Mentor

Stephen Blackburn

Arts Administration, Lighting Design, Project Management, Creative Producing

I have been working in theatre and exhibition design for over twenty-eight years.

I have a sound knowledge of project management, accounting procedure, personnel management, strategic planning, production management and the creative process.

I have worked on projects ranging in scale from small intimate theatre pieces to multi million dollar projects.

My interests are Drama, Dance, Opera, Gardening

AchIEvemnenTs

Founding Secretary of the Wellington Branch of NZATT
Founding Chair of the Performing & Interactive Arts Design Guild of Aotearoa/New Zealand
Past Chair of the Young & Hungry Arts Trust
Award winning Lighting Designer
Recipient of Creative New Zealand Scholarship for strategic leadership professional development
Compiled the Guide for safe Working Practices in the NZ Theatre & Entertainment industry and currently on the committee overseeing its management as a Guide policy document for the industry.

History

2004, General Manager of Capital E National Theatre for Children

Reduced overall activity to improve quality of productions. Introduced ticketing data base.
Implemented wider genre vision for the company with greater collaborations within the sector both in production and presenting.
Posted five years of operational surpluses.
Secured first international tour to Victoria Arts Centre and Sydney Opera House followed by a tour to Singapore.

1999, Technical Co-ordinator National Dance & Developed the course curriculum for Production.

Drama Centre Management / Lighting and arts administration units including diploma and degree level.
Improved the standard of the graduates.

1994, Production Manager Royal NZ Ballet

Every production met budget and in most cases substantial savings allowing the continuance of the company under stringent fiscal times.
Supervised the design and fit out of the ballet’s home at the Westpac St James Theatre.

1990, Q Light Consultancy Director

Set up my own consultancy based in Leeds UK.
Specialising in Museum, visitor centre, dark ride.
Design and project management

1987, Senior Technical Designer Heritage Projects UK

Involved in company developing the revolution in museum design throughout Europe based on the success of the Jorvik Centre in York.

1986, Chief Electrician Gateway Theatre UK

Youngest Chief in Gateway Theatre history aged 21.

1984, Theatre Manager Memorial Theatre NA

brief stint at Memorial main achievement opening up venue to greater student use and exploration of other spaces within Student Union buildings for performance usage.

1982–1984, Technical Director Downstage NZ

Made Technical Director at age 18.

1980–1982 Technician Downstage Theatre NZ

Joined at the age of 15. Became house Equity rep.

Freelance Highlights

Designer French Oyster Heritage Centre for Gibson International
Lighting Designer for OUR SPACE at Te Papa
Lighting Design for Vula winning Designer of the year 2003
Production Manager Opera New Zealand
Designer / Project Manager Black Country Museum UK
Designer / Project Manager Nants & Kings Mill Wales UK
Designer /Project Manager Whiskey Museum Edinburgh UK
Designer Magna Carta Exhibition Lincoln UK
Designer /Project Manager Aeronautics Gallery National Science Museum London UK
Designer conceptual Colditz Museum Germany
Designer Conceptual Leipzig war Memorial
Designer / Project Manager Barrow in Furness Museum
Designer Ribchester Roman Museum
Designer Cheddar Gorge
Designer /Project Manager Canterbury tales
Designer /Project Manager The Oxford Story
Designer A day at the wells
Assistant Electrician at SUNY Campus at Fredonia New York USA
Lighting Technician Richmond Theatre London UK
Lighting Designer West Yorkshire Playhouse UK
Lighting Designer Harrogate Theatre UK
Designed and /or Production Managed over 120 productions here and overseas

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