Technical Manager & Developer

Tom Kirkman-Wood

I'm a Technical Manager and Developer specialising in live entertainment and immersive experiences. From overseeing technical teams for immersive theatre to building custom production software. I’m currently leading the technical & design teams for Punchdrunk’s Lander 23.

Tom Kirkman-Wood
London, UK

Resume

Production Electrician - Prep

B.E.G

The Phantom of the Opera

April 2026

  • Working as part of the Production Electrician team for Broadway Entertainment Group to prep racks, prerig and infrastructure for a touring format.

Technical Manager

Punchdrunk

Lander 23

Dec 2024 - May 2026

  • Leading Design & Technical running teams throughout production.
  • Collaborating with the Production & Operations Teams to realize show elements.
  • Developing and implementing technical documentation and procedures.
  • Directly supporting the Technical Director in the pre production of the show.

Lead Developer

ShowTrak

ShowTrak

Jun 2022 - Present

  • Created ShowTrak, a software stack designed to make pulsed entry shows easier to run.

Technical Manager

Punchdrunk

Viola's Room International Tour

Jan 2025 - Jul 2025

  • Led on technical aspects of migrating the production to a touring format in conjunction with the technical consultant.
  • Worked closely with the production management team to ensure a smooth installation and commissioning process.
  • Led training for the NYC technical team, consisting of 10 technicians and 4 SM/ASM tracks.
  • Coordinated technical elements during the re-tech in both UK and NYC
  • Developed and implemented technical documentation and procedures for the production in conjunction with wider production team.

Technical Manager

Punchdrunk

Viola's Room: A Christmas Tale

Nov 2024 - Jan 2024

  • Oversaw transition from 'Viola's Room' to 'Viola's Room: A Christmas Tale'
  • Developed extensive show documentation in collaboration with creative & production team
  • Primary point of contact for ongoing hires & venue technical support
  • Supported other areas of activity within the venue, contributing to the broader goals of the Punchdrunk Production team.

Technical Manager

Punchdrunk

Viola's Room

Sep 2024 - Nov 2024

  • Led a team of six technicians, three deputies, and a Design Maintenance Manager.
  • Oversaw the smooth and successful technical operation of the production.
  • Collaborated with the team to identify and resolve technical and maintenance issues.
  • Drafted and implemented robust show operating procedures.
  • Interacted with audiences when necessary and worked closely with Front of House and Operational teams.
  • Supported team training and development throughout the production.
  • Promoted to this role from Deputy Technical Manager.

Senior Technician

Layered Reality

The Gunpowder Plot

Nov 2023 - Sep 2024

  • Provided on-site technical support for live show operations.
  • Conducted regular maintenance on all technical equipment.
  • Integrated and controlled technical systems using industry-standard software (Disguise, QLab, Wintermute, Jands Vista).
  • Troubleshooted and resolved technical issues across a variety of systems.
  • Worked effectively both independently and as part of a wider team.

Senior Technician

Layered Reality

The War Of The Worlds

May 2022 - Sep 2024

  • Provided on-site technical support for live show operations.
  • Conducted regular maintenance on all technical equipment.
  • Developed custom software solutions, including ShowTrak.
  • Integrated and controlled technical systems using industry-standard software.
  • Developed LR Portal for VR fault analysis and proactive problem resolution.
  • Trained team members on safe and efficient operating procedures.
  • Monitored live shows to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Lead Developer

Layered Reality

Portal

Aug 2022 - 2024

Production Electrician

The Thompson Theatre

Six Teen Edition

Feb 2024

  • Installed and maintained systems for the production, including lighting and power distribution.
  • Worked closely with the lighting designer to ensure key deadlines were met.
  • Troubleshooted and resolved electrical issues that arose during the installation process.
  • Adhered to all safety regulations and best practices during all electrical work.

Technician

Trinity Theatre

Cinderella

Dec 2023

  • Provided technical support for the get in
  • Hung, focused, and patched lighting fixtures as per the lighting designer's plot.
  • Assisted with the rigging and operation of flies as needed.
  • Troubleshooted and resolved technical issues that arose during the installation process.
  • Adhered to all safety regulations and best practices during all technical work.

Technician

Trinity Theatre

A Chorus Line

Nov 2023

  • Provided technical support for the get in
  • Hung, focused, and patched lighting fixtures as per the lighting designer's plot.
  • Assisted with the rigging and operation of flies as needed.
  • Troubleshooted and resolved technical issues that arose during the installation process.
  • Adhered to all safety regulations and best practices during all technical work.

Consultant Technical Manager

Golden Goose

Golden Goose Theatre

Aug 2021 - Dec 2021

  • Led the refit of the control, power distribution, data distribution, sound, AV, and network infrastructure at the Golden Goose Theatre.
  • Oversaw all aspects of the technical infrastructure upgrade, from initial planning and design to final implementation and testing.
  • Collaborated with external contractors and partners to ensure the successful completion of the project within budget and timeframe.
  • Developed and implemented technical specifications and standards for all new systems and equipment.
  • Provided technical guidance and support to the theatre staff on the operation and maintenance of the new infrastructure.

Network Engineer

1st Stop Studio

Future Matrix Consulting

Apr 2019 - Jan 2020

  • Provided consultancy services for the design and implementation of network installations for home and business environments.
  • Conducted site surveys and assessments to determine client needs and requirements for network infrastructure.
  • Designed and implemented network solutions, including wired and wireless networks, to meet client specifications.
  • Troubleshooted and resolved network issues for clients, providing ongoing support and maintenance as needed.

Toolkit

Skills & Certifications

A mix of production management, live systems, networking, safety, and software development experience.

Core Skills

Preventive Maintenance Health & Safety Virtual Reality EOS Programming/Operation Jands Vista Programming/Operation MA Mode 3 Operation QLab Programming/Operation Safe Rigging Practices JS, CSS, HTML, LUA Programming Dante Networking Converged Networking Pyro Operation & Maintenance Knowledge of RIDDOR Knowledge of COSHH Knowledge of IOSH

Programming Languages

Javascript HTML/CSS SQL Lua

Certifications

Emergency First Aid at Work Highfield Level 2 Award in the Principles of Fire Safety ETC EOS Family L4: Proficient ETC EOS Family L3: Intermediate ETC EOS Family L2: Enhanced ETC EOS Family L1: Essentials Dante Level 3 (Audinate) Dante AV Elective (Audinate) DDM Technical Training (Audinate) ABTT Bronze (ABTT) D3 Fundamentals (Disguise) Design Essentials (Disguise) MTX Series Training (Yamaha) Vista E-Training (Chroma-Q)