Core Team
John-Mark Collins / Founder / CEO
John-Mark is a creative problem solver whose passion lies in using technology to augment the real world in beautiful and engaging ways. John-Mark received his BS in Computer Engineering and MBA from the University of New Mexico. In addition to technology, John-Mark has studied in both Art and Architecture and has participated in several public electronic arts exhibitions. He has worked with a variety of clients, including Coca-Cola, Starbucks, HP, Intel, several Smithsonian Institutions as well as Fermi, SLAC, and Sandia National Laboratories.
The drive behind Electric Playhouse stems from the wonder and awe shown on a daily basis by his two young daughters, Lola and Mila.
Luke Balaoro / Founder / Lead Creative Technologist
Luke is the lead Creative Technologist at Electric Playhouse, blending technology and art. He received his BS in Computer Science at the University of New Mexico. Prior to joining Storylab, Luke wrote software for Ideum and the ARTSLab @ UNM, including visualization software for their G-Dome, a miniature planetarium, and an augmented/virtual reality experience using an Oculus Rift and Vicon motion tracking system.
Brandon Garrett, AIA / Founder
Brandon has over a decade of experience as an Architect and Creative Technologist. His focus is on combining the physical world with the digital world by blending Architecture, Design, and Technology into cohesive and engaging spaces that excite, surprise and inspire. Prior to Electric Playhouse, Brandon successfully headed the design technology efforts of New Mexico's largest architectural firm Dekker/Perich/Sabatini for 13+ years where he oversaw and implemented the latest technologies including Building Information Modeling, Building performance analysis, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Digital Experiences and custom software development. As an industry innovator, he regularly speaks as national conferences and his work and insights have been published in ArchDaily, Autodesk, and NAIOP. Brandon received his Master of Architecture degree at the University of New Mexico and is a proud native New Mexican who shares a deep connection to the state through his great grandfather Pat Garrett; who is most notable for the arrest and subsequent killing of New Mexico’s most notorious outlaw, Billy the Kid.
Ben Matthews / Founder / Software Developer
Ben is a programmer and generative artist with a specialty for geometric visualizations. He has spent the last five years creating interactive visuals that engage viewers through vibrant digital storytelling. Ben believes a great experience begins with discovery, and he strives to add an element of exploration to all of his work.
Drew Tulchin / VP - Business Development
Drew defines his career making new ideas reality. Drew brings more than 25 years of experience overcoming “The Doubting Thomases” to build lasting organizations and achieve successful results.
Drew’s professional experience spans the for-profit, non-profit, public & philanthropic sectors.
Eric Yakley / CTO
Eric is an experienced leader in creative technologies, infrastructure projects, enterprise IT, media systems and field installations. He has built and led multi-disciplinary teams in various industries including interactive exhibit design-build, advertising, non-profit energy efficiency, software development, manufacturing and logistics, and retail. Eric is spearheading the development of a TouchDesigner network of systems to serve as the technical backbone for our new 20,000+ sq. ft. experience. He has a degree in English from UNM, and active certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile Certified Scrum Master, and ITIL.
Theresa Kitt / Studio Director
Theresa is the studio director at Electric Playhouse. Theresa has her degree in Art Studio from the University of New Mexico. She graduated from UNM in 2015 and is currently pursing her passion working in the arts. Theresa’s background is centered around photography. Through the innovative work at Storylab, Theresa hopes to expand her knowledge in the art & interactive world. Her hobbies include photography, cars, racing, camping, and spending time with her family.
Maddy Minnis / Designer & Animator
Maddy is a motion graphics designer and animator at Storylab. Maddy got her degree in Broadcast Design and Motion Graphics from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2008. Before joining Electric Playhouse she worked on corporate pitches, infographics, and film and fashion show packaging for a variety of clients on the east coast. Most recently she was creating internal marketing content and UI prototyping for Ideum until 2017 when she started traveling full-time. Maddy is also an avid environmental photographer and backpacker and counts herself lucky to be able to combine all her passions together in New Mexico.
Brian Carlson / Creative Technologist
Brian is a multidisciplinary technologist with a background in art, design, and engineering. His past experiences include microelectronics R&D, user interface and experience design, creative consulting, and various immersive multimedia art installations across North America. Brian is especially interested in how mathematics can be used to model nature and create engaging generative content and organic interactions between people and systems.
Nathan Gonzales / Software Developer
Nathan is a software developer at Electric Playhouse. He graduated from UNM with a BS in Computer Science in 2017. He has a interest in software and game development focusing on creating fun and interactive technologies. He also has an interest in using virtual reality to create exciting and immersive experiences. Some of his hobbies are traveling, hiking and playing tabletop games.
Robin Campos / Software Developer
Robin is a programmer at Electric Playhouse, specializing in user interface. He is currently studying computer science at the University of New Mexico, planning to graduate with a bachelor's degree in the Fall of 2018. He has a strong interest in indie game development. His hobbies include cross country running, playing video games, and novel writing.