Richard Abbey decided at the age of thirteen a career in sound was the way to go. He got himself a job in a small commercial recording studio where he learnt the element of mixing and recording. By the age of sixteen he had worked himself up from tea boy to the Studio Engineer, where he worked for the recording studios leading artists.  

 

Once finishing school, Richard attended Sandwell College’s Performing Arts Department. He started a studio engineering course, although the course was cut on the first day. He was advised to study Technical Theatre, as the college were keen to keep him on. Once he began this course he realised he had opened another door to his future career.  

 

In 2009 Richard achieved his BTEC in Performing Arts Technical Theatre at Sandwell College. 

 

Whilst studying at college Richard got a work placement at the Birmingham Symphony Hall and Town Hall. He started to do some casual work and then was employed for regular work. The second year saw Richard work freelance, while undergoing his course.  

He then decided to extend his knowledge at the Academy of Live and Recording Arts - ALRA studying Stage Management and Technical Theatre. 

 

Richard Abbey Graduated from the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in 2011 with a commendation.  

 

Along with the college course and university course Richard has worked on many projects, in a various venues and locations.  From small Fringe type venues like The Drayton Arms Theatre in South Kensington, People's Show to large venues such as The Theatre Royal Bath, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, and Birmingham's NEC and NIA. 

 

Richard is currently in Scotland, working alongside Pitlochry Festival Theatre.