Theatreplan has appointed two partners, with Michael Atkinson and Paul Connolly joining current partners, Roger Fox, Dave Ludlam, Clive Odom, Mathew Smethurst-Evan and John Whitaker.
Atkinson first joined the London-based theatre consultancy as an Associate in April 2014, designing the stage and working light control systems as well as dimmer engineering for the Copenhagen Opera and a number of other venues. A lighting technology expert whose career has taken him from major West End shows to New York and then back to the UK where he enjoyed a long stint at the National Theatre as Head of Resources, Atkinson’s abilities cover all things relating to lighting system design and energy management.
Atkinson is in frequent contact with all the major suppliers and has organised dimmer and luminaire comparison demonstrations (shoot-outs) as part of his ongoing development regime. As well as leading Theatreplan’s lighting system designs and sustainability initiatives, he is also currently managing the delivery of services for the multi-auditoria Cross District Community Cultural Centre project in Hong Kong.
Paul Connolly joined Theatreplan as Practice Manager in 2013. An experienced business manager, he worked in management and finance in engineering, the food industry and in the educational sector before joining The Theatres Trust, the National Public Body for Theatres, as its Administrator in 1996. Here he developed and managed internal administration and financial reporting systems, provided support to the board of Trustees, and was instrumental in the expansion of the organisation’s reach into the wider theatre industry. He was also editor of the Trust’s quarterly journal, Theatres Magazine.
Connolly is the first point of contact for enquiries at the practice. He manages the administration function, co-ordinates marketing initiatives and co-ordinates the compilation of tender documentation and project proposals, as well as providing day-to-day support to the other partners. He has also played a key role in the establishment of the company’s Hong Kong office.
‘Paul has quickly proved himself to be invaluable when it comes to the day-to-day management and running of the office,’ says Dave Ludlam. ‘His business management skills combined with his extensive knowledge of the theatre world and the people in it make him an enormous asset for us. His appointment was vital to the practice as we continue to grow, and he proves to us every day that we made the right choice. As for Mike, his long experience with the National Theatre has endowed him with a unique set of skills – he is both an experienced consultant and technician in a very specialist discipline. His in-depth product knowledge in the fields of luminaires, dimmers and control systems and project management experience enables him to challenge manufacturers to ensure that products perform up to specification. Like Paul, Mike is a very worthy addition to the team.’
See also:
Theatreplan opens HK office to support Asia operations
More: www.theatreplan.co.uk
