Main Responsibilities
To provide consultancy on all aspects of theatre design, specialising in the design of stage engineering, demountable stages and other technical systems.

Experience
Having studied Stage Management at LAMDA, Giles has since had thirty three years in professional theatre, including seven years as Principal Designer at Steeldeck, designing stages, stage engineering systems and auditoria for theatres in the UK and USA.

During his time at Steeldeck, Giles also invented the unique Wedgelock fixing system for rails and posts - now being installed in theatres across the UK, and the ground-breaking APACK retractable seating system - the first retractable system in the world to be fully proof against progressive collapse.

Both the Wedgelock system and the APACK retractable seating system are now protected by Patent, worldwide.

Giles’ other project designs for Steeldeck include the innovative high specification demountable stage installation at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre; the refurbishment of the King’s Theatre Glasgow, including a new concept ring-beam supporting the front of the stalls auditorium, and a unique deck-clamping system; St. Edwards School in Oxford; Hull Truck Theatre; and the complete concept, design and installation of The Round, Lancaster, in three months from concept to handover.

He also designed and installed the UK’s first curved retractable seating system at Hampton School. 

Giles has invented other products now in use in theatre, including Easy-Out decks, BabyPack retractable studio seating, ‘handcuffs’ for clamping different height decks together, quick-release systems for removable seating, and even a plug in device to turn four standard decks into a revolve.

Fourteen years as Production Manager at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art was spent training hundreds of technicians and stage managers, with several years spent as Client’s Project Director managing the design and build of the new Academy in Gower St.

Giles also taught Stage Engineering at the Academy, as well as introducing some ground-breaking lift technology in RADA’s Vanbrugh Theatre which features a moving auditorium floor.

Previous work has included Technical Manager at the Dominion Theatre, Production Manager for the London Academy of Dramatic Art and Stage Management in various theatres around the North West.

As well as enjoying boating on the Thames, Giles also designs and builds half-size scale steam engines for a hobby, having previously been a Driver on full size steam locomotives, and has a garage full of lathes, milling machines, welders etc.

Awards for the APACK retractable system
ABTT Product of the Year Engineering/Rigging 2008
LDI Best Debuting Product Staging and Rigging 2008

Consultancy Work
Corby Cube; Liverpool Everyman; New Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; Hippodrome, London; 400 Hall, Repton; Royal Shakespeare Theatre Redevelopment, Stratford-upon Avon.