Kelsey Powers

Assistant Project Manager, ATOMIC

Assistant Project Manager| ATOMIC

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What I Do

I make 3D models of scenery for live events like concerts, then I supervise the scenery being built and installed. I have to consider the construction materials and hardware, shipping the scenery to its destination, the necessary tools to assemble everything on site, and many other factors to ensure a successful project. The show must go on!
School Days

I went to Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, with minors in Theater and Experience Design.
My Day At Work

Depending how far along in a project I am, I could spend all day at my desk designing, I could be in meetings about paint colors and travel schedules, or I could be backstage in an arena during soundcheck. Every day is different, which is fun!
Best Part

Working with a team of other designers and problem solvers, and constantly being amazed at the perspectives and ideas that they bring to every situation.
Proud Moments

Seeing my favorite celebrities on stage next to (or sometimes on top of) something I helped to make!
Challenges

Engineering is hard! And it doesn't stop being hard after you graduate college- you don't magically know the answer to everything once they hand you a diploma. I still get stumped by problems at work, but instead of looking at it as a personal failure, I see it as an opportunity to learn something new.
Hobbies

I love to dance! I take ballet and jazz lessons through my city's recreation department.

I was inspired to study engineering by the theme parks in my home state of Florida. From a young age I was fascinated by the combination of science and art that resulted in roller coasters, fireworks displays, and animatronic figures.

At Northeastern University, I majored in Mechanical Engineering and minored in both Theater and Experience Design, maintaining the balance of technical and creative arts that got me to enter the field. I also spent three semesters doing internships at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Connecticut, Walt Disney World in Florida, and Walt Disney Imagineering in California.

In my current role as an Assistant Project Manager at ATOMIC, I use the design skills from my mechanical engineering coursework to create scenery for live events, as well as coordinate its packing, shipping, and installation. I work with a team of other designers and project managers to keep our projects on budget, on schedule, and looking camera-ready.