Casual Technician

Opera North; Leeds; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Opera North in Leeds is seeking an adaptable helper for the Technical Department to support performances, rehearsals and events across the season. You will assist with Get-ins, Get-outs, fit-ups and stage work, ensuring operations run smoothly and safely.

No prior experience is required as training is provided; strong communication, ability to lift heavy equipment safely, and flexibility to work irregular hours are essential. A driving license is helpful but not required.

Qualifications

• Background or transferable skills in live events, theatre production or stage carpentry helpful.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and ability to follow instructions from technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance during peak times to deliver performances, rehearsals, and events (Get-ins/get-outs, fit-ups, stage work).
• Collaborate with colleagues to meet operational and production requirements safely and efficiently.
• Assist with works at Opera North’s storage facility and maintenance tasks.
• Maintain a safe working environment in line with Health & Safety legislation.
• Opportunity to work across other departments such as Learning and Engagement and Orchestra Operations.

Skills

Live events background

Team player

Communication skills

Health & Safety knowledge

Job description

This role will provide additional assistance to the Opera North Technical Department, to ensure the smooth running of the department. The nature of the assistance required will vary in accordance with the department’s activity throughout the season.

Key Accountabilities:

• To provide additional assistance during operational peak times to deliver our performances, rehearsals, and events. This may include Get-ins and Get outs along with Fit-ups and Stage work.
• To work closely with colleagues to ensure operational and production requirements. Including rehearsals and performances, are carried out to the highest possible standard of safety, efficiency and quality.
• To assist with works undertaken at Opera North’s storage facility, either related to specific performances or to cover maintenance tasks.
• Maintain a safe working environment in line with current Health and Safety legislation.
• Opportunities to work across other departments such as Learning and Engagement and Orchestra Operations.

Person Specification

Experience / skills required:

• No experience is necessary as training is provided however a basic background or transferable skills in live events, theatre production or stage carpentry would be helpful.
• Ability working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle manual lifting and heavy equipment safely.
• Excellent communication skills and able to follow instructions from technical staff effectively.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including late nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work using initiative and also as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of Health & Safety regulations.
• Excellent organisational skills and a strong attention to detail.
• Driving License preferable but not essential.

Terms & Conditions:

Salary: £13.10 per hour

Equity, diversity and inclusion.

We promote equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching our needs with the skills and experience of the candidate. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants from the global majority or those with other protected characteristics.

General responsibilities of everyone who works for us:

• Represent the company values and purpose to create extraordinary experiences everyday
• Work collaboratively and co-operatively with all team members and take an active part in team meetings and discussions
• Be an ambassador for Opera North and follow our policies and procedures
• Play your part in ensuring that everyone who comes through our door is welcomed and treated with respect

Closing Date: 18th October 2026 4pm (This role may close sooner if a high volume of applications are received)

Company Overview

Working at Opera North you will be part of a company and group of people committed to fulfilling this purpose. Whatever role you take we will provide you with an induction plan that introduces you to your job and the team you’ll be working in, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet colleagues across the company. Our success in delivering against our purpose will be built on the commitment, skills, diversity and well-being of the people who work at Opera North, and we will invest in training to develop our people both professionally and personally, because we believe this strengthens not only our company, but also the wider creative sector.