About

I am an experienced academic with many years of professional, theatre practice and a background in technology and its application to creative endeavours. I have over one hundred shows as a Production Manager to my name, ranging from small-scale studio to West End and International work, with more than 30 professional video designs for the theatre.

I am the Programme Leader and Lecturer in the technology of live events on the following programmes

• BSc (Hons) Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering

Teaching responsibilities

I teach across a number of modules and programmes. My main subject areas are lighting, video, and production management for live events and theatre. I also teach computing and networking skills as they apply to entertainment engineering. I aim to embed employability and health and safety into all my modules, and increasingly investigate issues of sustainability in the live event industry.

Professional interests

• Lighting, sound and staging for live events
• Video projection in theatre and events
• Show control systems
• Convergence of traditional and novel technologies in the implementation of the live event
• Production Management
• Health and Safety for live events
• Sustainability in the live event industry

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (recognition number 47946)
• The Association of British Theatre Technicians
• The Stage Management Association
• Association of Stage Pyrotechnicians

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Computing Science, Staffordshire University
• Post Graduate Diploma (Distinction) Music Information Technology, City University, London
• Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching, University of Derby

Other Qualifications

• NCRQ Safety for Managers
• Manual Handling Risk Assessment and Manual Handling Trainer (IOSH accredited)
• Risk Assessment (British Safety Council)

Experience in industry

I have over 30 years of experience in theatre and live events. As Production Manager at Derby Playhouse, I was responsible for all technical elements of in-house productions, co-productions, tours, transfers, education and community productions. As a member of the Senior Management Team, I was involved in the strategic planning and management of the organisation, devising and implementing policies, and developing business plans and models.

From the early 2000s, I began to develop my practice as a Video and Projection Designer for Theatre productions. As Head of Production and Creative Technology, I continued to lead the Production Departments of Derby Playhouse, but with a remit to explore the innovative use of technology in live theatre production. Derby Playhouse was one of the first regional producing theatres to make extensive use of video projection technology and we developed some unique and cutting-edge techniques that enhanced our international reputation for high production values.

As well as my work for at Derby Playhouse I have Production Managed a number of shows including in the West End and internationally. I have also produced video designs for productions including at Nottingham Playhouse, Chichester Festival Theatre, The Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, and The Limetree Theatre in Limerick. I continue to Production Manager and design video for shows both for the University of Derby and beyond.

International experience

I have worked in a number of theatres in the USA, Australia, and Ireland.

Additional interests and activities

Freelance theatre consultant and Projection Designer.