List your course(s) undertaken here at SRC (previously SBC/SBT).
GNVQ & AVCE Performing Arts
When were you a student here at SRC?
2003-2005
What do you remember from your time here at SRC?
I loved it. I got to meet a lot of people who were on the same wavelength as me, my confidence grew with every performance piece, and it’s also where I started taking an interest in the technical and backstage aspects.
What shows were you in and what parts did you play?
I worked as Lighting Operator on Hair The Musical at Middlesbrough Little Theatre, a Followspot Operator for Alice in Wonderland, Lighting Operator for HND final performances
and performed in a few shows like “Lady Chill”, “Alter-nativity” and “More a way of Life” Directed by the late Geoff Hardisty.
Where else have you studied after your time at SRC?
I went on to Newcastle College at Ryehill Campus and studied a BTEC in Advanced Stage Management and Technical Production.
What was your first professional job and where?
I was offered a full time job as a Theatre Technician at Arc (Stockton Arts Centre) a month before leaving Newcastle College, I had been working there since my days at Riverside College and moved up from casual to part time then on to full time. I occasionally worked at the @rena and the Empire in Middlesbrough on club nights.
I had also worked at the Carling Academy (now O2) in Newcastle as local crew during my studies.
Where else have you undertaken roles within the performing arts industry?
To give a summary of the most notable companies in my career:
I worked for 7 months with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a Lighting Technician.
Worked for 6 months with Thomson Cruise Lines as Head of Lighting. Both of these jobs allowed me to travel the world, developing my skills as a technician.
I was recruited as a UK Technical Sales Manager in London by Avolites Ltd., who are a global leader in the lighting control industry, meeting and working with the biggest names in the entertainment world.
I recently returned from living and working in Dubai for 18 months with the Middle East’s premier lighting department for a world renowned production company, PRG. Designing and rigging concerts, events and corporate functions for global, high end brands and businesses.
As a freelancer, I work with a multitude of companies nationwide and I have been on a number of European and national tours for bands, DJs and corporate events and festivals.
I also look after all lighting requirements for a successful Grade II music venue in Islington, London.
What was your favourite professional job?
I’ve been very lucky to have had so many… But I’d have to choose:
Stage LX for Bullet For My Valentine’s co-headline slot at Download Festival mainstage 2013
Programming Lights for the famous Mott The Hoople at the 02 Arena, London 2013
Rigging for Sensation White Dance Festival at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai 2014 & 2015
And lighting the Infinity Bridge in Stockton for the Queen’s Jubilee in 2012
List your industry experience and roles you’ve undertaken. This may include any teaching or technical-theatre work etc.
2007-2009: Theatre Technician at Arc, Stockton.
2009-2011: Head of Lighting with Royal Caribbean and Thomson Cruise Lines
2011-2012: UK Technical Sales Manager for Avolites LTD, London.
2014-2016: Senior Lighting Technician at PRG Gearhouse, Dubai.
2012- Present: Self-employed at TF Sound & Light LTD.
2012: Lighting Technician for Kylie Minogue’s Aphrodite DVD shoot, London.
2012: Lighting the Infinity Bridge for the Queen’s 60th Anniversary Jubilee. Stockton-On-Tees.
2012: LD for bands across 3 stages at Download Festival.
2013: Stage LX for Bullet for my Valentine on co-headline mainstage at Download Festival, Donnington.
2013: Lighting Technician for Shangri-La at Glastonbury Festival.
2013: LD for UK tour with Seether.
2013: Console Programmer for Mott The Hoople at O2 Arena, London.
2014: Lighting Technician for Shangri-La at Glastonbury Festival.
2014: LD for European Tour with Heaven’s Basement and Black Veil Brides.
2014: LD for UK Tour with the Inspiral Carpets.
2014: LD for The Pretty Reckless co-headline slot Stage 2 at Download Festival, Donnington.
2014: LD and programmer for Stage 3 & 5 at Sonnisphere Festival, Knebworth.
2015: Site Technician for Greenwich Docklands International Festival, London.
2016: LD for DJ Chicane at Sunset Sessions. Morzine, France.
2016: Production Technician for European tour with Facebook.
2016: LD Stage 2 for Wireless Festival, London.
2016: LD for the Arcadia Afterburner, Ultra Music Festival. Croatia.
