Jim Niesel

As a project manager, theatre equipment designer, and AV designer, Jim is responsible for the programming and planning of theatre buildings and the coordination of our project team. His experience as a theatre technician guides his design and planning of functional, efficient theatres and buildings. His knowledge of computer modeling and architecture provides a foundation for his work, which includes everything from 10,000-seat arenas to community theatres and houses of worship.

Jim’s theatre career began in Southern California where he worked in a variety of roles including shop foreman for Chaffey College, stage tech at Knott’s Berry Farm, and master carpenter at South Coast Repertory Theatre and Shakespeare Santa Cruz. In 2000, he began work with SoundImage, designing and integrating audio video systems. Jim first joined Theatre Projects in 2001 as a performance rigging and machinery designer, working on more than 40 projects worldwide before joining Arup in 2007 as a theatre system specialist. With Arup, he carried out on-site project management in Singapore before taking a leading role in the company’s Australasia theatre consulting practice. 

Jim is an ETCP Certified Theatre Rigger and a member of the Rigging Working Group (RWG) within ESTA’s Technical Standards Program. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Production and Design from the University of Arizona, and studied Architecture and 3-D drafting and Design at Long Beach City College. He has been a longtime supporter of the Long Reach Long Riders—a horde of theatre technicians and motorcycle enthusiasts from around the USA, Canada, and beyond, who ride to raise money for charity.