Thomas S. Castle

Digital Archive Technician

Tom studied Three Dimensional Design at Kingston in Surrey, completing a BA (Hons) in 1977. From 1978, he worked in the theatre – as a designer/maker, sound & lighting technician and as a performer with many experimental, political or community groups – including ‘Welfare State International’, Gay Sweatshop, Action Space, The Drill Hall & Jail Warehouse. Tom developed skills working with video, photography and sound for live performance and ‘multi-medium’ events.

In 1982 he moved to Hoxton Hall in the East End of London, designing, teaching, performing and providing technical support for community projects, drama classes, youth groups and professional performance companies.

In 1990, Tom became a volunteer counsellor and obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling from Birkbeck, University of London.

In 1992 he left Hoxton Hall, and became a freelance technician, designer and production manager, touring with contemporary dance groups, performance art companies, Kathak dancers, rock bands and experimental puppeteers.

In 2004, Tom completed an MA in Sonic Arts from Middlesex, having turned his attentions back to experimenting with music, sound, technology, performance and art.

Tom is the part-time Digital Archive Technician for ELAR, currently involved in data transfer to the archive, back-up systems, fieldwork equipment allocation, training and the development of a supportive, specialist working environment for students and grantees.