Dipl-Ing. (FH), Theatre and Event Engineering, University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany (2008)
Master of Engineering, Event Technology and Management, University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany (2009)
Susanne’s field of study has formed the basis of her knowledge in stage engineering, combining detailed knowledge of mechanical engineering in the context of the practical needs of performance. In addition, her experience across a wide range of technical disciplines has given Susanne a thorough understanding of theatre practice.
Her operational knowledge has been gained through experience as a stagehand with Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, and in set construction at Royal Shakespeare Company in Startford-upon-Avon, and Theater Basel, Switzerland. In Basel, Susanne also worked for the technical design department, producing workshop drawings, engineering designs, cost estimates, and coordination of set construction.
She also has vital experience as a lighting technician, including setting up lighting equipment for performances, operating lights during performances and rehearsals, and maintenance work, all at the Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz, Berlin.
Susanne built on this experience working for a theatre engineering company, with the technical design and drafting for scenery for the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Oper Frankfurt, and a permanent show in Munich. This knowledge was deepened by her work with a stage engineering manufacturer and also through her Diploma thesis, where she developed an innovative design for a trap lift.
Her work with AMPC (and now SSV) has included an opera house in Dubai and the Orientalist Museum in Doha, for which she produced a 3D animation for the stage engineering systems. For Istanbul’s Zorlu Center, she was involved in the design and drafting of the stage engineering for two performance spaces from concept design through to completion on site. Susanne also was involved in laying out the auditorium and stage engineering systems, and producing 3D sightline studies to give an accurate impression of the audience experience. Susanne took part in the commissioning of the stage engineering equipment for Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, the design and commissioning of the stage engineering within a new fly tower in Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal, and the stage engineering of The Light, Friends Meeting House in London. Currently she is working on the refurbishment of Fairfields Hall in Croydon, Kingston University’s landmark Town House, and Nevill Holt Opera’s new theatre set inside a Grade II* listed stable block.
At SSV, Susanne’s 3D animation and visualisation skills also play a crucial part in relating the overall concept, as well as highlighting design issues, to both the client and the rest of the creative team. Based in Berlin, Susanne is able to inform the team on new or different business practices in Europe, keeping SSV ahead of the marketplace.