Performing Arts Technician

Aldar Academies; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aldar Academies in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Performing Arts Technical Support professional to provide practical and technical support for Music, Drama and Dance lessons, rehearsals and productions across Primary and Secondary.

You will set up, operate and maintain sound, lighting, projection and playback equipment, support school productions, and assist students with music technology, recording and video content creation to enhance curriculum delivery and extracurricular activities.

Qualifications

• Practical experience operating audio equipment, microphones, mixing desks, speakers and playback systems.
• Experience setting up and troubleshooting AV equipment, including projectors, displays, laptops and presentation systems.
• Knowledge of music recording, audio editing and digital audio workstation software.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with teaching staff and technical colleagues.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• A proactive, reliable and solution-focused approach.
• Commitment to safeguarding, health and safety, and the responsible use of technical equipment.
• Flexibility to support scheduled school activities outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for Music, Drama, Dance and Performing Arts, including rehearsals and performances.
• Set up operate and maintain sound, lighting, projection and playback equipment for lessons and events.
• Assist with stage management, backstage operations, props and cues during productions.
• Support recording, editing, and editing of audio and video content for curriculum projects.
• Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate with IT/Operations for event logistics.
• Collaborate with staff to integrate filming, podcasting and digital production into teaching and enrichment.

Skills

Sound engineering

Lighting control

Stage management

DAWs

Podcasting

Video production

Audio recording

Tools

MIDI controllers

Mixing desks

Projectors

Cameras

Laptops

Audio interfaces

Job description

Performing Arts Technical Support

Provide practical and technical support for Music Drama and Dance lessons rehearsals workshops examinations and performances across Primary and Secondary Set up operate and maintain sound lighting projection and playback equipment required for lessons rehearsals and performances Support school productions concerts showcases festivals competitions and other Creative Arts events Assist with stage management backstage operations props microphones sound cues lighting cues and other production requirements Work closely with teaching staff to understand creative and technical requirements and support the effective delivery of lessons and performances Assist students in developing their understanding of sound lighting recording and performance technology where appropriate Ensure rehearsal rooms music studios and other Performing Arts spaces are appropriately equipped organised and ready for use Prepare and manage technical resources for practical Drama and Dance work including recorded material sound effects backing tracks and multimedia elements

Music Technology and Recording Studio

Maintain and operate music technology equipment including digital audio workstations DAWs MIDI controllers microphones audio interfaces mixing desks studio monitors and associated software Support Music lessons composition projects music production recording editing mixing and playback Manage the day-to-day readiness and organisation of the recording studio ensuring equipment is functional secure and available for teaching and student use Assist staff and students with recording vocals instruments ensembles podcasts backing tracks and other audio projects Prepare edit and organise audio files and backing tracks for lessons examinations concerts and productions Maintain organised digital audio files and shared resources in accordance with school procedures Troubleshoot basic hardware and software issues and report faults requiring specialist support Support the effective integration of music technology into teaching learning and student creativity Podcasting and Audio ProductionSupport the planning recording editing and production of student and staff podcasts including microphone setup sound recording editing and final production Set up and maintain podcasting equipment including microphones headphones audio interfaces recording software and associated equipment Support the production of interviews student discussions school broadcasts audio presentations and other digital audio content Assist students and teachers with audio editing sound mixing and the use of recording software Organise and store audio recordings securely following school procedures for student privacy consent and data protection Support the development of high-quality audio content for curriculum projects enrichment activities and wider school initiatives

Video Production and Digital Drama

Support the filming and production of Drama work including scripted performances monologues devised pieces practical assessments and student portfolios Assist with video recording camera setup lighting sound capture and editing for Drama lessons coursework examinations and student creative projects Support the recording of rehearsals and performances for educational purposes reflection assessment and student progress Assist with the production of digital performance content promotional videos rehearsal footage multimedia presentations and other school projects Support teachers and students in using video editing and audio-visual software to develop high-quality digital outcomes Prepare and operate cameras microphones lighting and recording equipment to meet the requirements of different filming environments Organise label and manage digital video files securely ensuring appropriate access storage and retention in accordance with school policies Troubleshoot recording filming and editing equipment and software ensuring resources are ready for use Collaborate with Music Drama Dance and other curriculum teams to identify opportunities to integrate filming podcasting and digital production into teaching learning and enrichment activities

Audio-Visual Support for School Events

Provide AV support for assemblies presentations conferences parent events award ceremonies open days school celebrations and other whole-school activities Set up test and operate microphones speakers mixing desks projectors displays laptops presentation systems and other relevant equipment Support sound playback presentations video content recording and livestreaming where required and technically feasible Assist staff and visiting presenters with technical requirements before and during events Conduct pre-event checks and troubleshoot technical issues promptly Liaise with the designated auditorium technician IT and Operations teams to coordinate technical requirements for events taking place in shared school facilities Ensure responsibilities are clearly coordinated with the designated auditorium technician retaining responsibility for auditorium management and its designated technical provision Support the preparation and operation of portable AV equipment for events in classrooms meeting rooms and other school spaces

Productions Performances and Extracurricular Activities

Provide technical support for school productions musical theatre concerts dance showcases student performances competitions and other Creative Arts initiatives Support extracurricular activities ECAs clubs rehearsals enrichment opportunities and student-led performances Assist with technical rehearsals dress rehearsals backstage arrangements sound cues lighting states and the preparation of performance spaces Work collaboratively with staff and students to ensure the smooth and safe running of performances and events Support visiting artists workshop leaders theatre companies and external production teams where required Assist with technical equipment for off-site performances and school events where appropriate Contribute to an inclusive and creative environment that enables students to participate confidently in Performing Arts activities

Relevant qualification, training or demonstrable experience in Performing Arts technology, music technology, sound engineering, AV technology, digital media production or a related technical field.

• Practical experience operating audio equipment, microphones, mixing desks, speakers and playback systems.
• Experience setting up and troubleshooting AV equipment, including projectors, displays, laptops and presentation systems.
• Knowledge of music recording, audio editing and digital audio workstation software.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with teaching staff and technical colleagues.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• A proactive, reliable and solution-focused approach.
• Commitment to safeguarding, health and safety, and the responsible use of technical equipment.
• Flexibility to support scheduled school activities outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends.

Minimum Experience

• Experience working in a school, theatre, live performance or educational Performing Arts environment.
• Experience operating theatrical lighting desks, DMX lighting systems and stage lighting equipment.
• Experience with digital audio consoles, wireless microphone systems and live sound reinforcement.
• Experience using music production software such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, GarageBand or equivalent platforms.
• Knowledge of MIDI, multitrack recording, mixing and audio post-production.
• Experience recording and producing podcasts or other digital audio content.
• Experience filming and editing Drama performances, student projects or other educational video content.
• Experience using video editing software and digital media production tools.
• Experience supporting musical theatre, live concerts, dance performances and school productions.
• Experience with livestreaming, multimedia production and digital content creation.
• Relevant technical health and safety training.

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Reliable, adaptable and highly organised.
• Enthusiastic about supporting Music, Drama, Dance and the Performing Arts.
• Calm and resourceful under pressure, particularly during live events and performances.
• Professional and approachable when working with students, staff and external visitors.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of technical quality and equipment care.
• Proactive in anticipating technical needs and resolving problems.
• Creative and willing to support new approaches to digital production, recording and performance.
• Flexible and responsive to the demands of a busy school environment.