Chris Needle
Consultant and BIM Manager
Chris started at Theatreplan in 2017 as part of an internship programme and in early 2018 became a member of the permanent team as a Systems Designer. In 2022, he was promoted to the role of Consultant. In that time, Chris has worked extensively on projects in Asia, including East Kowloon Cultural Centre, its sister venue New Territories East Cultural Centre, and the Shaw Auditotium at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. In addition to this, he has worked on the lighting systems for the Sydney Opera House and Operaen Copenhagen, and the condition surveys, feasibility reports and design stages of the replacement and upgrade of the house light system at the Royal Albert Hall.
A graduate of Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Chris’s interest in theatre came from his involvement in a Youth Arts Programme when growing up. Originally interested in a career in acting, he found he became more fascinated by the technology happening behind the scenes, so began to focus on stage management and the technical aspects of theatre. At Guildhall he studied Technical Theatre Arts, where he followed the Theatre Technology Pathway which covered Lighting, Sound, Automation and Production Management.
Whilst at Guildhall, Chris trained in many areas of technical theatre but specialised in production lighting, working as lighting designer for The Crucible, Herons and The (Imaginary) Misogynist; production electrician for Balm in Gilead and Opera Makers; and as a lighting programmer and technician for numerous other productions both at Guildhall and further afield. He has experience working in a variety of performance venues with a wide range of performance driven technology. An interest in architectural lighting led him to complete a work experience programme with BDP Lighting, working on the Theatre Royal Drury Lane restoration, prior to joining Theatreplan.
Most recently, Chris has led projects at Telford Theatre and Malvern Theatre, both supported by Levelling Up Funding.
In July 2024, Chris lit a production of "The Lost Lionesses" at The Space in London which earned him a nomination for "Best Lighting Design of a New Production of a Play or Musical" in the Broadway World Regional Awards. He is also currently serving on the Youth Board at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, London.
Current Position
Consultant and BIM Manager
Joined Theatreplan
2017
Qualifications
BA (Hons) Technical Theatre Arts
Professional Association
Member of the Society of Theatre Research
