Sound Technician (Sleeping Beauty)

CONTACT THEATRE; Manchester; On-site; GBP 170,000 - 212,000; Part time

Job summary

CONTACT THEATRE in Manchester is seeking a freelance sound technician to provide high‑quality audio support for Sleeping Beauty. You will manage rehearsals, install, and operate sound systems, communicating with the stage manager to ensure mic provision and on‑stage sound.

Basic set and scenery assistance may be required. You will also support operational duties, monitor risk assessments, and assist with show reports and emergency procedures, contributing to a safe, creative environment for

Qualifications

• Two years experience as a Theatre Technician (voluntary, placement or training course included) or experience in other operational and logistical roles with a keen interest in technical theatre.
• Experience of rigging, setting-up and operating a wide range of sound equipment.
• Experience in providing sound for live events including, installation, programming QLab, and live mixing of playback, vocals and instruments.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to Equal Opportunities and Diversity
• Knowledge and experience of Safeguarding
• Experience with the maintenance of technical equipment
• Ability to work with a wide range of people, taking a positive and flexible approach
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team and have self- motivation
• Enjoy working with young people in and arts organisation
• Ability to communicate (written and verbal)
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Enthusiasm for working in a creative organisation
• Enthusiasm and commitment for working in an environment focused on young people (aged 13 – 30)
• Experience of using Office 365 and Microsoft Office applications

Responsibilities

• Provide sound for all production activities under direction of Production Manager.
• Operate sound, process microphones, balance levels, mix sources.
• Program QLab under direction of sound designer.
• Maintain and set up audio equipment; general production duties.
• Support production team and attend meetings.
• Ensure safety compliance and tidy work areas.
• Assist with rear of house safety and evacuation procedures.
• Assist with rigging, de-rigging of audio equipment.
• Work solo or in a team to complete tasks on schedule.

Skills

Theatre technician

Sound equipment operation

QLab programming

Live sound mixing

Health & safety compliance

Communication skills

Teamwork

Office 365

Tools

QLab

Dante networking

Audio equipment maintenance

Office 365

Job description

MAIN LOCATION: Contact but may be required to work at other venues as required

RESPONSIBLE TO:Production Manager

WORKS WITH:Artistic and Operational Teams

HOURS: 6 week period from 23/11/26 - 03/01/27. Shifts as set out below.

STATUS: Freelance role

FEE: £4,200

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: midday Friday 16th October 2026

Interviews will be held on Friday 23rd October 2026

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The role will provide technical audio support of a high standard to Contact’s production of Sleeping Beauty, including rehearsals, install and operational activities, including maintenance. You will be required to communicate with the stage manager to provide sound support for fitted microphones and supply of sound provisions on-stage. Basic assistance with set, scenery and building of the production may also be required

During the role, you will be providing operational support to Contact, including monitoring risk assessments, communicating with the duty manager, contributing to show reports and assisting emergency evacuation procedures.

MAIN TASKS

• Provision of sound for all activities at Contact during the production of Sleeping Beauty (including rehearsals, performances and other events), as directed by the Production Manager, including providing stage management support where necessary.
• Operating sound during the production, processing microphones and playback, appropriate levelling of sound elements, mixing of microphones and other sources, and monitoring and maintaining sound equipment.
• Basic programming of the existing QLab project under direction of company or sound designer.
• General maintenance & operational duties of the production.
• Work alone and as part of a team to complete tasks in time available
• Ensure that all work is completed to a high standard, as agreed with the Production Manager, is safe for use and compliant with all health & safety and legal obligations.
• As “Duty Technician” take responsibility of rear of house safety liaising with the Production Manager and assisting with the evacuation of the building in the event of an emergency under the supervision of the Duty Manager.
• Construction, rigging and de-rigging of audio equipment, settings, scenery and furniture when required.
• Operate sound equipment for technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances and other projects as required.
• Assist other members of staff as appropriate in basic maintenance throughout the production.
• Attend design, production, departmental, company and other meetings as required
• Under the supervision of the Production Manager, work to maintain loose sound equipment in a safe and proper condition, and ensure that working areas are kept tidy and clear of waste material

GENERAL

• Manage all personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulations.
• Represent Contact when in the building and when off-site.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with all Contact’s partner organisations.
• Follow Contact’s Health & Safety policy, undertaking duties as required and ensure reasonable care is taken to maintain a healthy and safe place for public and staff.
• Actively commit to Contact’s Equal Opportunities policy and Contact’s Safeguarding of Young People policy.
• Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required in connection with the production.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

• Two years experience as a Theatre Technician (voluntary, placement or training course included) or experience in other operational and logistical roles with a keen interest in technical theatre
• Experience of rigging, setting-up and operating a wide range of sound equipment
• Experience in providing sound for live events including, installation, programming QLab, and live mixing of playback, vocals and instruments.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to Equal Opportunities and Diversity
• Knowledge and experience of Safeguarding
• Experience with the maintenance of technical equipment
• Ability to work with a wide range of people, taking a positive and flexible approach
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team and have self- motivation
• Enjoy working with young people in and arts organisation
• Ability to communicate (written and verbal)
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Enthusiasm for working in a creative organisation
• Enthusiasm and commitment for working in an environment focused on young people (aged 13 – 30)
• Experience of using Office 365 and Microsoft Office applications

DESIRABLE

• Industry related qualification or similar
• Experience of audio visual systems, signal processing, and programming with QLab and other software
• Experience mixing headset style vocal microphones, wireless microphone systems and programming audio dynamics
• Experience of Dante networking
• Experience in the safe use of systems for flying, scenery, setting, properties, special effects and stage machinery and equipment
• Experience of Stage Management
• Knowledge of responsibilities under Health & Safety, their application and a commitment to best practice.