.  

My primary responsibility is within North America while working closely with my counterparts in EMEA and APAC.  

Without a doubt, the best part of the work is the people. The second-best part is building a new, more resilient, economically sustainable industry.

How did your skills training in the arts at UNCSA inform the work you do on a daily basis?   

The most critical lesson from UNCSA was learning to become a professional. While the point of education is typically to learn the subject matter, the most crucial lesson for me was learning to function within the intensity of this industry.

Regardless of the scale of production, it's hard. It’s a taxing experience testing your mental and physical well-being. I struggled during my three years at UNCSA, but the lessons I learned allowed me to enter the top level of production. 

You’re still really involved with productions like “Photona” at UNCSA, and you’ve been an amazing resource and advocate for the school and students. Why do you choose to give back?   

I'm fortunate that PRG values the next generation (we even have an internship program that I, and many others, are a product of) and allows me to offer gear and training in various academic settings.  

“Photoapaloza” (what we called it in 2014) was one of the most impactful projects for me at the school. In my current role at PRG, I work closely with many trainers and guest speakers that I interacted with during “Photona,” including George Masek from Vari-Lite (now Clay Paky) and Doug Mekanik, training MA Lighting (now Director of Sales at ACT Entertainment), who both attended the show this year.

What advice do you have for current students at UNCSA, whether they’re lighting designers or in other specialties?   

Do as much as you can while you’re at the school. I regret not attending more drama events, music performances, film screenings, dance shows and parties. The environment is unique, and nothing like it will exist once you leave the school.

Use the mental health resources available on campus. Wake Forest and the UNCSA health center had incredible therapy and physiological services, which were among the most fundamental parts of my time at UNCSA. Without those services, I would not be where I am.

Michael Dodge

Network. Network. Network. Make as many connections with as many people on campus as possible. It takes a team to achieve greatness; some of the most successful companies have come from people who met in college.

Use the mental health resources available on campus. Wake Forest and the UNCSA health center had incredible therapy and physiological services, which were among the most fundamental parts of my time at UNCSA. Without those services, I would not be where I am.

Remember why you are going to school. There is an outside world and ensure you don’t lose focus on the end goal. Have fun!

by Sarah Kelly

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