The Place is a world-renowned dance organisation. We present more than 120 performances a year in one of Europe’s busiest dance theatres and support choreographers to create new dance works by commissioning and producing shows that are seen in London, across the UK and all over the world. We run a programme of classes attracting over 30,000 children and adults each year and our creative learning team deepen and grow our connections to our audiences and local communities. We are active members of many UK and international dance networks and have lots of ongoing projects with national and international partners.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Senior Technician will report directly to the Technical Manager or its Deputy and have responsibility for the maintenance, operation and control of all lighting, sound and AV equipment used within the theatre. They will be required to supervise and lead shifts in accordance with relevant legislation and working practices and to assist companies presenting work in the theatre with their technical requirements.

To ensure, with the Technical Team, that productions in the Robin Howard Dance Theatre, and those produced by The Place are realised to the highest possible professional technical standards and to offer ongoing artist support.

SALARY & CONTRACT TERMS

SALARY

The salary for this position is £34,002 per annum.

Salaries are reviewed in August each year when any cost-of-living increases are made. No salary changes are made until after successful completion of a probationary period.

CONTRACT TERMS

This is an open-ended, permanent contract. This is a full-time position (equivalent to 40 hours per week). Your hours of work will be agreed with the line manager.

During busy periods, the number of working hours may increase for which you will receive overtime payments.

The post requires a willingness to work during evenings, weekends and unsocial hours as needed.

Whilst in the six-month probationary period the notice period will be two weeks. Once this period is successfully completed the post holder will be confirmed in the post and the notice period will be eight weeks.

CLOSING DATE

The application closing date is Mon 25 Nov 2024 at 12:00pm (noon).

For an informal chat about this role to answer any questions you may have before applying, please email Luke Marino, Deputy Technical Manager.

INTERVIEW DATES

Interviews will be conducted in person at The Place at a mutually convenient time with shortlisted applicants. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

KNOWLEDGE

• Experience and knowledge of all aspects of technical theatre with strong lighting skills.
• Good working knowledge of ETC Eos and Qlab operating systems.
• Knowledge of current Health and Safety Regulations and safe working practices within a theatre environment.

SKILLS

• Able to carry out the physical demands of the job including working at height.
• Ability to plan and work without supervision.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and lighting plans.
• Strong communication skills.
  

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrable experience of working in a technical capacity within a professional arts environment.
• Experience in working as part of a team.
• Experience of supporting artists in the technical realisation of performance.
• Experience and/or training in live sound mixing and AV.
• Experience of maintaining and PAT testing electrical equipment.

ATTRIBUTES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Able to work under pressure, communicate effectively, share ideas and respect others.
• A commitment to achieving the best possible technical standard.
• A good problem-solving ability and proactive attitude.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

KNOWLEDGE

• Good working knowledge of and enthusiasm for contemporary performance in the UK and internationally.

SKILLS

• Literate in computer aided drawing software.
• International languages.
  

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• First Aid qualification.
• Current Tallescope training.
• Electrical qualification.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

PRODUCTION

• Work within the technical team on all aspects of productions at, or productions by, The Place; this includes working get-ins, get-outs, show calls and production periods as called. On occasion to assist with external off-site productions.
• Be proficient in the use of all in house systems and equipment (training will be provided), and on occasion be able to accommodate and use externally provided equipment.
• As and when required, liaise with choreographers (professional and student), companies (both internally and externally produced) and external hirers regarding their technical requirements; on occasions, assist with lighting the work within the constraints of the programmed season and schedule.
• Liaise with the Deputy Technical Manager and front of house department over performance requirements and ensure understanding and compliance with licensing regulation and statutory requirements by all those working the event.
• Assist with ongoing and planned maintenance schedules for rigging, lighting, sound, AV equipment and basic elements of video recording equipment, including portable appliance testing. Fault-find and carry out end user maintenance on these items and to ensue non-user serviceable faults are reported quickly and correctly to the Technical Manager.

STAFFING

• Manage and supervise casual staff, freelancers, as well as incoming company production staff.
• Assist with the training and induction for new full-time and casual staff, and freelancers, with specific emphasis on the safe working practices of The Theatre including evacuation.
• Promote good working relationships with all visiting companies and artists and provide a welcoming environment.

HEALTH & SAFETY, HOUSEKEEPING AND GENERAL DUTIES

• Assist the Technical and Deputy Technical manager in implementing working practices.
• On occasion, carry out general upkeep to the fabric, fixtures and fittings of the auditorium, backstage and Front of House areas.
• Comply to, and work within, the guidelines of The Theatre’s license and working practices, as identified by the Technical Manager and Deputy Director, especially regarding Health and Safety issues, including:
  
  
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences.
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.
  • Work at height regulations.
  • Provision and use of work equipment regulations.
  • Electricity at work regulations.
  • Noise at work regulations.
  • The upkeep of the theatre first aid supplies.
  • The upkeep of the theatre’s emergency lighting system.
  • The understanding and implementation of the evacuation procedure and fire escape routes.
  • Hygiene and safety of staff and public areas, and good housekeeping in all staff areas.
  • Any other relevant legislative requirements.
• Any other duties that may be reasonably requested.

This job description is not an exhaustive list and does not attempt to give a full day-to-day list of operations for this post.

HEADER PHOTO CREDIT

The Awakening of Rhythm | 2024 | Photo by Rocio Chacon