James Luff

Education

Equipment

My Equipment/Kit:

I can use:

About me

I have five years of stage management experience working at the Royal Hippodrome theatre in Eastbourne. The venue is a beautiful Victorian theatre with a medium sized 600 seat auditorium.

I have been responsible for almost all areas of running the theatre on a day to day basis. Not only do I deal with the technical aspects, including liaising with touring companies to establish their requirements. I also carry out numerous company manager roles on the summer season show which runs mid week. On top of that there is all the hiring, training and management of staff and ensuring the venue remains safe for the public. Keeping risk assessments up to date, organising the various inspections throughout the year and keeping records of everything.

Over the years that I've worked in theatre I've built up a diverse range of knowledge in all the different aspects of backstage duties. I have worked extensively in hemp houses, both at the Devonshire Park and Royal Hippodrome theatre and I have experience with counter weight flying at the Congress theatre. During fit-ups I work closely with the company stage manager and have been involved in set construction, putting up lighting rigs by following plans and installing touring PAs into the venues.

I have operated and have experience with several different lighting desks including the Strand 500 series, Zero 88 Frog range, Jands Event, Sirius 250 and Stand GSX.

In the sound department I have operated numerous shows from simple plays to musicals with a full cast using radio mics and an orchestra. I have also had to "busk" many one night concerts and charity events with barely any time to sound check, usually the most challenging but also most rewarding times.

As part of my duties at the Royal Hippodrome theatre I also had to act as the DSM for the summer season show. This has given me experience in managing a show, calling the cues and keeping everything running smoothly and on time. Even when major technical issues may be encountered along the way! Dealing with these problems requires quick thinking and a cool and calm composure.

Just recently I have been touring with a show called "Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance" which has visited several venues in England. This has given me an invaluable insight and appreciation for the difficulties touring crews face and has made me even more understanding of their requirements.
Additional skills:
I am a part time web developer and run the popular site Techie Talk at http://www.techietalk.co.uk
Referees:
Colin Matthews,
Matthews Productions,
Babbacombe Theatre,
Babbacombe Downs,.
Torquay.
TQ1 3LU
Tel: removed

Paul Debreczeny,
Eastbourne Theatres,
Compton Street,
Eastbourne,
East Sussex.
BN21 4BP
Tel: removed

License & Passport

Skills

Secondary Job Title	Lighting Technician
Job Titles	Special Effects (SFX) Artist, Stage Manager, Production Manager, Production Support, Sound Operator / Engineer, Lighting Tech / Operator, General Staff, Electrician, Theatre Technician, Automation / Flying, Health & Safety
Years in industry	6+ years
Organisations / Memberships	ABTT (UK)