Martin Smith

BA (Hons) Scenic Construction
Job title
Lecturer, Scenic Construction for Stage and Screen

Profile

I graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2016 from the BA (Hons) Theatre Practice Scenic Construction course.

Prior to this course I was largely unaware of this area of the industry, but I was then overjoyed to gain a place at Central. Whilst studying at Central I gained invaluable skills in my field, whilst also enabling me to understand other departments and how they work within the production processes.

After graduating from Central I have worked across the UK and in Europe primarily in theatre, but also on TV and live events. I have worked throughout London at venues such as Hampstead Theatre, Young Vic, Old Vic, Theatre Royal Stratford East and Regents Park Open Air Theatre. Outside of London, I have worked at Hope Mill Theatre, Guildford Shakespeare Company and abroad in Paris and Nice on corporate and wedding events.

In 2023 I returned to Central as the Head of Department (HoD) for Scenic Construction for the production of ‘Purgatory in Ingolstadt’. Following this I was offered to return in October 2023 as the Scenic Construction Lecturer, a role which I thoroughly enjoy as it enables me to give back to students what I have learnt over my time since studying.

I work privately as well on commission work from my workshop. I am a member of ABTT, PLASA, & BECTU. And also have IPAF (3a/3b), Emergency First Aid at Work, Work and Rescue from Height Certification and also IOSH Managing Safely for Theatre & Production.

Areas of Expertise

  • Construction Methodology & Interpretation
  • Flying (Counterweight, Hemp & Motors)
  • Health & Safety
  • Metalwork (Mig Welding)
  • Production Planning
  • Rigging
  • Scenic Construction

External Practice

2024. Commission – Memorial Bench

2024. Cirque Enchantment – Production & Tour Manager

2023. Hod Construction – RCSSD

2022-23. Technical Manager – Peterborough

2022. Head of Stage – Peterborough

2022. Production Carpenter – Hope Mill Theatre

2018. Metal Fabricator – Arts Ed, London

2018. Scenic Carpenter – Hampstead Theatre (Ongoing)

Register of Interest

Nothing to declare.