Damien KIng
Summary
Adept at leading teams and optimizing workflows. Spearheaded process improvements at Star Entertainment Group, enhancing productivity significantly. An expertise in CAD Drawing and exceptional communication skills facilitated successful event deliveries within budget and on schedule. Proven track record in WHS and risk management, demonstrating a continuous drive for skill development. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Rigger (HR) - Technical Producer (TP)
Star Entertainment Group (The Event Centre)
01.2018 - 09.2024
- (TP) Coordinated with external vendors to acquire necessary hardware components on time and within budget constraints.
- (TP)Scope of 3000 seat venue, Nightclub and breakout rooms.
- (TP) Championed process improvements through regular reviews and assessments, resulting in streamlined workflows and higher team productivity.
- (TP) Effectively communicated project updates to stakeholders, maintaining transparency and fostering strong working relationships.
- (TP) Reviewed schedules for production for timely delivery.
- (TP) Participated in meetings with producers and production crew to keep program in step with creative vision.
- (TP) Managed technical resources for optimal project efficiency, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products.
- (TP) Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
- (TP) Liaised with directors, technical production companies and other creative staff to successfully complete projects within specified budgetary restraints.
- (TP) Remained composed and highly professional in fast-paced and constantly changing environment, effectively handling challenging situations and difficult individuals to achieve objectives.
- (TP) Identified and approved equipment and elements required for productions.
- (HR) Conducted meetings with 3 employees to successfully resolve conflict that had been ongoing since my predecessor.
- (HR) Sourced and oversaw installation of (Kinesys) automated hoist system.
- (HR) Increased workplace safety by conducting regular rigging inspections and equipment maintenance.
- (HR) Redesigned and implemented stage drape and trussing to free-up equipment and create a staging system that requires less movement between events resulting in cost savings through crew hire.
Production Manager
Griffin Theatre (The Stables)
04.2015 - 10.2016
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Effectively planned for production requirements including budgeting and scheduling for all productions and special events in the year..
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication between team members and regularly soliciting feedback on operational procedures.
- Reviewed maintenance and repair problems to determine appropriate action for resolution.
- Assessed each productions requirements and ensure all resources are delivered in an efficient and timely manner.
- Monitored, liaised and collaborated with creative team to keep projects on task and on budget
- Mentored junior staff members and work experience candidates on best practices in live theatre, cultivating a skilled workforce capable of tackling complex challenges with confidence.
- Coordinate bump-in and bump-out of all Griffin main and independent season productions.
- Contract and supervise all technical staff and/or organisations required to deliver the productions and react to evolving production requirements.
- Implemented preventive maintenance programs for equipment, extending their lifespan and minimizing downtime due to malfunctions.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, resulting in better collaboration and alignment on project objectives.
- Managed budgeting and cost control measures for production department, staying within financial targets.
- Created and oversaw production schedules and adjusted as needed to meet deadlines.
- Monitored inventory levels and restocking schedules to avoid production delays from unavailable materials.
- Determined suitable crew requirements and scheduled employees to meet evolving production requirements.
- Applied "hands-on" skills to assist set, lx and audio bump in.
- Manage Griffin's storage facility.
Tour/ Stage Manager (The Witches National Tour)
Griffin Theatre (The Stables)
02.2015 - 06.2015
- Rehearsed and operated successful execution of technical cues during live performances, ensuring seamless transitions between scenes.
- Enforced safety measures due to potential stage equipment hazards.
- Ensured continuity in performances by maintaining detailed records of blocking notes, prop placements, and costume changes.
- Set-up and Operated LX, Audio and SFX through Cuelab and touring LX Desk
- Liaised with Venues to ensure compatibility with Touring systems.
- Supervised local bumpin crews and coordinated with Venue management to ensure tight show schedules are met.
- Reviewed, redesigned and rebuilt SFX for ease of touring.
Head Mechanist/ Driver "Food" National Tour
Belvoir Theatre/ Force Majure
06.2014 - 11.2014
- Followed all relevant traffic laws and safety regulations.
- Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
- Achieved safe driving records by consistently following traffic rules and regulations.
- Oversaw complete bump-in and bump-out of set with local crew and management.
Head Mechanist
Belvoir Theatre
07.2012 - 12.2013
- Coordinate and supervise all casual staging staff.
- Maintain and catalogue all theatre staging equipment for Belvoir's 2 venues.
- Liaise with creative team to ensure all production's staging requirements are met.
- Liaise with workshop to ensure set elements are constructed to specification, delivered on time and
meet all safety standards.
Touring Head Mechanist 'Turns' National Tour
Christine Dunstan Productions (CDP)
03.2011 - 09.2011
- deWork with local crews and Management in venues across Australia to bump-in/ out sets.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Kept to strict show schedules.
- Gained knowledge of the management styles, in-house systems and layout of heritage and newly constructed venues across Australia.
Head Mechanist
The Seymour Centre
04.2007 - 03.2011
- Booked and oversaw all staging crew for bump-ins/ outs and show-calls.
- Responsible for the maintenance and cataloguing of all staging and rigging equipment in a 4 venue complex.
- Liaised with hirers to ensure all staging requirements are met.
- Operated shows as required.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts - Sculpture
UNSW
Sydney NSW10.2008
Skills
- Strong Leadership skills
- Excellent communication ability
- Highly skilled in CAD Drawing (Rhinoceros and Vectorworks)
- Current Intermediate Rigging Certificate
- Skilled in MS office and Teams
- Understanding of WHS and Risk Management
- Strong knowledge in all aspects of the Live Entertainment Industry
- Basic Woodworking and welding
- Basic electronics understanding and repair
- Documentation skills
- Problem-Solving
Hobbies
- Owns and has built from scratch 3d printers.
- Designs with CAD programs and 3d prints art and functional objects.
- Integrates electronics with 3d printed objects.
- Interested in all technology.
- Amateur welder and woodworker.
Timeline
Head Rigger (HR) - Technical Producer (TP)
Star Entertainment Group (The Event Centre)
01.2018 - 09.2024
Production Manager
Griffin Theatre (The Stables)
04.2015 - 10.2016
Tour/ Stage Manager (The Witches National Tour)
Griffin Theatre (The Stables)
02.2015 - 06.2015
Head Mechanist/ Driver "Food" National Tour
Belvoir Theatre/ Force Majure
06.2014 - 11.2014
Head Mechanist
Belvoir Theatre
07.2012 - 12.2013
Touring Head Mechanist 'Turns' National Tour
Christine Dunstan Productions (CDP)
03.2011 - 09.2011
Head Mechanist
The Seymour Centre
04.2007 - 03.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts - Sculpture
UNSW
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