Senior Technician (Sound)

Welsh National Opera; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Welsh National Opera in Cardiff seeks a Senior Technician (Sound) to deliver high-quality theatrical sound for operas, presentations, and education events. The role covers live productions, rehearsals, and touring across the UK, with a focus on safe operation and proactive teamwork.

Candidates will possess strong sound mixing skills, touring experience, and a willingness to travel. Welsh language ability and a valid UK driving licence are desirable assets.

Qualifications

• Experience in theatre sound engineering and live productions.
• Ability to travel independently within the UK and abroad.
• Welsh language speaker/writer preferred.
• Full, current UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Sound engineering for live productions and rehearsals.
• Equipment maintenance and preparation; get ins & get outs.
• Lead on sound engineering and support AV/communication systems.
• Assist Lighting, Sound and Video teams as required.

Education

IPAF 3A/3B

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

Building the Opera Company of the future.

This advert and the full job description are available in both English and Cymraeg. Candidates are welcome to submit applications and participate in interviews in either language.

We are at a defining moment in our history. Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru was born in the post-war spirit of democracy, fuelled by a national passion for human connection through song. In its 80th anniversary year, we are committed to reimagining the company as a contemporary opera company, fit for the 21st century, rooted in Wales but international in its ambition. We want to reimagine what opera can be today, positioning WNOCC as a pioneering, brave and joyful force in the UK’s live arts ecology. We want to champion increased diversity on our stages and in our audiences and prove that opera is the dynamic art form of our time.

In this next chapter, we seek an exceptional Senior Technician (Sound) to deliver high-quality theatrical sound systems for all company activities from large scale opera to presentations and school events.

This a specialist role working within a small team during rehearsals in Cardiff and at venues around the UK. The role will include sound engineering for live productions and rehearsal, equipment maintenance and preparation, get ins & get outs. You will lead on sound engineering and play a role in supporting the running of communication system, conductor camera and production video systems. Assisting colleagues across the Lighting, Sound and Video department as required.

• The desire to acquire new experiences and knowledge and to learn new skills.
• Focused on the safe, practical rigging and operation of sound & AV systems.
• Good communication skills, especially verbal.
• Self-motivated and pro-active with the ability to work calmly under pressure and prioritise demands.
• Excellent sound mixing skills in a theatre environment
• Excellent practical skills, knowledge and experience of touring sound & AV systems.
• A basic knowledge of theatrical communication and video systems
• Ability to interpret sound & AV plans.
• Ability to follow risk assessments and method statements.
• A working knowledge of current Health & Safety practice relevant to the role.
• Experience of theatrical touring.
• A flexible approach to the requirements of the job.
• Ability to travel independently within the UK and abroad.

• Basic IT skills including use of Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Up to date knowledge of current theatrical practice with the ability to keep abreast of new technologies and working practices.
• Orchestral and instrument microphone setups.
• Radio microphone system configuration and deployment.
• Knowledge of production video and projection systems.
• Experience of large-scale touring.
• Existing IPAF 3A & 3B Qualification.
• The potential to grow into a more senior role within technical theatre.
• Full, current UK driving licence.
• An interest in Opera.
• Welsh language speaker/writer.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We recognise that talented people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Research shows this is particularly true for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those from working-class backgrounds. If this feels like your ideal role, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. Your perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to help build the opera company of the future.

Reasonable Adjustments

WNO is committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, please email [e-mail] . We are committed to supporting you at every stage of the process.