Dan is the Director of Technical Stage Services and is in charge of the running of all aspects of the company. He set up the company in 2002 after graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Live Performance Technology. Dan has many years of experience in all aspects of the technology used in live events.
In addition to his degree Dan is also a qualified electrician, holds a City and Guilds qualification in PAT testing as well as holding an IPAF certificate, Telehandler and Counterbalance forklift tickets, various rigging certificates, the inspection of PPE and rescue training for working at height, has his LEEA Team Card to name some of his additional training.
What’s a typical day in your current role at TSS?
There’s no such thing as a typical day which is why I enjoy doing what I do. One day I may be spending time working on the business, looking at our processes or how we develop the business to ensure we’re providing what our customers want whilst providing the best possible service, then the next day I may be installing a sound system at the other end of the country.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Variety. Getting involved in so many different types of project that allows me to use my skills to deliver a successful project.
What did you do before joining TSS?
After school I did an Advanced GNVQ in Engineering which led me to the University of Derby where I graduated with a 1st in Live Performance Technology. I setup TSS straight from Uni and enjoyed seeing the business grow.
Why/how did you get into the industry?
Before TSS I got the bug for all things technical whilst at school by helping out with their productions. I was also involved in an amateur dramatics company in York and loved helping out with the technical side of their productions.
What are your favourite/most interesting/most unusual gigs/jobs you’ve done in the past?
Over the years I have been involved in a whole host of unusual projects from hanging a lot of line array speakers under the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle (you can’t be scared of heights!) to making a toilet talk for a national museum.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I volunteer on a large heritage railway in the signalling and Telecoms (S&T) team maintaining and installing a huge range of equipment over 18 miles of scenic railway. I also enjoy walking and generally being outside.
What TV show is your guilty pleasure?
Below Deck!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Do what is easy and your life will be hard. Do what is hard and your life will become easy.
