Ed Wannebo, Production Manager

Voice of Experience

ed@TourSchool.rocks

Ed has a rich history in the live event production industry having been working in the industry in earnest since 1980 when he went on the road with Van Halen during their first mega-tour. He subsequently worked as a crew chief and/or lighting designer with such notable bands to include Manhattan Transfer, David Bowie, ZZ Top,  Michael McDonald, Richard Marx, and Hall and Oates. In 1987 he took the helm as production manager for Hall and Oates, a position he held for 13 years. He also provided production management for RATT, Quiet Riot, Stevie Nicks, Michael McDonald, Richard Marx, Jimmy Buffet, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and most recently Kenny Chesney, from 2002 to the present. He has been involved with live event productions in all 50 states and in more than 30 countries world wide.  In 2011 he received a Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the most prestigious in the industry, and in 2008 he received accolades as the Parnelli Production Manager of the Year. He was also awarded the SRO Production Manager of the Year in 2012 from the Country Music Academy (CMA). When he’s not on the road, he can often be found on the golf course, on the Columbia River, or at his Las Vegas home with companion Sue and his faithful friend, Sofie his chocolate lab.

Richard Cadena, ETCP-RT/CEE

Technical Director

rich@tourschool.rocks

Richard Cadena is a 28-year veteran of the entertainment lighting industry. He’s the author of four lighting books, including:

“Electricity for Entertainment Electricians & Technicians, 2nd Edition” 

“Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light, 2nd Edition” 

“Lighting Design for Modern Houses of Worship”

“Focus on Lighting Technology”

His books are used as course guides and recommended reading in colleges and universities around the globe. He is also a monthly columnist for Lighting & Sound America, Lighting & Sound International, and Protocol magazines. He has been an ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician and an ETCP Recognized Trainer since the inception of the program. As a freelance lighting designer and lighting consultant he has worked on concert tours, television, and theatre, and he has designed dozens of lighting systems for permanent installations. When he’s not working on one lighting project or another he’s...well, let’s be honest. He’s always working on one lighting project or another.

Susan Ullrich, EdD

Director of Education

sue@TourSchool.Rocks

Susan Ullrich received her Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California with a focus on Curriculum Development and Educational Leadership. 

Her research focuses on how beginners transition into confident, competent and effective members of the workforce.

Over the last seven years she has worked with the Nevada Workforce Investment Boards, Service Providers, academic institutions  and hospitals to facilitate the transition of new grad nurses into employment.

In collaboration with Ed Wannebo and Richard Cadena, Sue led the development of the STEADI Program (Stage Technician Education and Development Intensive) with the purpose to safely transition new technicians into entry level career paths within the industry of live event production.

It is her mission to maximize a participant's knowledge, skills and attitudes to enhance their employability.