Itchy-O is a 50 piece performance art troupe that mixes marching bands, flash mobs, and electronic music to create a show unlike any other. I had the privilege to be the technical director for the group from 2010-2018, helping design and build instruments, scenic elements, and tour equipment during my time. I also performed with the group, seeing it grow from guerrilla gigs outside of bars in Denver, to performing at an international art festival in Australia.
The band is designed to be able to play whenever, wherever. Because the music involves electronic instruments, we had to adapt hiking backpacks to carry batteries and amplifiers. As the audiences got bigger, more volume was needed. So we designed a tricycle to be a mobile PA system that could amplify multiple players as needed. As the project grew, so did the technical needs, seeing the creation of custom drum harnesses, portable bass amps, custom road boxes, and convertible taiko drum stands.
It wasn’t just the auditory side of the group that evolved, the visuals also expanded as the venues grew. To help fill the space, performers were added to the troupe, and when that wasn’t enough, I built puppets and scenic elements to catch the audience’s attention. Soon, my role expanded to stage management, leading a new special effects team, incorporating cryo-cannons, confetti, and a tesla coil controlled by a synthesizer. It expanded again to tour management as I lead the crew for load-in and loud-out on four American tours and a trip to Australia.
I unfortunately needed to exit the project in 2018 to focus on my business, INCITE Colorado, but the group continues to perform to this day, and continues to use and adapt the contributions I made during my tenure. I’m very proud of the work I did for Itchy-O and was delighted to see it go from house parties to full stage productions in 1,000 seat venues.
