Jean Burch, Project Manager

Newly added Project Manager Jean Burch is responsible for planning, preparation, scheduling, supervision and budgeting for projects. Working with the other members of her team, she coordinates the functions of projects to ensure timely and on-budget completion, while managing client needs, site inspections and on-site crews.

Jean received her MFA in technical direction from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where her coursework emphasized advanced technical skills including automation, rigging and structural design. She also studied business management.
Before joining Chicago Scenic, Jean worked in regional theater for more than 10 years, and she was a faculty member at both Syracuse University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

This quest to continue her education, along with her 15 years of hands-on theatrical work, will serve Jean well in her job at Chicago Scenic. She has already worked on CSSI’s project with U.S. Figure Skating and the Chicago Auto Show press event for Dodge, both of which are featured in this newsletter.

Rob Kovarik, Project Engineer

As a project engineer, Rob Kovarik will be closely involved in all technical aspects of Chicago Scenic’s work. This includes taking a lead role managing CSI Control, Chicago Scenic’s automation and multi-axis motion control systems, including the systems that run the “Oprah Winfrey Show.” His strong skill set, including motion control systems and structural and mechanical design, will be a great asset to Chicago Scenic.

Rob comes to Chicago Scenic with a master’s degree in technical design and production from the Yale School of Drama. After he received this degree, Rob worked at several regional theaters where he managed scene shop staffs, oversaw drafting, engineering, construction, painting, and installation of their scenery. He also performed similar duties at The DePaul University Theatre School before working as the theater professor, technical director and resident sound designer at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

Kevin Taylor, Project Specialist

In the newly created position of project specialist, Kevin Taylor is responsible for managing and creating Chicago Scenic’s sculptural projects.

Kevin began painting scenery for the Tampa Ballet at the University of Southern Florida, where he received his bachelor’s degree. He has also created sculptures and backdrops for Anheuser Busch’s theme parks, EuroDisney and Disney World, and designed and led a paint crew for a quarter-mile-long mural for MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Kevin originally joined CSSI in 1997. After running the paint department for eight years, he took a brief hiatus, then returned in 2007 to his current position, a role combining project management and scenic artist. He is currently taking computer classes which will enable him to lead a project from design and drafting, through the shops, and on to the installation process.

In his spare time, Kevin has spent the last five years rehabbing a house in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, and his minimalist abstract artwork appears regularly in Chicago galleries.