CORE STAFF TEAM
Paul Barrett, MA
COURSE DIRECTOR
Paul Barrett is the Course Director for BA (Hons) Entertainment Design, a role he has held since the course's earlier iteration as BA (Hons) Design for Performance: Theatre, Film and Live Events. He has been instrumental in shaping the course’s evolution since 2001, ensuring its continued relevance and ambition in a fast-moving industry.
A practising scenographer, Paul’s professional portfolio includes large-scale theatre productions, outdoor touring shows, corporate events, and festivals. With extensive experience as a freelance designer, company director, and performer, his work is rooted in a deep understanding of the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of entertainment design.
He holds an MA in Scenography and is currently undertaking a practice-based PhD, exploring the use of found object assemblages as alternative methodologies for generating performance design.
Paul is an experienced academic who has taught students both nationally and internationally and held a range of academic leadership roles focused on pedagogical development and curriculum innovation. He is also a member of the steering group for the Performance Design Educators’ Collective (PDEC), where he actively contributes to shaping the national conversation around performance and entertainment design education.
Hollie Wright, MA
SENIOR LECTURER
Hollie Wright is a creative educator and designer with a passion for performance, live events, and the spaces in between. With years of hands-on experience across music festivals, production design and management, she brings energy, imagination, and real-world insight to her teaching.
Hollie combines her background in live events with a flair for immersive experiences and a love of transforming unusual spaces — especially through scenographic storytelling in environments like pop-up venues and dining spaces. Her approach blends creativity with technical know-how, giving students the tools to turn bold ideas into tangible realities.
She holds a Master’s in Visual Communication (Scenography) and continues to explore how emerging technologies and design practices are reshaping the future of entertainment. Her work bridges theory and practice, with a strong focus on collaboration, sustainability, and innovation.
Whether in the studio or out in a field, Hollie is driven by a belief in performance design as a powerful, evolving discipline — and she’s passionate about helping the next generation of designer’s shape what comes next.
LEE CADDEN, BA
SENIOR TECHNICIAN
Lee is a trained Theatre Designer with over 20 years’ experience supporting students in the realisation of ambitious, creative concepts through a wide range of technical processes.
As Senior Technician on the BA (Hons) Entertainment Design course, Lee assists with set build, construction techniques, and lighting, delivering both digital and analogue sessions, as well as studio-based scale modelmaking workshops. His technical expertise includes carpentry, metalwork, laser cutting, projection mapping, and the use of industry-standard software such as Vectorworks.
Lee has also supported exhibition installations at national events, including Destinations and New Designers helping students professionally present their work in high-profile public settings.
With a varied and adaptable skillset, Lee is committed to providing practical, hands-on support that allows students to confidently translate their design ideas into physical and digital outcomes.