Melaine Le Bars

Production Lighting Technician

Mel has worked as a lighting designer and general Theatre technician for over fifteen years. Born in France and always involved in live stage work, Mel started his career by volunteering on large scale festivals whilst studying Theatre in Rennes, Brittany. After obtaining his Theatre Degree, he trained as a general theatre technician, allowing him to qualify in live sound, stage lighting, stage management and rigging.

Since training, Mel worked mainly in theatres; “a great way to understand and get creative with lighting” but also involved himself in large scale events such as: ‘Les Trans Musicales’, ‘Astropolis’, ‘Les Vieilles Charrues’ and ‘Le Bout du Monde’ Festivals in France. In 2007 Mel took the opportunity to work as a roadie for legendary rock band U2, as part of their 360 degree tour as well as pop icon Madonna as part of her tour in Paris.

Mel moved to Plymouth 10 years ago to work as the Senior Production Lighting Technician at Plymouth University. Since then, he has involved himself in many local projects including The Imperfect Orchestra’s Live Score cinema gigs and supported bands such as Velvet Echoes, Aches, Ubiquitous Meh!, Oddstep Deployment Unit and Eyes of Caelum as a live sound engineer and lighting technician. During these 10 years, Mel has also organised various gigs in the city, inviting bands from across Europe to perform at different Plymouth Venues. Mel has recently joined Theatre Royal Plymouth as one of their Deputy Stage Managers as well as becoming a Production Lighting Technician with us here at Sound Factory. Mel’s passion for music and networking in the community, alongside his creative ability with lighting make Mel the perfect Lighting Tech for any band on set. Not only an extremely skilled professional, but a warm individual that will put performers at ease during their live sessions with valuable contacts in several creative sectors.