Performing Arts Technical Manager

Churcher`s College is seeking an experienced and qualified Performing Arts Technical Manager to support the technical production elements in a busy school environment. Strong AV and production skills will be needed to deliver a high level finish to Drama, Music and School Events.

As a Performing Arts Technical Manager you will have the following key duties

– Facilitating, overseeing and realising the technical staging and audio visual requirements for each production as required by the Designer/Director/Producer, within budgetary confines and other parameters.
– Working with the Head of Drama and Drama teachers and pupils to provide the technical requirements for GSCE and A Level Drama.
– Working with production teams to design and implement lighting, sound and projection requirements.
– Attending production meetings, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, get-ins, get-outs and performances as required.
– To manage ins/get outs and to direct rigging and focusing LX and/or sound equipment, overseeing all rigging activities and ensuring they are carried out in a suitable manner.
– Where schedules and resources allow, building small or specific items of scenery and / or props
– To be, or to delegate to the technical assistant at performances and as appropriate, to stage-manage and/or operate LX and/or sound for such shows.
– To manage and oversee the maintenance and safety of all backstage machinery, technical equipment, including organising PAT testing and external maintenance when required.
– Work with the Head of Faculty to manage consumables and technical equipment inventory with budget.
– Carry out risk assessments for internal productions and work with external lettings to ensure appropriate risk assessments are in place.
– Work with external hirer and provide technical support and Health and Safety guidance.
– Scheduling and supervising the staff within the technical department, making best use of their time and keeping an accurate record of hours worked, working within staffing budget.
– Assessing the training requirements of production staff (including casual staff), notifying the Head of the Performing Arts Faculty of these requirements where necessary and providing in-house training wherever possible.
– Encourage and facilitate current pupils to learn and be involved with backstage technical support in the form of “Tech Club”. Including effective communication to pupils and parents.
– There will also be several other duties that will be discussed at a later date

As a Technical Manager you will have the following skills, experience and qualifications:

– A positive, ‘can-do` attitude to work, and a desire to continuously improve working practices
– Previous technical stage experience of working in a producing or presenting theatre and events.
– Previous experience of working with and supporting creative teams
– Proven leadership skills, with experience of managing teams and staffing requirements for fit-ups, get-outs and running shows
– Thorough knowledge and experience of current stage, rigging techniques including sound and lighting
– Practical experience in scenic construction
– Awareness of Health & Safety issues, including a working knowledge of related legislation.
– Good communication skills, including effective use of IT.
– Ability to remain calm whilst working under pressure
– Available to work scheduled evenings and weekends, including the anti-social hours frequently required in performing arts productions

This is a full-time post (45 hours per week) for 45 weeks of the year, which is made up of 35 term time weeks, 5 weeks during the school holidays and annual leave, including statutory holidays, of 5 weeks.

The nature of the role means that much of the work will involve working anti-social evening and weekend hours. The hours are consolidated and the Technical Manager is responsible for managing their own hours including engaging casual staff to ensure that the programme is fully supported.

This post is eligible to membership of our non-teaching pension, provided by Hampshire Pension services (LGPS).

There is a six month probationary period during which your employment may be terminated at any time on either side with notice given as per your contract of employment.

The role will be subject to our standard safeguarding checks including a DBS background check and referencing.

As a Technical Manager you will have a competitive salary no less than £26,400. Overtime is payable by written agreement in advance.