The Buskirk-Chumley Theater announced Tuesday a Jacobs School of Music graduate and longtime Bloomington sound and stage technician would be its new technical director.
David DeSante had already been serving as the interim technical director for the theater, which began a nationwide search for a new permanent director in October, according to a press release from the theater.
“After interviewing candidates from a five-state area, and receiving applications from qualified technicians from all over the country, we were thrilled to find the most talented, skilled person was already here in Bloomington,” Buskirk-Chumley Executive Director Danielle McClelland said in the release.
McClelland said in an email the theater is happy to welcome DeSante, and that his instatement at the venue will help them realize the full capacity of the new sound, lights and project capacity BCT now has.
DeSante is not only a skilled technician, McClelland said. He has worked closely with past technical directors as an assistant during more than one show.
“David shares the enthusiasm and supportive attitude that both of our previous technical directors exemplified,” McClelland said in the email. “He is willing to go the extra mile to make the 60 plus different presenters who use the BCT happy with the look and sound of their shows. He collaborates and communicates with performers, stage managers, tour managers, and directors to make the show go as smoothly as possible.”
DeSante has worked locally as a sound engineer, stage technician and electrician since 1999, according to the release. He has an associate of science degree in audio technology from IU.
DeSante isn’t the theater’s only recent technical update. In October, it retooled its sound, light and cinema systems.
“I look forward working on the wide variety of events that are hosted at the Buskirk-Chumley,” DeSante said in the release. “This is a great chance to work directly with amazing touring musicians and also help local events and productions to be even more successful.”
Jack Evans
