Paul Graham-Bell
Course Leader for Backstage Production and Chief Theatre Technician
Job role
What does your role involve?
I look after Backstage students and the Chroma-Q Theatre
Which course do you teach on?
I teach on the L3 Theatre Design & Production and L2 Production Arts
How long have you taught on the course?
I’ve taught at LCC for 3 years
What aspects of theatre design and production do you specialise in?
I specialise in Lighting Design
Educational background
What did you study and what level?
I have a degree in Technical Theatre Arts and a PGCE teaching qualification
Where did you study?
I studied at the Arden School of Theatre
Are you currently undertaking an MA or other qualifications?
I’m not studying at the moment.
Experience
What teaching experience do you bring to the course?
I’ve been teaching A level and Btecs since 2008
What is your experience of your industry?
I’ve worked mainly in theatre, both on tour and in venues but have also spent a long time working at music festivals.
Your practice
How did your interest in theatre design and production begin?
My interest in theatre design and production began working on outdoor Shakespeare productions whilst I studied my A levels. I specialised in Lighting Design during my degree and have been playing with light ever since. I love the interaction of design and performance elements in a live setting; creating shared experiences for an audience is very rewarding.
What are the future ambitions for practice and/or research?
I would like to create a training school for theatre design with a reputation surpassing those based in London.
Shows and projects
What notable shows and/or projects have you worked on?
I have worked at Leeds/Reading Festival, Latitude Festival and BBC Proms with Festival Republic. I have worked for English Touring Theatre and Yorkshire Dance as a Technical Stage Manager and Harrogate Theatre as Head of Sound. I have lit productions for M6 Theatre Company, Bury Theatre, Greenroom Theatre, Contact Theatre and Northern Ballet School.
