Daniel Shilling

Technical and Building Manager, The Fire Station, Sunderland

I joined STAMP when I was just seven years old, and it played a huge part in shaping the person I am today.

Like so many young people, STAMP gave me confidence, helped me make lifelong friends, and provided somewhere I genuinely loved spending my time. As the years went on, I found myself becoming just as fascinated by what was happening behind the scenes as I was by what was happening on stage.

Lighting, sound and all of the technical equipment completely captured my imagination. Colin, Chris, Terry and Richard always encouraged that interest, taking the time to answer my endless questions and giving me opportunities to learn, experiment and grow. Looking back now, I can honestly say that’s where my passion for technical theatre first began.

Where I Am Now

Today, I’m the Technical and Building Manager at The Fire Station in Sunderland, the city’s premier live music and performance venue.

The venue welcomes more than 200 events every year and forms part of the Music, Arts and Culture Trust’s regeneration of Sunderland’s historic Fire Station into a major cultural destination.

My role includes:

Technical operations
Building management
Health and safety
Maintenance
Delivering live music, comedy, theatre productions and festivals

Every day, I’m reminded that the career I’ve built started because STAMP gave a curious seven year old the confidence to explore something he found fascinating.

I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities, encouragement and support I received there.