Technical Stage Manager (Live Performance)

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Wimbledon College of Arts (WCA), part of the University of the Arts London, seeks an experienced Technical Stage Manager for Live Performance to support teaching, learning and public events.

You will lead the Live Performance Technical Team, oversee safety, equipment and facilities, and mentor a small team, coordinating show calling, rigging, and show control across theatres and studios.

Qualifications

• Advanced expertise in technical stage management and live performance production.
• Experience coordinating specialist technical facilities and resources.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities for a small technical team.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate technical services and facilities across theatres, studios and spaces.
• Lead day-to-day management of live performance facilities and show production.
• Oversee health and safety compliance, inspections and testing of equipment.
• Provide technical leadership, training and guidance to students and staff.

Skills

Technical stage management

Show control technologies

Rigging operations

Counterweight and hemp flying systems

Education

Degree in Technical Theatre

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Technical Stage Manager for Live Performance to join the Technical Team at Wimbledon College of Arts (WCA), part of the University of the Arts London (UAL). This role supports the delivery of an outstanding teaching, learning and performance environment within a nationally recognised centre for live performance, where performers, designers, makers and creative technologists collaborate on innovative work.

Working within the Live Performance Technical Team, you will coordinate specialist technical services, facilities and resources that support teaching, learning, research, public events and commercial activity across the College’s theatres, performance spaces and studios. The role combines specialist technical expertise with operational leadership, including the supervision, mentoring and development of a small technical team.

You will play a key role in the day-to-day management of live performance facilities, working closely with the Technical Operations Manager, Production Manager, Lead Specialist Technician and academic colleagues. You will contribute to the planning, delivery and continuous improvement of technical services, ensuring staff, equipment and facilities are used safely, effectively and efficiently.

The position requires advanced expertise in technical stage management, stagecraft and show control. Responsibilities include supporting all stages of live performance production, such as show calling, scenic construction and fabrication, rigging, operation of counterweight and hemp flying systems, and the use of show control technologies. You will also oversee the inspection, maintenance and statutory testing of specialist equipment, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, industry standards and best practice.

About you

You will be an experienced technical professional with substantial expertise in technical stage management and live performance production. A degree in Technical Theatre or a related discipline, and/or significant relevant professional experience gained in higher education, the creative industries or a comparable technical environment, is essential.

You will have experience managing specialist technical facilities, equipment and resources, coordinating multiple projects and ensuring the safe operation of technical environments. Knowledge of equipment maintenance programmes, statutory inspection and testing requirements, procurement processes and resource planning would be advantageous.

You will be confident leading, mentoring and developing technical staff while fostering a collaborative and professional culture. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with students, academic colleagues and technical teams are essential.

A commitment to supporting student learning is central to the role. You will provide technical leadership, demonstrations, specialist training and guidance, helping students realise ambitious creative projects safely and effectively. Excellent organisational, problem-solving and resource-management skills are required, together with the ability to balance artistic ambition with technical feasibility, operational requirements and health and safety considerations.

An interest in innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement is also important, particularly in developing sustainable stagecraft practices through the reuse, repurposing and recycling of materials. Through your expertise, leadership and collaborative approach, you will help create an inspiring, inclusive and professionally focused environment in which students, staff and visiting practitioners can thrive.

• We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks.

UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.

Closing date: 13 September 2026 23:55.