Overview
The Technician plays a key role within the Technical Department, working under the direction of the Deputy Technical Managers to ensure the smooth delivery of all productions, performances, and events. This role is central to maintaining high technical standards across the organisation and providing excellent service to a wide range of users, including visiting theatre companies, artists, community groups, customers, and event delivery teams. As part of the Technical team, the post holder supports the setup, operation, and maintenance of technical equipment across lighting, sound, staging, and audio-visual disciplines. They contribute to the efficient and safe running of rehearsals, get-ins, performances, and get-outs, ensuring that all activity is delivered to a professional standard. The Technician is expected to demonstrate flexibility, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to high-quality technical support. They help uphold first-class service within the venue, responding positively to the needs of visiting companies and internal teams while maintaining a safe working environment and reliable technical operations.
Please note: We are recruiting for two positions.
For more information, please download our recruitment pack below.
Main duties:
* To ensure that all visiting companies and theatre users receive appropriate technical support throughout their production.
* To offer creative and informed input to all aspects of the presentation of events, using an upto-date knowledge and experience of new technologies and techniques to provide solutions to technical problems.
* To support and work collaboratively with creative teams, visiting companies and other departments to deliver a positive and efficient production process.
* To undertake the occasional supervision of technical casual staff and contractors as required.
* To carry out normal theatre duties (not limited to get-ins, get-outs, building and striking sets, rigging and de-rigging lighting, sound, AV equipment, staging, flying pieces, operating lighting, sound, projection, stage, flies, props, pyros) in any of the performance spaces or elsewhere as required.
* To operate the Pavilion Arts Centre's Digital Projection System as required (including receiving, ingesting and downloading of features, adverts, advert packs, trailers, KDM's and other material), ensuring all aspects of film presentation are of the highest standard at all times (including optimum image and sound quality) in order to meet the expectations associated with film presentation.
* To maintain digital cinema equipment, check diagnostics, assist trouble shooting and resolving of any technical issues and assisting engineers during service/maintenance visits.
* To be aware of, observe and contribute to all safety policies and procedures in place and any that may arrive with visiting productions.
* To act as a key holder, responsible for securing and setting intruder alarms in the PAC and BOH as required.
* To assist the Deputy Technical Managers in ensuring that all sound and lighting equipment operated is fit for purpose, correctly stored, maintained and identifying and fixing any defects as required.
* To assist the Deputy Technical Managers in ensuring good housekeeping of all technical areas which should be kept clean and tidy at all times, including safe storage and maintenance of tools, equipment and materials. Report, and where appropriate remedy, any defects or faults.
* To ensure working methods and practices always comply with instructions, procedures and risk assessments in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and HPTT's Health and Safety Policy.
* To undertake personal development and training in order to achieve and maintain the highest standards of safety, efficiency and operation. Any other duties within the level of responsibility and the competence of the post as directed by the Head of Technical or other senior staff.
Experience
* One year of industry or university/college experience in theatre or the arts
* Experience using ETC Eos Lighting Consoles
* Experience maintaining high standards of technical provision
Skills & Knowledge
* Good working knowledge of sound, video, and lighting equipment
* Awareness of best practice, including Health & Safety and effective working methods
* Excellent problem solving and decision making skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong spoken and written English
* Good ICT skills
* Excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage workloads to meet non-negotiable deadlines (e.g., performance schedules)
Education
* Relevant university or college experience in theatre, technical theatre, production arts, or a related discipline (equivalent industry experience considered)
Personal Attributes
* Enthusiasm and calmness, with the ability to lead by example
* Interest in and enthusiasm for the arts
* A personable, diplomatic team player capable of communicating effectively with people at all levels internally and externally
Desirable:
* Experience of working in produced, co-produced and touring theatre
* Full clean driving licence (driving a hired van may be required)
* Experience of hemp flying
The postholder will work across the organisation, including at Buxton Opera House, the Pavilion Arts Centre, the Trust's offices at No. 5 The Square, and off site venues. All staff are expected to work flexibly in line with their role and the charity's objectives. The Technician postholder will be required to work evenings and weekends for the proper performance of their duties. This job description may be updated to reflect future business needs. Due to the nature of the role, the postholder is expected to work on site at all times, unless confirmed otherwsie.
Contract Full time, permanent, annualised hours contract (average 40 hrs per week)
Salary £25,607 per annum
Probation period 6 months with one weeks' notice on either side
Pension Auto enrolment
Holidays 25 days plus 8 days bank holiday per annum
Please find the Recruitment Pack for this role below:
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £25,607.00 per year
Work Location: In person