Simon Powell

Teacher, Assessor and IQA

Job role
What does your role involve?

I work with students to ensure that they have a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of technical theatre whilst introducing them to cutting edge industry opinions and techniques.

What Course do you teach on?

I teach on L2 & L3 Theatre Design & Production, Foundation Degree Screen Audio and Creative Apprenticeships.

How long have you taught on the course?

I have taught on the course for 8 years.

What aspects of theatre design and production do you specialise in?

I specialise in Sound Design, Video Design & Projection Mapping.

 

Educational background
What did you study and what level?

I studied Music Technology at university and later gained a PGCE teaching qualification.

Where did you study?

I studied at QMW college, University of London.

Are you currently undertaking an MA or other qualifications?

I have a Masters in Performance Design from University of Leeds.

 

Experience
What teaching experience do you bring to the course?

I’ve been teaching in the theatre space and delivering creative workshops to students of all ages up to degree level since 2012.

What is your experience of your industry?

As a freelance practitioner I work with individuals and arts organisations creating soundscapes and visual content; mapping imagery onto buildings or surfaces on a stage for theatre productions, contemporary dance performances and live events.

 

Your practice
How did your interest in theatre design and production begin?

My interest in theatre design and production began working as a “casual” at Bradford Alhambra. The background to my practice in the live arts can be traced back to working as a studio engineer in London recording studios. I have a zeal for working creatively as a performance designer, bringing site-specific performance to the community, giving them the opportunity to participate in unique and immersive performances.

What are the future ambitions for practice and/or research?

I am continuing my research and development into telepresent / remote performance with creatives and academics in the local community and at the University of Leeds.

 

Shows and projects
What notable shows and/or projects have you worked on?

Over the last 20 years I have worked and toured in the UK and Europe with established artists, leading arts organisations and live events companies. These include Opera North, Leeds Playhouse, Orbital Sound, Live Nation, Massive Attack, Radiohead, Nick Cave, Leftfield, Manic Street Preachers, Primal Scream and Paul Weller.
My first record was released on Aphex Twin’s Rephlex Records and I continue to make electronic music in the recording studio…though now with a slightly slower BPM!