About Us
Vertigo has been providing exceptional flying effects around the world since 1991. Our team members share a passion for aerial creativity. They work to tailor our services to each client's needs, ensuring that the flying effects support the director's overall vision.
Our primary goal is to provide safe and reliable special effects rigging in a calm and collaborative environment.
Our Staff
Lynette Santiago
Flight AttendantLynette joined Vertigo with 14 years of experience as a legal secretary/litigation coordinator, bringing a unique skill set to her role as a flight attendant. She spends her free time in the great outdoors. Taking long walks with her dogs Gizmo and Bear-Bear, swimming, camping, biking, and watching the sun rise or set are among her favorite hobbies. Lynette is a proud mother of 3 and "Nana" to 4 (5 in 2025!).
John Moore
General Manager, Flying DirectorJohn is a Midwestern guy who taught himself technical theatre skills as a kid, sometimes by accident, like when he landed the counterweight of his first pulley system on the hood of the family car. Now, he holds ETCP Certifications in both arena and theatrical rigging. John studied scenic and lighting design for his B.F.A. and began working for Vertigo in 2005 while earning his M.F.A. in Technical Direction.
Lewie Long
Flying DirectorLewie has been with Vertigo since 2014. Originally from Sandusky, OH, he trained as both a technician and an actor and is an ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre. He provides the background music for the heart of Vertigo: the shop. Show tunes can be heard all over the building, resonating from the dulcet tenor that is Lewie's voice.
Jamie Nicklas
Flying DirectorJamie is the daughter of two theatre technicians. She received numerous awards in school and has experience in props, scenic design, carpentry, and stage management. She completed the CM-ET hoist technician program and is now an ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre. Vertigo welcomed Jamie to the team in 2016.
Kate Hohn
Flying DirectorKate hails from Atlanta, GA and joined team Vertigo in 2024. After operating flying systems for three years as a client, Kate realized she wanted to do this year-round and made the move to Illinois. She has experience in stage management, scenic art, dance, and the classic theatre kid troubleshooting with pizzazz.
Christine Walker Guelde
Business ManagerChristine has been working in the accounting field since 1998 and enjoys helping businesses achieve their financial goals. She was introduced to theatre at the age of 10 and has been involved in one way or another ever since. Christine was welcomed to the Vertigo team in 2015.
Chris Kurszewski
Head of AutomationChris has been a pillar of the Vertigo team since 2008, and his talents are shared with Northern Illinois University School of Theatre & Dance, where he is the resident Master Electrician and Sound Technician. Chris holds a B.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology and an M.F.A. Theatre Arts - Design & Technology. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, which included a tour in Iraq during OIF1.
Tracy Nunnally
Owner, PresidentTracy has worked in professional theatre since the 1980s. His contributions include all aspects of theatre automation, motion control, rigging, pyrotechnics, special effects, scenery construction, and technical design.
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Gabe Nunnally
Co-ownerAs one of the company’s leaders who has been in the entertainment industry for more than a decade, Gabe ensures Vertigo is moving in the right direction and travels to ensure the company’s name is brought to its brightest light.
