Jon Sivell

Jon consults on all aspects of theatre design and project management, specializing in venue planning, stage lighting, and other technical systems.

As a Charcoalblue Director and theatre consultant with twenty-five years of experience, I provide theatre planning and design consulting for a wide variety of performing arts and entertainment projects; offering expertise on small and large theatres, opera houses, orchestra halls, convention centers, auditoriums, amphitheatres, broadcast studios, and entertainment spaces. Informing my consulting work is a unique understanding of the theater building and its operations from my experience in both theater production and performing arts administration. Familiarity with the artistic, technical, and operational requirements of theater facilities informs how I lead projects in all aspects of theater planning, design, and project management. I also like to approach projects with through the lens of urban design and social context – a great venue extends beyond the performance to foster community engagement and establish a unique sense of place within the physical and cultural environment.

What Brought You to Charcoalblue

I joined Charcoalblue in 2018 following an already significant amount of time working as a theater consultant with other firms. The opportunity to join a dynamic, growing and ambitious firm was and remains key to what connects me to the team here at Charcoalblue. The work we do together is world class, and I’m proud to have contributed to the expansion of our team in the Americas delivering projects and bringing local knowledge to serve such a large and diverse region. In the time I’ve been with Charcoalblue I’ve continued to be inspired by the creativity of our team to develop projects that are innovative in their vision yet grounded in pragmatic understanding of buildings and operations. We never deliver the same design twice and likely we are the ones at the table who will contribute a surprising solution to a design problem that propels the project forward with client excitement to be bold.That boldness is reflected across a wide range of project types and scales – from the large adaptable and combinable spaces at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in or the massive Icon of the Seas cruise ship that has a huge diversity of entertainment venues on board; to new homes for storied regional theatres such as the new A.R.T. in Boston crafted to the particular needs of the organization; to intimate spaces for artists to incubate their work as we’ve done for IndieSpace creating a center for independent theatre-making.The diversity and ambition of Charcoalblue’s work, and the emphasis on creative innovation driving our approach are what brought me to Charcoalblue and has happily kept me here ever since.

What We Won’t Learn from Your CV

Although I consider myself an urbanist drawn to many aspects of city life, I’ve found balance and inspiration by living at the beach on the edge of New York City. Beach communities are particularly special places with a different pace of life and a kindness of spirit that comes about from gathering people together with an appreciation for nature and the power of the ocean. The sunsets are pretty spectacular too.