About Dave Mickey

I’ve always been passionate about finding creative ways to solve problems through technology, design, and storytelling. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work across higher education, professional theatre, interactive media, and software development—bringing together technical expertise and creative thinking to build meaningful experiences.

Today, I serve as Associate Dean in the College of the Arts at California State University, Fullerton. Working in higher education has reinforced my belief that the best technology empowers people, removes barriers, and makes learning and creativity more accessible.

Outside the university, I’ve spent more than three decades designing sound, projection, video, lighting, and interactive experiences for theatre. My work has appeared Off-Broadway, throughout Southern California, and internationally, earning recognition including the NAACP Theatre Award for Best Sound Design, multiple StageSceneLA “Scenie” Awards, and the Robert E. Cohen Sound Achievement Award. Every production has strengthened my passion for collaboration, storytelling, and creating memorable audience experiences.

Technology has always been the thread connecting my work. Since 2009, I’ve been developing applications for Apple platforms, creating software that helps people be more productive, creative, and connected. Through Mickey Designs, I’ve developed dozens of iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro applications spanning productivity, education, music, multimedia, and entertainment. Whether I’m designing a utility for musicians, an educational tool, or a productivity app, my goal is the same: build intuitive software that solves real-world problems with thoughtful design and a great user experience.

I’m also an inventor and maker at heart. I’ve designed MIDI hardware used by musicians around the world, developed interactive art installations, created show control systems for live entertainment, and explored emerging technologies ranging from virtual reality to immersive experiences. I enjoy learning new technologies and finding ways to combine engineering with creativity.

Whether I’m leading academic initiatives, designing for the stage, building software, or creating new hardware, I’m driven by curiosity and the belief that great design should make life easier, more engaging, and a little more inspiring.