Purpose of the Role

To support the Venue Technical Manager (Theatr Clwyd) for the co-ordination and delivery of the day-to-day technical and facility management of the venue and the safe presentation of all productions, hires and events.

The aim is to coordinate the smooth running of the performance venues within agreed timescales and budgets, and to ensure safe working procedures are always in place. You will be pro-active in assisting the Venue Technical Manager in the development, liaison, and delivery of all activities, working with external partners and customers as needed, deputising as necessary.

About Us

Theatr Clwyd is a cultural hub, producing world-class theatre in the hills of North Wales. Since 1976 we have been serving our communities and delivering the highest quality theatre and arts experience for the people of North Wales and beyond.

Our mission is increasingly important to us in all that we do.

To make the world a happier place, one moment at a time.

We are fortunate enough to be one of very few theatres in the UK to build sets, make costumes, paint scenery and create props inhouse. These essential theatre making skills ensure that we can push theatrical boundaries to create stunning shows from the seed of a writer’s imagination. Since 2018 this has been recognised by the theatre industry with awards from UK Theatre, The Stage and the Olivier’s.

The development of theatre makers in our community is key to sustaining Wales and the UK’s cultural sector. We have spaces for writers and companies dovetailed with technical apprenticeships and trainee directors to create a building which supports emerging creatives in developing artistic excellence.

We use our skills to underpin social transformation in our communities. We creatively address social and educational challenges such as youth justice while bridging social and economic divides. We recognise the immediate impact and long term benefits the arts can provide to aid psychological and physical wellbeing. We collaborate with Wales’ largest NHS health board and local social services to meet the challenges facing health and social care by supporting our communities.

We have a recent annual turnover of around £7m and are funded by a combination of Arts Council Wales, Flintshire County Council, box office ticket sales, commercial income and fundraising from individuals, trusts and foundations and corporate sponsorship.

Job Description

Role Title - Deputy Venue Technical Manager
Contract Type - Permanent
Family - Experience
Team Specialism - Technical (TC)
Hours - 37 hours per week
Starting salary - £26,326
Salary Grade - OP4
Reports to - Venue Technical Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

• To work with the Venue Technical Manager to deliver the technical requirements of all areas of the venue, ensuring a safe operation for company members, visiting companies, artists, technicians and associated personnel at all times.
• To meet with visiting companies, promoters, producers and hirers, providing them with technical information, support and guidance, and being responsible for fit ups as required, directing the Venue Technicians as agreed with the Venue Technical Manager
• To disseminate any pertinent information for visiting productions and hires, assisting to ensure the smooth running of each event in accordance with the event’s production specification.
• To ensure the successful presentation of all shows and events within the venue, having practical, on-the-ground knowledge of resources in place and ensuring lighting & sound equipment and any staging requirements are ready for each event.
• Act as Duty Venue Technician on events and productions, as needed, overseeing practical work in relation to get-ins, fit-ups, strikes and get-outs, including ‘toolbox talks’, lighting, sound & AV equipment prep and installation, , set assembly and installation, rigging of masking, , flown scenic pieces, props, stage engineering, rigging and lifting equipment including any flown special effects.
• Act as Fire Warden/Marshal, and to assist in the safe evacuation of staff and audience members in the event of a fire or emergency situation.
• Employ a creative and forward-thinking approach to problem solving.
• Be a brand ambassador for the venue as well as Theatr Clwyd
• Gain an understanding of the whole venue and all its capabilities – the lighting, sound, staging, seating and backstage/dressing room facilities, sharing knowledge and feedback to the Venue Technical Manager as necessary to ensure high-quality facilities.
• Provide first-line maintenance support for all relevant technical equipment, machinery, fixtures and fittings, and working with other members of the Experience and Theatre Making families to ensure specialist maintenance is carried out by the appropriate company members.
• To work as part of the team on the maintenance upkeep and inventory of the technical equipment, keeping records to ensure maintenance checks are carried out on a regular basis in line with regulations, including PAT and other testing.
• To review risk assessments and method statements as required as part of the fit up and running of visiting company shows and hires/events.
• Attend training as required and maintain awareness of health and safety regulations specific to the spaces and equipment used.
• When acting as Duty Venue Technician, ensure relevant legal obligations are met at all times by company members and visiting companies in accordance with the company’s Health & Safety Policy.
• To ensure that all get-in, fit-ups and get-out regulations are adhered to.
• To work closely with all Theatr Clwyd colleagues, continuing to shape an environment where company members can work across both sites.
• Collaborating with members of the Theatre Making Families as part of the design process of Theatr Clwyd productions, providing ideas and solutions to realise a high-quality design on our stages.
• Any other duties as deemed reasonable by the Venue Technical Manager

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working in a venue / theatre technical department / touring company or similar.
• Strong experience in technical theatre and or production management.
• Strong working knowledge of theatrical lighting systems – including EOS lighting desk programming experience, understanding of lighting plans, experience of rigging & focusing, lighting equipment prep and maintenance.
• Strong working knowledge of theatrical sound systems – including PA set-up and operation, experience of setting up microphones and radio mics, and sound desk operation
• Organised and front-footed, with successful experience in meeting deadlines and managing conflicting priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to communicate clearly and consistently with all theatre and event space users, especially non-technical users.
• Working knowledge of relevant health and safety regulations (including PUWER, COSHH, LOLER), industry guidelines and safe working practices (ABTT).
• Experience of reviewing Risk Assessments and Method Statements
• Ability to use a wide range of portable power tools and hand tools safely and confidently.
• Physically fit and willing to work at height.
• Confident in working independently but also willing to collaborate across many departments.
• Ability to work flexible and unsociable hours including evenings and some weekends.

Desirable

• Trained in manual handling, ladder and access equipment use.
• Experience of setting up and operation of AV/projection equipment
• Experience in rigging, adjustment and operation of theatrical rigging and flying systems.
• Experience of setting up and rigging of scenery and stage decking systems.
• Demonstrate an ability to draw, read and understand technical plans, with knowledge of CAD and other applications
• Knowledge of electrical theory and practice relating to theatre lighting, sound and communications systems.
• Up to date knowledge of stage technology and systems.
• Experience of event management.
• Written and spoken Welsh.
• Full driving licence and experience of LWB van driving