Viva Las Vegas: Alums create sights and sounds at The Sphere

Sphere houses two ongoing shows: U2’s “U2:UV Achtung Baby” residency and Postcard from Earth, a documentary film by Darren Aronofsky. Both shows explore the possibilities offered by the Sphere’s towering screens, unmatched surround sound system and 4D technology — including haptic vibrations which transmit to individual audience members in the 18,000-seat venue. Sphere Entertainment company, which manages the venue, describes the Sphere as “a next-generation entertainment medium…that ignites the senses and transports audiences to places both real and imagined.”

“The trick with re-inventing the wheel is learning how to drive again,” says Mayo of the challenges presented by the Sphere’s technology. "There's not a playbook for what we're doing, we're writing it. We are redefining how concerts, films, and other forms of live entertainment can be experienced,” he continues.

Mayo joined the team at the Sphere on the encouragement of his roommate, business partner and fellow CCM alumnus Zach Ivans. The pair previously started a company together, Unclaimed Creative, but Ivans took a break from their project to lead the audio department at the Sphere, which is home to the world’s largest sound system.

“After a few months of badgering, he convinced me to look into lighting at the Sphere, and the rest is history,” says Mayo. Additionally, CCM alum Ryan Hurt works as an audio supervisor in the audio department.

Managing such a complex production team keeps Mayo busy. “With so much activity going on, the main aspect or core pillar of my job has been communication,” he says. “Keeping everybody together, on-track, HAPPY, and with the maximum possible hours of sleep.”

At CCM, Mayo honed not only his skills as a lighting designer, but also as a team member and leader. "There's a lot of different things I could point to here, but boiled down, CCM taught me how to be collaborative, and how to listen."

"It's not about what you do for people, it's how you made them feel," he continues. "CCM taught me the most important thing you can do for someone or for a community is to engage yourself and make the time worth it. Drop the ego at the door and just enjoy time with one another."