Job Vacancy: Venue Technician

Tyne Theatre and Opera House; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Tyne Theatre & Opera House in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking reliable casual venue technicians to join our flexible technical team for a range of live productions and events.

You will assist with get-ins, setup, operation and breakdown of lighting, sound, staging and related equipment, with duties assigned according to skills for each event. Shifts include daytime, evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays, with training offered where possible.

Qualifications

• Experience in at least one technical discipline used in live theatre.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to follow procedures.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to work variable hours including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Responsibilities

• Assist with get-ins, fit-ups, rehearsals, performances and get-outs.
• Set up, operate and dismantle lighting, sound, staging and other production equipment.
• Undertake an assigned technical role during performances.
• Carry out stage, backstage and production duties under direction of Duty Technician or Stage Manager.
• Assist visiting companies and artists professionally and courteously.
• Follow technical plans, risk assessments and venue procedures.
• Report faults, damage or safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain safe, tidy and unobstructed working areas across the stage and technical spaces.

Skills

Stage crew

Lighting operation

Sound operation

Follow spot operation

Flyperson duties

Stage management

Tools

Lighting equipment

Sound equipment

Stage machinery

Job description

Location: Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle upon Tyne

Contract: Casual / shift-by-shift basis

Hours: Variable, including daytime, evening, weekend and Bank Holiday work

Reports to: Technical Manager (and the Duty Technician for each event)

Purpose of the role

As a member of the Casual Technical Team, the post holder will assist with the preparation, setup, operation and breakdown of the diverse range of productions and events staged at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House by professional, amateur, community and visiting companies.

Working under the direction of the Duty Technician, the Casual Venue Technician will help ensure that events are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high technical standard while providing an excellent and welcoming service to visiting companies.

Depending on the individual’s skills and the requirements of each production, duties may include:

• Stage crew
• Lighting operation and support
• Sound operation and support
• Follow spot operation
• Flyperson duties
• Stage management

Applicants do not need to be experienced in every discipline. Work will be offered according to the skills, experience and competency required for each event.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with get-ins, fit-ups, rehearsals, performances, get-outs and other technical activities.
• Set up, operate and dismantle lighting, sound, staging and other production equipment as required.
• Undertake an assigned technical role during performances and events.
• Carry out stage, backstage and production duties under the direction of the Duty Technician or Stage Manager.
• Assist visiting companies and artists professionally, positively and courteously.
• Follow technical plans, risk assessments, method statements, venue procedures and instructions from the Duty Technician.
• Use venue equipment correctly and report any faults, damage or safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain safe, tidy and unobstructed working areas across the stage, backstage and technical spaces.
• Follow the venue’s health and safety, fire, emergency, safeguarding and security procedures.
• Wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment where required.
• Participate in safety briefings, toolbox talks, inductions and relevant training.
• Work collaboratively with venue staff, visiting production teams, volunteers and other casual crew.
• Undertake other reasonable technical or operational duties appropriate to the role.

The ideal candidate

We are looking for reliable, enthusiastic and adaptable technicians who can help us maintain a smooth-running, efficient and safe working environment for venue staff and visiting companies.

Ideally, applicants will have experience in one or more areas of live performance or event production, including stage work, lighting, sound, follow spots, flying or stage management. However, we also welcome applications from people who have a good foundation of technical knowledge and are looking to develop their skills and gain further experience.

Where operationally possible, training and opportunities to develop additional skills may be provided during quieter events.

Essential qualities

• A genuine interest in theatre, live events or technical production.
• Experience or relevant knowledge in at least one technical discipline.
• A responsible and safety-conscious approach to work.
• The ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A professional and helpful approach when working with visiting companies.
• Reliability, punctuality and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A flexible approach to duties and working hours.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to undertake the physical duties associated with backstage and technical work, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

Desirable Skills And Experience

• Previous experience in a theatre, entertainment venue, live event or production environment.
• Experience operating lighting or sound equipment.
• Experience working as stage crew, a follow spot operator, flyperson or stage manager.
• Knowledge of safe working practices within a theatre or live-event environment.
• Relevant technical, first-aid, access-equipment or health and safety training.
• Familiarity with counterweight flying systems or historic stage machinery.

Hours and engagement

This is a casual role, with work offered on a shift-by-shift basis according to the needs of the venue and the skills required for each production.

There are no guaranteed hours. Shifts may include daytime work, late evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays. Shift lengths and start and finish times will vary depending on the production or event.