Sound Collaboration: Industry Leaders Salute Mark Ingalls' Impactful Career
As Mark Ingalls prepares to retire from Wenger later this month, the performing arts industry reflects on his career of innovation, integrity and collaboration. For over three decades, Mark has been more than a product manager or technical liaison. He has been a trusted partner, creative problem-solver and a steady force behind some of the most notable acoustical shell projects across North America – and the world.
Mark’s lasting influence is perhaps best embodied in the evolution and enduring success of the Diva® Acoustical Shell, a product that helped reshape expectations for what an acoustical shell could achieve when it was launched 30 years ago.
“The Diva shell’s combination of aluminum frame and honeycomb panels struck a smart compromise between the physical and the acoustic. It was a very good idea,” recalls Mark Holden, CEO of Jaffe Holden acoustical consultants. “We were one of the first users of the Diva shell. We helped develop it and were very comfortable with the lightweight concept.”
More than just a good idea, Diva became a benchmark in the industry – widely used and consistently praised for its flexibility, reliability and customizability. As Jack Hagler, FASTC, partner with theatre consultant Schuler Shook, notes, “As a consultant, the Diva shell is incredibly easy to work with – it’s a well-designed standard product that still offers a wide range of custom options to meet the needs of acousticians and architects.”
Those who worked closely with Mark describe him not only as a technical expert but as someone who truly listened – to acousticians, architects, theatre consultants and end users.
“I’ve worked with Mark Ingalls for decades, and he’s the epitome of excellent customer service. He’s always accessible and follows through on every promise,” says Hagler. “What makes Mark stand out is how collaborative he is – he takes the time to understand our design goals and offers honest input on what’s practical in terms of cost and functionality.”
This blend of practicality and deep industry knowledge became a defining feature of Mark’s work. Whether designing a straightforward Diva installation or tackling complex, fully custom acoustical environments like the full-stage shell at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, Mark approached each project with care and precision, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
“The woodworking requirements for the Bass Hall shell were extraordinary: book-matched, high-quality veneer that required Wenger to build custom machinery. Gold leaf on the ceiling panels was another first,” Holden explains. “This particular shell really raised the bar in the industry; it was revolutionary. Previous wood shells weighed a ton and took hours to set up. This shell was a piece of beautiful furniture that could be set up in around ninety minutes. It was gorgeous and practical.”
Mark’s collaborators repeatedly point to his calm demeanor and steady leadership as a differentiator. “His personality was even keeled, which can be a real asset in certain situations,” recalls Millie Dixon, a retired principal from Theatre Projects Consultants. “Mark’s practical approach to solving technical problems was extremely helpful for end users. He and the rest of the Wenger team were always very collaborative, with good ideas and creative solutions.”
Beyond his technical achievements, Mark played a key role in nurturing Wenger’s next generation of leaders. “In assembling the Wenger teams for the Hancher Auditorium and Belmont University projects, Mark brought in great younger team members,” explains Dixon. “He deserves kudos for nurturing the next generation of company leadership. Mark also gave them the autonomy they needed to grow and succeed, which is fantastic.”
Paul Scarbrough, principal with acoustical consultancy Akustiks, compliments Mark’s versatility and ingenuity: “Mark stands out for his collaborative approach – always willing to help us achieve aesthetic and acoustical objectives with a shell design. Even within tight budgets, he would help us create something special. Mark’s thoroughness and attention to detail were key to our successful collaborations.”
Scarbrough also emphasized the Diva shell’s value from an acoustician’s standpoint: “The modularity of the Diva shell provides excellent flexibility, allowing acousticians to tailor solutions without the cost of a fully custom shell. Adjusting design elements like panel curvature helps meet the unique needs of different venues.”
And through it all, Mark did his work with grace and humility. “I’ve known Mark for as long as he’s been with Wenger,” explains Joe Mobilia, ASTC, principal with theatre consultant Fisher Dachs Associates. “Whenever I went to him with a unique problem, I could count on him to give me a unique solution – or two. And always with good humor.”
Mobilia also captured the team-driven spirit Mark championed: “Wenger excels with custom acoustical shells because of their people – they make these projects possible through their knowledge and collaboration.” On projects like the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, he notes, “Every aspect was custom – the acoustical shell towers, ceiling reflectors and J.R. Clancy rigging. And it all had to work within the often-limited confines of an existing theatre.”
As Mark looks forward to retirement, the industry he served so well is indebted to his presence and contributions. He leaves behind a legacy of smart design, thoughtful leadership and enduring partnerships.
Thank you, Mark, for setting the standard – and for doing it with integrity, generosity and humble brilliance. Here’s to your well-earned encore.
