Technical Theatre Apprentice

Glyndebourne Productions; Lewes; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading opera house in the UK is seeking a Technical Theatre Apprentice. This full-time, 24-month apprenticeship offers hands-on training in lighting, sound, and stage operations while completing a Level 3 qualification. Candidates should demonstrate an interest in technical theatre and a commitment to learning within a professional environment. Salary is £25,397 per annum, with various benefits including gym memberships and free dining.

Benefits

Free Pilates and Zumba classes

Corporate gym memberships

Onsite physiotherapist

Cycle to Work scheme

Subsidised dining at onsite restaurants

Discounts at various high-street retailers

Free tea and coffee

Free onsite parking

Free minibus service to Lewes train station

Qualifications

• Demonstrable desire to follow technical theatre as a career path.
• Commitment to complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship.
• Ability to work antisocial hours.

Responsibilities

• Learn skills in Lighting, Sound, and Stage.
• Assist with production get-ins and get-outs.
• Adhere to Health and Safety legislation.

Skills

Interest in technical theatre

Previous engagement in community theatre

Self-motivated attitude to learning

Excellent punctuality

Physical fitness for manual handling

Education

GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Technical Theatre Apprentice to join our Technical & Production department on a full‑time 24 month contract.

Glyndebourne Opera House is delighted to be launching a number of apprenticeships in backstage areas from January 2026 onwards. If you are looking for a practical route into the creative industries working with industry experts at an internationally recognised Opera House then we may have the right opportunity for you.

An apprenticeship is a hands‑on paid working role learning all the skills required to work within an Opera or Theatre environment fully equipping you to enter the industry after the fixed 2‑year term. You will receive a nationally recognised (Creative Industries Production Technician) Level 3 apprenticeship qualification along with working with some of the most eminent industry professionals in the country on world class Opera productions. You will be given 1 day per week to study and/or attend college either remotely or in person.

Job Purpose

To learn and apply the skills of a multi‑skilled technician working in Lighting, Sound and Stage whilst studying the Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician (Creative Venue Technician) Apprenticeship Standard in collaboration with Chichester College.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop the necessary practical skills to rig, focus, operate, construct and maintain lighting equipment.
• Develop the necessary practical skills to rig, focus, operate, construct and maintain sound and video equipment.
• Develop the necessary practical skills to construct, maintain and operate theatrical scenery and flying systems.
• Interpret plans and specifications, respond to design requirements and meet deadlines.
• Assist with production get‑ins and get‑outs including the safe and efficient loading and unloading of vehicles.
• Learn to use a variety of tools and access equipment safely and competently.
• Learn to work at height and in hazardous locations safely using appropriate PPE.
• Assist in the safe and effective management of theatre storage systems and maintain a tidy workspace.
• Undertake duties on live performances such as show operation, creating and working to a cue sheet and performing pre‑show and post‑show checks.
• Adhere to Health and Safety legislation and understand its application in the live events industry.
• Learn about the wider theatre and live events industry including relevant legislation, unions and industry bodies.
• Work cooperatively with colleagues or autonomously following a brief.
• Keep up to date with technical and production developments in the live arts through independent reading and research.
• Attend Chichester College seminars and commit to course study to complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship.
• Undertake an end‑point assessment as part of the Level 3 Apprenticeship.
• Work closely with the nominated workplace mentor at Glyndebourne who will support the apprentice with completion of their coursework and portfolio.
• Undertake any additional training required by Chichester College in the form of functional skills (Mathematics and English).
• This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive. The apprentice will be required to perform other reasonable job-related or ad‑hoc duties outside of this as operationally required and at the discretion of the Technical Heads of Departments and Senior team.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Interest in technical theatre with a demonstrable desire to follow technical theatre and live events as a career path.
• Previous engagement in community amateur or professional theatre/live events.
• A positive, self‑motivated attitude to learning and to attending college to achieve an apprenticeship standard.
• Enthusiastic, committed and flexible attitude to work including the ability to work antisocial hours.
• Excellent punctuality and good time management.
• Physical fitness to carry out heavy lifting and manual handling.
• Experience of working independently and carrying out independent research.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in a professional environment.
• Experience of using hand tools.
• Experience of lighting, sound or stage craft.
• Driving licence and car (desirable for commuting and working antisocial hours).
• ICT qualification or experience.
• GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.

Hours

This is a fixed‑term 24 month contract starting in January 2026. The contractual hours are based on 40 hours per week, worked over 6 days. The role will at times require unsociable working hours.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is £25,397 per annum. Salaries are reviewed annually on 1st January.

We offer 33 days / 6.6 weeks holiday inclusive of bank holidays per annum.

Benefits include:

• Free Pilates and Zumba classes once a week.
• Corporate gym memberships.
• An onsite physiotherapist.
• Cost‑price electric car charging.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Subsidised dining at onsite restaurants.
• Free tea and coffee.
• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Free minibus service to and from Lewes train station and Ringmer.
• Discount at various high‑street retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub.

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including those who are ethnically diverse and disabled.

Please apply by completing your application via our website.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 23rd November. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 4th December.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this or if you would like this advert sent to you in a larger or dyslexia‑friendly font then please contact a member of the HR team.

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