Gemma Tait

Production Technician

2026 BFA Drama, Production Technology

Gemma Tait is a fourth year Production Technology student with a primary focus on lighting technology, and a growing interest in scenic technology and automation. She is pursuing a minor in Physical Computing through the IDEATE department at CMU. Originally from Portland, OR, she is slowly learning to love the weather on the east coast (even the 12”+ of snow) and exploring what it has to offer.

An adept Production Electrician, Eos and MA3 programmer and overall entertainment technician, Gemma thrives in the fast-paced environment that live entertainment demands. Over her time at CMU she has been able to work on 11 productions across the sound and lighting departments, fostering her multidisciplinary interest in the world of entertainment technology and allowing her to develop and strengthen skills in collaboration, troubleshooting and leadership.

Gemma has a vested interest in and passion for the interconnectedness of CMU and the live entertainment world at large. She has been a mentor to younger students in the program, having been the Teacher’s Assistant for 4 courses in the lighting department over the last two years in courses dealing in lighting programming, technology and networking.

Outside of CMU, Gemma has worked at Production Resource Group (PRG) as a Lighting Technology Intern, where she was able to see some of the newest technology on the market, further driving her interest in the cutting edge of our industry.

When not tinkering or troubleshooting, Gemma can be found playing board games, reading and hanging out with dogs. Post graduation, she hopes to move to NYC to pursue a career in Lighting Technology in theater and live entertainment.

Work Samples

Titanic, the Musical

By Peter Stone and Maury Yeston
Directed by Telly Leung
Production Electrician – Gemma Tait
CMU School of Drama – April 2025
Photo by Louis Stein

Playground Lobby Installation

Production Manager and Creative Director: Carolyn Burback
Lighting Direction and Programming by Gemma Tait
CMU School of Drama – Playground 23 – December 2025
Photo by Ava Malia

Company

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by George Furth
Directed by Darren Lee
Lighting Programmer – Gemma Tait
CMU School of Drama – April 2026
Photo by Sam Regardie