The role…

Are you passionate and forward thinking with experience in Stage Engineering? Have you supervised or lead a team? We are currently looking for a Deputy Head of Stage for the Gillian Lynne Theatre and if you’re dedicated to delivering the highest quality in everything you do then this could be the role for you!

The Deputy Head of Stage Engineering will support the Head of Stage Engineering in managing the delivery of resident production performances, rehearsals and maintenance along with maintenance of technical theatre infrastructure, providing the highest standard of customer experience to our resident production. You will be constantly looking for ways to improve in order to deliver a vision which will break new ground in our industry.

Through the supervision of a diverse and multi-skilled team, you will play an integral role in creating a high performance culture and achieving the overall brand vision; to stage the extraordinary.

What you’ll be doing…

Together with the Technical & Building Services Manager and the Head of Stage Engineering, you will:

- Be responsible for ensuring the technical team put customers at the heart of everything they do by delivering the highest technical standards of customer service throughout the venue to the resident production.
- Help lead the advance planning of all productions.
- Liaise with the Producers and their Production Managers in relation to all technical aspects getting out their productions, ensuring the Company’s interests are safeguarded and the highest possible production standards are maintained
- Attend pre-production meetings prior to any production coming into the theatre and advise on all technical, licensing, Health & Safety or staffing issues that may arise.
- Identify any failure by Producers/Promoters to comply with Health & Safety and licensing requirements.
- Recognise and balance the competing needs of the visiting Company and the Theatre, escalating any concerns or recommendations to the Head of Stage Engineering.
- Ensure staff hours are being used efficiently to meet the requirements of visiting production companies and LW Theatres Group, ensuring this is in line with the Working Time Directive and House Agreement.
- Monitor the continued effectiveness of service contracts, reporting their feedback and recommendations to the Head of Stage Engineering as appropriate.
- Actively source the best commercial deals for the Company and regularly review the costs and quality of service in relation to all suppliers and service providers.
- Champion and drive a positive and proactive approach to Health & Safety at the Theatre and support with the practical application of the Group’s Health and Safety Policy in respect of technical theatre operations.
- Make improvements to equipment and working practices to ensure the delivery of programming content is of the highest quality; make recommendations to the Head of Stage Engineering as appropriate.
- Manage operations with proportionate, suitable and sufficient regard to the Technical Standards for Places of Public Entertainment, Local Authority Rules of Management and other relevant legislation, regulation, guidance, ACOP etc.
- Deliver a suitable and sufficient maintenance and inspection regime for all technical theatre infrastructure. This shall include arranging inspections, analysing maintenance and inspection reports and taking appropriate action in each case, including record keeping.
- Ensure that backstage areas are kept tidy and well maintained for the production and that an excellent standard of general housekeeping is sustained at all times; liaise with the Technical & Building Services Manager and Head of Stage Engineering to assist with general maintenance issues.
- Assist with the recruitment of Production Technicians and ensure that appropriate staffing levels are maintained in co-operation with the Technical & Building Services Manager, Head of Stage Engineering and the HR department in order to deliver the required technical services to the resident production.
- Assist with creating a high performance culture in the team; set clear objectives, provide ongoing feedback, identify relevant training needed.
- Ensure an excellent line of communication and collaboration is maintained between the stage department and all other departments in the Theatre.

What we need…

- Extensive practical knowledge of technical theatre systems, particularly those which are business critical.
- Experience of overseeing the fitting up and get out of concert, TV or touring productions.
- Commercial awareness; able to negotiate supplier agreements and manage a budget.
- A working knowledge of the Health & Safety and Licensing requirements associated with theatrical management.
- Awareness of Construction and Design Management 2015 and Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead constructive meetings.
- Experience of supervising, motivating and instructing a technical team.
- Can adapt to changing circumstances and overcome challenges.
- Willingness to challenge existing working methods and to recommend new working practices.
- Ability to balance and prioritise a busy workload.


Salary: As per SOLT / BECTU agreement

Deadline for applications: 6th Dec 2021


Diversity & Inclusion

At LW Theatres, we pride ourselves on being a family of individuals and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds – it’s one of our core values and we believe celebrating our differences is key to success.

At the heart of our Company is a culture where everyone feels seen and heard and can be themselves at work. Regardless of your background, all we ask is that you have the skills and experience required and the desire to succeed. In return, we pledge to ensure that our selection process is both transparent and fair.

We are also open to discussing opportunities to work flexibly.

This role may close early if a sufficient number of applications are received