Evan Lewis, Class of 2025, is making a splash as a fountain operations specialist at Longwood Gardens.

No business like flow business

Article by Hillary Hoffman Photos by Becca Mathias for Longwood Gardens May 06, 2026

UD alumnus Evan Lewis combines technology and theatre to support Longwood Gardens’ fountain performances

Longwood Gardens’ seasonal illuminated fountain performances return this week, offering guests 30-minute spectacles of soaring water and synchronized lights set to music. While the shows are carefully choreographed, variables like wind speed and water level require constant, quick adjustments to keep them running safely and seamlessly. Behind the scenes, fountain operations specialists like University of Delaware alumnus Evan Lewis monitor software dashboards and coordinate with facilities staff to address electrical or plumbing issues.

“It's very active monitoring whenever the fountains are running,” said Lewis. “Even though we have robust computer systems in place, we have to be able to move quickly to address any errors that pop up. Shows with flame effects require extra monitoring.”

Months of preparation go into these shows, and this was Lewis’ first year seeing the full process unfold. He joined Longwood’s fountain operations team full-time after graduating from UD in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a theatre production minor, though he had worked there on a seasonal basis since 2022.

Evan Lewis monitors software dashboards during fountain shows at Longwood Gardens, ensuring every spray and special effect is on point.

Coordinating high-tech performances

One of Lewis' favorite parts of the job is watching audiences react.

“I love to see all the families coming together and dancing and singing along to the shows,” he said. “There’s so much joy that comes from these fountains.”

Working closely with designers as they develop the performances is another highlight. Lewis particularly enjoys the iterative process as effects and sequences are refined.

“Things aren’t ready the first time. They're often changing different effects and colors and trying out different looks,” he said. “I enjoy seeing all their ideas and even being able to provide input sometimes, like pointing out where lights could be added to enhance a scene.”

Evan Lewis studied both computer science and theatre production at UD, allowing him to thrive as a fountain operations specialist at Longwood Gardens.

This year, preparations have been especially hands-on as the team works to modernize robotic fountain components, including elements that allow for smoother movement in a wider range of motion. The updated motors require adjustments and testing across control systems.

The long days are made easier by Longwood’s teamwork-based approach, a dynamic Lewis came to appreciate at UD through the Harrington Theatre Arts Company (HTAC), UD’s student-run theatre company, and HenHacks, UD's student-run hackathon. Both reinforced the collaborative problem-solving skills he carries into his current role.

Blending technology and theatre at UD

When Lewis first came to UD, he knew he wanted to major in computer science, but he didn’t expect to develop an academic interest in theatre. His growing involvement with HTAC ultimately led him to pursue a theatre production minor. That work culminated in an independent study with Resident Ensemble Players technical director Elliot Queale, who earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UD in 2018.

Queale described Lewis as one of his most inquisitive students.

“What stood out the most was his genuine excitement for even the smallest details,” Queale said. “He always saw the bigger picture of how this technology fit into and enhanced the broader artistic vision we were all working toward.”

For his final project, Lewis designed a “theatrical light switch” that let performers trigger lighting effects directly from the stage. Queale was impressed by Lewis’ focus on making the system robust, flexible and accessible to users without a computer programming background, noting that Lewis introduced him to a few new concepts and tools.

“That experience really confirmed that I love the mix of technology, computer science and theatre,” Lewis said.

But his path to Longwood started long before his time at UD.

Finding a full-circle connection at Longwood

Growing up in Wilmington, Delaware, Lewis frequently visited Longwood Gardens and remembers the excitement he felt during its major renovations between 2015 and 2017.

“When it was finished, I went to see the Beatles show — the first show I saw with the flame system,” he recalled. “I was just blown away by the lighting and the effects that they could do. It was a key memory.”

Years later, that memory resurfaced while he was looking for a summer job. He reached out to Longwood and secured a seasonal position in fountain operations, returning for several summers before transitioning to full-time.

“Now that I've graduated, I can commit my time to keeping these shows going,” he said. “Hopefully in the next year, I’ll be able to start learning to design shows and bring my creativity to the fountains.”

As music fills the gardens and fountains rise and fall in sync this summer, Lewis will be tracking conditions and helping keep performances running seamlessly. He’s especially looking forward to audience reactions to a brand-new show, Journey to Oz, which blends The Wiz, Wicked and The Wizard of Oz into one story with fireworks.

“That’s really the payoff — seeing everyone enjoying all the work that we’re putting in,” he said.

Blue Hen alumnus Evan Lewis is part of a team that’s been modernizing robotic fountain components at Longwood Gardens to ensure a brilliant spectacle during each iconic show.