Biography
Michael Freese serves as Director of Facilities Operations for the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, where he oversees the daily maintenance and operation of the school's facilities, including Alice Pratt Brown Hall and Brockman Hall for Opera. His responsibilities include managing building systems and equipment, capital projects, technology, building access, safety, and ongoing facility improvements.
Prior to joining the Shepherd School, Michael was Technical Director for Houston Grand Opera. In that role, he managed the construction and technical realization of new productions in collaboration with creative teams and production shops around the world. He also oversaw the remounting of repertory and rental productions and led the technical teams responsible for carpentry, lighting, sound, props, and stage operations for all performances.
Michael first joined the Shepherd School as Director of Opera Production, where he was also a member of the design and planning team responsible for the development of Brockman Hall for Opera, a world-class opera theater that he now maintains (Rice University Builds an Opera Theater). Most recently, he oversaw the renovation of Stude Concert Hall and Duncan Recital Hall within Alice Pratt Brown Hall, modernizing these premier performance spaces while preserving their exceptional acoustics (Shepherd School's Stude, Duncan Halls get sophisticated makeover).
Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Theatre Design and Technology from the University of Missouri Kansas City. He is also honored to have the Michael James Freese Fund for Excellence in Opera, established by Russ Pitman, which provides support for merit-based student scholarships and Shepherd School opera productions.