Dan Riley - Automation Supervisor
Join us in a journey of discovery, where we go behind the scenes into the world of automation.
Dan Riley has worked at Glyndebourne for almost 16 years.
As an Automation Supervisor, Dan works on the technical operation, programming, and maintenance of computer-controlled mechanical systems that move scenery, props, and even performers sometimes.
His role merges engineering skills with artistic collaboration to safely and repeatedly execute complex scenic changes and visual effects.
Photo by Alun Callender
Photo by Tristram Kenton
In this much-loved production there are 24 flying cues, 10 performer flying cues and 6 stage lift cues.
This brand new opera had 61 cues, and within that there were 351 individual cue lines.
This production used an iris, which helps to create a cinematic visual effect that opens and closes on different areas of the stage to help focus attention or transition scenes. We have also used the iris on stage in Tristan und Isolde.
Each time the iris shuts it requires 4 cue lines.
Photo by Tristram Kenton
Photo by Graham Carlow
To enjoy the whole Glyndebourne experience itself. Glyndebourne is an experience itself, it’s more than just the opera, it’s everything – from when you first pull into the carpark to the grounds, the house, the staff and the performance!
