Chris Dales
Senior Consultant
Chris consults on all elements of theatre design and is a specialist in the design of stage engineering and other technical systems.
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Aerospace Engineering graduate Chris worked at Arup for seven years prior to joining Charcoalblue with extensive experience in theatre consultancy, specialising in the design of production lighting, seating and stage engineering systems.
Before joining Charcoalblue, Chris worked as a technical systems designer and acted as the main point of contact with architects and contractors as project manager on a number of performing arts projects, primarily in Singapore.
Chris’ consultancy work with Charcoalblue includes the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Linbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House.
What's the greatest lesson you've learnt as a Theatre Consultant?
Never assume you have mastered a subject. You learn more that way.
What first sparked your love of theatre or performing arts?
At my local theatre, I recall as a young boy sitting through a performance of Castle of Perseverance and looking up at the control room during the terrifying sound effects. Under the ethereal glow of a task light I could see the spinning wheels of a reel-to-reel Revox tape machine. I was gripped with fascination as the connection dawned on me. The memory has never receded.
Operating the lighting board from the same control room for a Rick Wakeman Christmas charity concert many years later, whilst he played Frosty the Snowman to the theme of Prokofiev, I thought I’d made it.
Supporting the industry internationally since 2004
