AUSTIN, TX – Olden Lighting today announced that Brad Distelhorst has joined the company as Business Development, Educational Market. Distelhorst began on September 28, 2026, and is based in Austin, TX.
Distelhorst brings more than 20 years of experience in theatre and Texas public education. He most recently served in Austin ISD's Performing Arts Centers, where he held roles as PAC Coordinator and Production Supervisor, and earlier spent seven years as Technical Coordinator of the Round Rock ISD PAC. He also served as Head Theatre Director and Fine Arts Chair at Akins High School, and spent three years on staff at WaterTower Theatre.
At Austin ISD, Distelhorst hosted the UIL State One-Act Play and Theatrical Design contests for six years and hosted the UIL State Film contest for the first time last year. He led the Austin ISD Summer Theatre Series for the last six years, helped redesign stages through the district's 2017 and 2022 bond programs, and helped revise the district's Production Design Manual for performance spaces across Austin ISD.
"Brad has embodied the same professionalism and dedication to craft that Olden strives for every day since I first knew him at the RRISD PAC," said Kevin Richie, President of Olden Lighting. "After decades in Texas public schools, he knows firsthand how to navigate school district bureaucracy, and he has the drive to give teachers and students the tools to bring their ideas to life. We are excited to have him on the team."
"Olden has always invested in the educational market, and bringing Brad on is a way of doubling down on that commitment," said Erica Richie, CEO. "Educational theatre in Texas comes with a lot of waters to navigate, and there is too much important work to be done to keep it working for everyone. Brad is the right person for the job."
Olden aims to be more than an integrator or a dealer for schools. The company's goal is to be a partner to theatre teachers, band and choir directors, fine arts administrators, and district construction managers, supporting audio, video, lighting, rigging, and stage curtain projects so that every student who wants to learn has the tools to do it.
"I joined Olden because it lets me stay part of educational theatre, and because Olden does what is best for students and teachers instead of just chasing sales," said Distelhorst. "I have been where you are, both as a tech director and as a theatre teacher. I may not be in a classroom anymore, but my heart is still in public education."
Distelhorst holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Baylor University and a Texas Theatre EC-12 teaching certification, and is a member of the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TXETA). He is a devoted Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys fan, and admits he can no longer watch a show without watching the tech. He credits his wife, Deanna, a middle school librarian and teacher for 25 years, for always encouraging him to find fulfillment in whatever he chooses to do.
Schools and districts can reach Distelhorst at brad@oldenlighting.com.
About Olden Lighting
Founded in Austin more than 40 years ago, Olden Lighting is a provider of audio, video, lighting, rigging, and stage curtain systems for theatres, schools, and venues. The company works with educators, designers, and facility teams from early planning through installation and service. Learn more at www.oldenlighting.com.
More News
Support USITT
For many 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, USITT included, donations are a lifeline. We are able to continue to expand our online offerings to our Members and to our industry thanks to Membership dollars and the generosity of our donors.