CCM student gains professional experience at The Sphere in Las Vegas

Warvel also found a strong sense of community among the Sphere alumni and mentors she worked with including Jeremy Mayo (MFA Lighting Design and Technology, '20), Director of Technical Production; Zach Ivans (MFA Sound Design and Technology, '21), Director of Audio Systems; and Ryan Hurt (MFA Sound Design and Technology, '22), an audio supervisor. She describes that connection as one of the highlights of her internship.

“The rapport I developed with Zach Ivans, Ryan Hurt and Jeremy Mayo became something truly meaningful," she recalled. "They weren’t just familiar faces. They were mentors, advocates, and the people who consistently encouraged me to trust my instincts and take pride in my work. Their support played a huge role in helping me rediscover my confidence and feel grounded in what I bring to the table.”

Another defining experience for Warvel was working on the world premiere of Vinyl Café at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, an opportunity that took her abroad for the first time. “Getting the chance to travel internationally for work was something I didn’t expect to do before graduating, so having that opportunity was incredibly exciting."

"Being a part of the process of bringing a brand-new show to life, from navigating daily script changes to hearing an audience react to the first preview was genuinely special, and I’m so grateful I got to play a role in it,” she said. Working with CCM's Chair of Theatre Design and Production, Emily Porter, made this even more worthwhile.

“It was also such a privilege to work with Emily Porter," Warvel said. "I’ve always had a deep respect for her as both an educator and a sound designer, and getting to observe her workflow and collaborate closely with her was truly inspiring and I’ve learned so much from her."

At CCM, Warvel recently worked as the Production Sound Engineer on The World Goes ‘Round, a sold-out musical presented in Cohen Family Studio Theatre on Dec. 4-6, 2025. “It’s been a huge undertaking, and I’m incredibly proud of the hours of work and collaboration that went into bringing this show to life.” She was juggling this production while working in Canada, a combination that made the experience “even more surreal, but also more rewarding.

Looking ahead, Warvel is eagerly anticipating her return to Corbett Auditorium this spring to work on Sweeney Todd, a co-production between CCM Musical Theatre and Opera that runs April 15-19, 2026. Her year has been filled with opportunities that pushed her, supported her and ultimately helped her trust the unique strengths she brings to the field.