Performing Arts Technician

Overall Purpose

The Performing Arts Technician will work closely with other members of the Theatre team and in particular the Technical Manager to ensure the successful operation of school and external productions with particular focus on set construction. The technician will work flexibly to create scenery and staging for productions and events in the Layard Theatre and other venues around the school. Carpentry skills and experience in scenery/prop construction would be an advantage. The Performing Arts Technician will be required to work on and setup events in other areas of the school.

Duties

School / Drama Productions and Music Concerts / Events

In liaison with the Production Director(s) and Technical Manager, assist in all technical aspects for School / Drama productions, exam performances and music concerts and events, including:

• Set construction and Staging;
• Props;
• Lighting/sound/video/live streaming;
• Stage management;

General

• To support, as part of a team, the day-to-day running of the School’s Performing Arts facilities.
• To set up performance / event spaces around the school site. This involves transporting equipment, installing staging and setting up PA and lighting systems.
• To provide/assist as required with all supporting aspects of School productions, classes and exam performances, music concerts and other School events in the Performing Arts facilities.
• Provide first-line support to all users of the School’s Performing Arts resources
• Set up and operate lighting, sound and multimedia equipment.
• To ensure all areas are kept clean and tidy, and that storage is used effectively, ensuring equipment and materials are securely and safely stored when not in use.
• To provide audio-visual technical support and advice to other School events and departments, if required.
• Setup and operate camera and recording equipment. Record or live stream school events.
• Edit audio and video footage of events/performances and upload them to appropriate school or third party databases- and also to support and facilitate pupils in recording and editing video footage.
• Provide support and supervision for external hires, protecting the interests of the School and ensuring all Health & Safety requirements are met.

Maintenance

• Provide first-line maintenance support for all technical equipment, machines, furniture, fixtures and fittings within the performing arts facilities. When necessary, contact and liaise with the School’s Maintenance Dept.
• Assist in the maintenance of all equipment and other technical resources in the Performing Arts departments, ensuring staff and students are able to utilise the equipment when required.
• To ensure all equipment and resources are stored safely and is accessible to others.
• Maintain awareness of developments within technical theatre and undertake training as deemed necessary.

Health & Safety

• Maintain a clean and tidy work space at all times. Ensure all Health & Safety requirements are met for daily use of the performance spaces.
• To attend training as required and maintain awareness of health and safety regulations specific to the spaces and equipment used such as scissor lift scaffold tower and wood working machines
• Ensure security for equipment, building, staff and students.

Knowledge / Experience

• GCSE English / Maths grade C or above  (E)
• Further education in relevant subject (eg theatre studies, music, events management)  (D)
• Experience of set construction and prop making (E)
• Experience of working in a theatrical or entertainment environment  (E)
• Experience of dealing with members of the public  (D)
• A sound knowledge of lighting and sound equipment and their maintenance, refurbishment and use  (E)
• A sound knowledge of lighting systems, control apaparatus, equipment and their maintenance, refurbishment and use  (E)
• Knowledge of and experience working with audio / audio-visual equipment and operating video camera and editing software  (E)
• Experience of set construction  (D)
• A good working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements in a theatre environment  (E)
• Knowledge & experience of working with power tools  (E)
• Excellent organisation & planning skills  (E)
• Computer Literate with the ability to learn new systems quickly  (E)
• Good communication skills  (E)
• Ability to work independently whilst also being a team player  (E)
• The ability to work accurately with attention to detail  (E)
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet set deadlines  E)
• The ability to build up confident working relationships with staff, pupils, parents and members of the public.  (E)
• A professional, approachable, calm and unflappable manner  (E)
• Reliability and trustworthy  (E)
• Keen to be part of a successful and friendly team  (E)
• Able to work evenings and weekends as required. Flexible approach to working hours during the week.  (E)
• Lives locally  (D)

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.