Written by Joe Scioli
Have you ever wondered who helps with the production of America’s Got Talent and Cirque du Soleil? Well, let me introduce you to Aaron Bush. Aaron was born in Omaha, Nebraska where he attended North High School. In high school, Bush loved the theater. He ran crew for Arsenic and Old Lace. He was also a member of the ensemble and was a stage hand for Grease. In addition, Bush worked on Fiddler on the Roof and Splendor, assisting with carpentry and audio production. He loves carpentry and enjoys building sets.
Aaron learned of the Theatre Tech Apprenticeship Program (TTAP) while attending North High School approximately 20 years ago. TTAP is a two-year program designed for high school and early college students. Apprentices are given extensive insight into the technical careers of the entertainment industry through a blend of classroom and hands-on shop training. TTAP trains its apprentices in the following areas: box office, carpentry, costuming, electrics and sound, props, scenic painting, and stage management. A TTAP degree creates an educational pathway to further degrees with credits earned through a partnership with Metropolitan Community College (MCC). Given Bush’s desire to pursue a career in theater, TTAP seemed to be the perfect fit.
In TTAP, Bush worked on carpentry and video production. Bush had prior experience in video production as he had worked for KPTM as a camera operator and video editor.
Bush especially enjoyed working with John Gibilisco, Greg Scheer, Don Hook and Bryan McAdams. In particular, Bush admired Bryan McAdams, the shop foreman. He stated, “Bryan was young and a presence in the scene shop. He was a very skilled carpenter and steel fabricator. I think a lot of the apprentices looked up to him. Many of the apprentices wanted to be like him.”
Bush also admired Lara Marsh, who helped apprentices secure opportunities with meaningful jobs. Marsh helped Bush get a job at Nebraska Shakespeare. Bush was able to see what work is like outside of OCP.
In TTAP, Bush always felt like he belonged. He learned how to interact with others. He appreciated the diversity of the people he worked with at TTAP. He felt that each person he worked with had unique strengths. Although the team members at OCP were all vastly different, they all came together to put on a show; it felt like a family affair.
Currently, Bush is the lead carpenter for Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. He helps with inspections, inventory, special effects, automation and many other aspects of the show. Bush also is an on-call stage carpenter for America’s Got Talent Live at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. He is currently living his best life, working his dream jobs.
Outside of work, Bush enjoys woodworking, watching movies and riding his one wheel electric skateboard. The TTAP program launched Bush’s career and help him to land his dream job.
Interested in learning more about TTAP? Contact the Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Director by email at ttap@omahaplayhouse.com or visit our website: https://bit.ly/OCPTTAP
