​​My story starts like so many of the previous generations of stagehands; taking a stagecraft credit to fulfill a degree requirement, wandering into the back looking for a bathroom, and eating a cookie lying on the greenroom counter. 12 years later, I still eat the cookies, and have no idea where the bathroom is!

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In addition to all the usual elective courses and opted classwork, I also learned lighting the old fashioned way. I pushed roadcases, coiled cables (over-under, idiot!!!), and cut gels. I also learned to draft by hand, and finger-picked my way through every function of the ETC Ion and Leprecon Crossfade boards that were collecting dust in my local college and community center. It took me almost four years to realize my chore had turned into a habit, my habit an obsession, and my obsession a passion. Under the patient tutelage of two professors and my talented predecessor turned best friend, I amassed a lovingly-tendered portfolio of stage plays, musicals, small concerts, professional events, dance shows, and weddings. I was soon drafted as a regular contractor for the UW-Colleges, and began working full time at Electronic Theatre Controls as a QA Controls and Networking software tester. I spent countless hours in the theatres and at home, honing my craft and learning as many of the tools and processes as I could.

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In 2018, after 6 years and over 100 productions spanning the greater Wisconsin and Chicago areas, I officially ratified my LLC documents and expanded my lighting expertise into the merchandising/marketing field, so as to expand my knowledge of the widening assortment of latest and greatest lighting gear.

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Today, I am still learning. I still have dreams and aspirations of rolling in to the next big show, with the latest and greatest in tech, and bringing my (and your) wildest artistic creations to life. The all-night crunch is still one of my greatest joys, and I hope to find myself in your venue, using light to bring a little more beauty to your world.

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                                                         -Brandon Merkle (True Magic LLC Owner/Operator)