Kathryn Nolan
Managing Director - Theatre Consultancy Americas
Kathryn provides leadership in the Americas Theatre Consultancy practice and consultancy in all aspects of theatre design, specializing in auditorium design and building planning.
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Kathryn comes from a background of Set Design, and brings her detailed knowledge of seating, sightlines, intimacy, and atmosphere to all her projects. Since joining Charcoalblue full time in 2016, she has taken on numerous leadership roles on internal projects, as well as world-class performing arts venues of all shapes and sizes. Kathryn is the founder of Charcoalblue’s corporate social responsibility efforts and originated our CSR working group “The Blue Team” in 2017, bringing our outreach work into Charcoalblue’s core values.
Kathryn is also a driving force behind Charcoalblue’s theatre design in North America, and is skilled at distilling and translating a client’s vision into the shape and form of an auditorium. Since becoming a Director in 2022, Kathryn’s leadership now extends to internal Training and Development initiatives and management of our North American project delivery team, as well as Business Development.
What's the greatest lesson you've learnt as a Theatre Consultant?
Listen, collaborate and most importantly keep learning!
What first sparked your love of theatre or performing arts?
I was passionate about theatre from a young age, from performing at school and studying theatre at A level – I always wanted to somehow link this passion with my love for art. Training in set design allowed me to do just that and discovering the ability to imagine and bring worlds to life.
Now working in consultancy the magic really comes in seeing the theatre not only shine for the shows themselves but for the staff, performers and audience that make the building come alive on a day to day basis. Working with people with such a range of skills and talent in this industry inspires you to design and imagine the best you can every day!
What qualities should a 'great performance space' have?
Providing a unique setting that inspires and excites the audience and the performers – creating a combined energy however the auditorium is configured.
You lead Charcoalblue’s CSR initiative, The Blue Team, what prompted you to establish the group?
Our work is all about people – designing for those who experience theatre in every way. It was important to realise the unique position in the industry Charcoalblue sits in – where we can use our work to give back and in turn inspire others to do the same.
Creating a formalised structure and team within Charcoalblue ensures we achieve our aims of making the theatre industry the best it can be. We want to include all, impact our environment and inspire the next generation!