We are thrilled to announce Circus Factory’s new Campany Manager: Lauri Mannermaa

Lauri Mannermaa is a highly experienced producer, production manager, and stage manager who has worked extensively in the creative industries since 1984. His career spans a range of disciplines, including theater, circus, film and TV and event management. Throughout his diverse career, Lauri has also gained international experience, including from the UK, US, Hungary and Afghanistan.

Beginning his career in Finland in 1984, Lauri quickly progressed to roles in stage management, technical theater, and production. His work has involved various aspects of theater production, including fly systems, rigging, lighting, pyrotechnics, and set construction, across theatre, opera, and ballet. This extensive hands-on experience laid the foundation for his ability to thrive in challenging and fast-paced environments.

Lauri studied stage management at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and graduated in 1988. He further expanded his expertise in the creative field through studies in cinematography at the Hungarian Film Academy, and production at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. In addition, he received an MBA from the Helsinki School of Economics in 2006. His education provided him with a well-rounded skill set, which he applied in his subsequent professional roles.

After working in theatre and opera, Lauri became involved in film and TV production, including facilitating productions of feature films and TV projects. He also worked in media infrastructure development, setting up TV and radio studios in Kabul, Afghanistan. This role required Lauri to design and build broadcast facilities in a challenging environment, demonstrating his ability to operate effectively in a risky and multicultural setting.

In addition to his technical expertise, Lauri is known for his strategic focus, outside-the-box thinking, and calm demeanor under pressure. His experience spans various sectors, and his work often involves managing complex logistics, while balancing safety concerns and performance needs.

Lauri’s experience in diverse environments make him particularly suited to roles that require autonomy, leadership, and a practical approach to problem-solving. He thrives in roles that involve significant responsibility, particularly in areas like management and logistical coordination, and is comfortable working with teams of varied cultural backgrounds.

His ability to adapt and function in challenging environments, combined with his extensive experience in production management and creative industries, makes him a valuable asset to Circus Factory.