email: jdeull@clarktransfer.com
When people would ask them what their dad does for a living, my kids have always had trouble answering. Like many people today, I have had a number of careers. Unlike many people, I have a number of careers all at the same time.
It does get confusing, but the fact is that I am very lucky. Most of what I do professionally stems from my love of the performing arts and media, my respect for the power of education to spark personal and social transformation, and my commitment to making what contribution I can to community, humanity and our planet. Actually, most of the projects I become involved with sit at or near the intersection of these three domains.
To summarize: I have university degrees in theatre and law. Yes, I admit I am qualified as an attorney, although officially retired. I have worked in government and for international non-governmental organizations developing, evaluating and advocating for programs to produce sustainable positive change. I have produced award-winning documentary films, television and radio programs on global issues. I have written and conducted training programs on hunger, development and environmental issues. I have trained journalists and filmmakers to report constructively on conflict. I have visited and worked in more than 40 countries, including 18 countries in Africa.
I have also worked in many aspects of the theatre and live entertainment industry. I have produced, directed and stage managed large-scale live events addressing issues of global concern. I have toured with a major rock and roll band and loaded scenery for the Metropolitan Opera. I have served as an executive with America's leading theatrical transportation and logistics company – a family-owned and operated business begun by my grandfather. I have been an IATSE union stagehand since 1978. I have been involved with youth organizations using circus to create breakthroughs for young people in South Africa. I have designed aerial performer rigging systems for dancers and circus artists, including my own very talented daughter.
Today, I remain actively engaged in many areas of interest, working on a range of interesting projects in association with many wonderful and talented people. In recent years I have taken on the role of theatre consultant, working on the design and construction of new theatres and performing arts facilities for schools. My current adventure is to learn how to teach and mentor middle and high school students at a dynamic and progressive independent school in the heart of Washington, DC – a process which is both satisfying and extremely challenging.
On a personal note, I have been blissfully married to Sheryl Sturges for 25 years. We have the two most wonderful children possible: David, a student at Brown University, and Sara, a young renaissance woman now in the 11th grade. This may seem like a joke, but in my spare time I fly airplanes – I am a licensed Commercial Pilot with Instrument Rating, and serve as a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight.
For more information, please follow the links below:
Theatre Consultant and Facilities Design Statement
Representative Media Productions
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Edmund Burke School In addition to having designed the new theater and performing arts facilities for this urban private school in Washington, DC, I now serve as a part-time faculty member. |
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Clark Transfer Begun by my grandfather, Whitey Molitch, in 1948, and currently led by my mother, Norma Deull, Clark Transfer is the leading international show business transportation and logistics company. Our motto for more than 50 years: Let's Get the Show on the Road. |
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The Hunger Project I have worked closely with The Hunger Project on many initiatives since its founding in 1978. |
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Search for Common Ground Search for Common Ground is a groundbreaking organization working to constructively address and transform conflict around the world. I have worked with Search since 1983 on a wide range of media and training projects. |
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Stolen Childhoods This documentary film, co-directed by my colleagues Len Morris and Robin Romano and narrated by Meryl Streep, is a compelling look at the global scourge of child labor. |
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Zip Zap Circus School Based in Cape Town, South Africa, The Zip Zap Circus School is an extraordinary community dedicated to creating new possibilities for young people and the society they live in. |
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Angel Flight As a volunteer pilot I fly patients for this non-profit charitable air medical transportation organization. |
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Sara Deull My daughter Sara has been performing aerial circus acrobatics, flying trapeze and aerial dance since she was very young. |
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Sheryl Sturges My bride of 25 years is an experienced licensed and certified massage therapist, Reiki master and holistic health care practitioner. |
