Stephen Elms
summary of experience
Stephen Elms, MFA
London Area, United Kingdom
Summary
With three decades of experience spanning theater production, digital strategy, and academic research, I bring unique insight to organizations navigating complex change. My journey from Broadway stagehand to digital strategist, and now to doctoral researcher, reflects a career built on adaptability and continuous learning. My current research at University College London investigates how technological advancement impacts workforce development in offsite construction, examining crucial questions about skill adaptation and training in an era of rapid technological change.
Education
University College London
Doctor of Philosophy, Construction Trades, Vocational Education and Training
October 2020–August 2025 (Expected)
University of Michigan — School of Information
MicroMasters, User Experience (UX) Research and Design
2018–2019
Columbia University in the City of New York
MFA, Theatre Management & Producing
2005–2008
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
BFA, Lighting Design
1994–1998
Research Experience
University College London
Doctoral Researcher
September 2020–Present
Investigating the critical skills gap in offsite construction, focusing on rapid transformation through digitalization and industrialization
Conducting fieldwork in factory settings to identify essential technical competencies for tradespeople
Utilizing the Working as Learning Framework (WALF) to examine workplace learning in modernized environments
Addressing persistent labor shortages and industry transition to efficient manufacturing methods
Teaching Experience
Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA)
November 2021–September 2023
Delivered lectures and practical instruction for the Digital Design Thinking and Making module to 25+ students per term
Taught foundational design principles and introductory coding concepts using Microsoft's MakeCode editor with BBC micro:bit
Provided hands-on demonstrations of Figma, a cloud-based prototyping platform
Supported sustainability-focused student projects through virtual office hours and in-person consultations
Professional Experience
Elms Digital Ltd.
Digital Creative Strategist and Designer
May 2007–Present
Specialize in strategic solutions for organizations requiring specialized project expertise
Developed brand strategy and digital systems for Pinnacle Realty’s multi-billion dollar commercial real estate portfolio
Focus on digital transformation and strategic communications for performing arts organizations, philanthropic foundations, and commercial real estate firms
Delivered targeted solutions for major performing arts organizations including Disney Theatrical Productions, Ars Nova, and Sonnet Repertory Theatre
Contributed to strategic optimization planning for the Port Authority of NY/NJ's airport operations
Feast Creative
Senior Digital Manager
November 2017–May 2018
87AM
Senior Account Director
August 2015–August 2016
Blue Man Group
Digital Marketing Coordinator
October 2011–October 2012
Disney Theatrical Group
Marketing Administrator
November 2008–April 2009
Serino Coyne LLC
Account Executive
April 2008–November 2008
Walt Disney World
Entertainment Technician at World of Disney NYC
September 2004–August 2005
Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida (Disney Theatrical Group)
Broadway Stagehand (Pink Contract) Assistant Properties Master
October 2001–September 2004
Anúna Irish Choral Group
Production Coordinator, Lighting Designer
November 2002–December 2002
Noises Off
Broadway Stagehand (Local One) Electrician
December 2001–August 2002
Riverdance (Abhann Productions Limited)
Broadway Stagehand (Pink Contract) Assistant Electrician, Moving Light & Fx Technician
July 2000–September 2001
Dame Edna The Royal Tour
Broadway Stagehand (Pink Contract) Head Electrician
February 2000–July 2000
RENT
Broadway Stagehand (Local One) Electrician, Follow Spot Operator
December 1999–March 2000
Roundabout Theatre Company
Stagehand Scenic Automation and Electrician, Follow Spot Operator
January 1999–January 2000
NYU Child Study Center: An Evening in Honor of Mrs. Tipper Gore
Production Coordinator, Master Electrician
October 1999–November 1999
IATSE Local #635
Stagehand
November 1994–December 1998
Walt Disney World
Show Production Intern
March 1997–September 1997
Volunteering
Modular Building Institute (MBI) Research & Development Council
Committee Member, January 2025–Present
Columbia University Club London
President (December 2022–Present)
Vice President (October 2016–December 2022)
Columbia University in the City of New York
Committee Officer, Associations & Clubs Global Communications Subcommittee (September 2017–September 2020)
Sonnet Repertory Theatre, Inc.
Advisory Board; Marketing and Branding (January 2011–Present)
Licenses & Certifications
CybSafe certification in security awareness (CCSA), CybSafe (Issued July 2024)
Create with VR for Educators, Unity (Issued September 2022)
The Brain and Space, Duke University (Issued August 2022)
Credential ID: NSN3MXKJTKW3
Construction Management Foundations, LinkedIn (Issued August 2021)
UX509x: UX (User Experience) Capstone, University of Michigan (Issued September 2019)
Credential ID: 61925252bff64d4c8b69453c01924325
Honors and Awards
Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) Global Award of Excellence
Professional Affiliations
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees AFL-CIO, CLC (IATSE)
Local #635, Journeyman
Interaction Design Association (IxDA)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI)
Special Interest Group on Artificial Intelligence (SIGAI)
Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques (SIGGRAPH)
Languages
English (Native)