Theatreplan strengthens practice with two new appointments

We are pleased to announce the appointment of two new partners to the practice. With appointments that took effect from 1^st October, Michael Atkinson and Paul Connolly join current partners, Roger Fox, Dave Ludlam, Clive Odom, Mathew Smethurst-Evan and John Whitaker.

 

Michael first joined Theatreplan as an Associate in April 2014 where he designed the stage and working light control systems as well as dimmer engineering for the Copenhagen Opera and a range of other venues. A renowned 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 proficiency in all things relating to lighting system design and energy management is nationally recognized.

 

Indeed, he is an important end-user advisor to the stage lighting industry and he comments, critiques and guides developers on the next generation of control, dimming and automated lighting fixtures. He 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, Atkinson is also currently managing the delivery of services for the multi-auditoria Cross District Community Cultural Centre project in Hong Kong.

 

Paul joined Theatreplan as Practice Manager in January 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. There he developed and managed internal administration and financial reportimg systems, provided support to the board of Trustees, and was instrumental in the expansion of the organisation's reach into the wider theatre indutry. He was also editor of the Trust's quarterly journal, Theatres Magazine. 

 

He 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.

 

“All of us at Theatreplan are delighted to welcome two such talented individuals to the practice as fully-fledged partners,” said Dave Ludlam. “Paul has been with us since the beginning of the year, and has quickly proved himself to be invaluable when it comes to the day-to-day management and running of the office. 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.”