Technician (Lighting)

Main Duties

Production

• Work with the Technical Manager to liaise with freelance Lighting and Sound Designers to ensure all creative elements of the production design are realised.
• To operate/work onstage during performances.
• Attend all meet and greets, read-throughs and meetings as required.
• To actively participate in technical rehearsals and rig, focus and plot sound and LX as required.
• Take a pro-active role in problem solving of technical issues related to productions.
• To assist in the co-ordination of productions being toured or transferred to other venues with reference to electrical requirements.
• In consultation with the Technical Manager, ensure all information regarding visiting companies’ electrical requirements are obtained in advance and staff are briefed and prepared for get-in, fit-up and get-out.
• To provide technical support and back up for visiting companies as scheduled by the Production Manager and Technical Manager.
• Take an active role in fit-ups, get-outs, techs as required and as per an agreed rota.
• Act as Duty Technician as per the agreed rota.
• Administration and management.
• In conjunction with the Production Manager and Technical Manager, support the line management of casual technical staff including training, inductions, scheduling whilst ensuring that the technical team is fully integrated with all other departments within the organisation.
• Report to the Production Manager on the effective use of casual/freelance staffing with agreed budgets.
• Ensure effective recording/control of hours worked by casual/freelance technical staff.
• Supervise and support any trainees, work experience and apprentices allocated to the technical department.
• Contribute to the creation of department and performance risk assessments.
• Assist in overseeing contractors working on site.
• Attend out-of-hours/emergency calls as required.
• Technologies and maintenance.
• Work closely with the Production Manager, Head of Construction, and Head of Facilities on the maintenance of production-focussed building systems.
• Assist in the upkeep of up-to-date records of maintenance as required advising on repair/renewal of the Mercury’s stage & communications equipment.
• To ensuring all lighting, sound and stage equipment is well maintained and that all production areas are kept clean, tidy and safe.
• Carry out maintenance of the main stage, studio theatre and associated areas as scheduled during the year.
• In consultation with the Technical Manager, maintain good stock levels of materials commonly used storing all materials and stocks appropriately (i.e. lanterns, colour, cables etc) whilst keeping to agreed budgets.
• Carry out appropriate annual Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) undertaken.
• To keep abreast of changing technology and to advise the company on future developments.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of stage & communications technologies.
• Ensure maintenance of appropriate stock of regularly used materials/resources.

Creative Engagement

• To support the delivery of all Mercury produced productions in the studio and Young Company performances.
• To deliver any technical requirements of Creative Engagement activities.

General Responsibilities

• To manage time effectively, meeting deadlines as directed by the Production Manager.
• Attendance at read-throughs, rehearsals, staff and production meetings as required.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the Mercury Theatre’s wider artistic programme, including its Creative Engagement and New Work / Talent Development activities.
• To work on other Mercury theatre projects as required.
• Participate actively as a member of the Production team.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings and/or training sessions.
• Maintain positive and effective relationships with colleagues across the organisation.
• To adhere to all Mercury theatre policies included Safeguarding, Health and Safety and environmental policies.
• To maximise income and minimise expenditure whilst ensuring high quality delivery.
• Deputise for other members of the production department where necessary to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of all the team’s activities.
• Undertake First Aider duties if required.
• Undertake any further duties as may be reasonably requested.

Skills and Experience Required

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Self-disciplined, organised and self-motivating.
• Ability to work as part of a flexible team, responding to instructions, contributing ideas, supporting other team members and taking a lead on projects as required.
• Adaptable and receptive to new ideas and initiatives.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines.
• Good organisational/housekeeping skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to listen, build rapport and communicate with people at all levels.
• Creative flair.

Professional Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• A relevant professional qualification to City & Guilds, GNVQ Level 4, HND or degree level.
• Proven experience of working within a professional producing theatre technical team.
• Current knowledge of stage & communications technologies.
• Current knowledge of rigging techniques.
• Ability to interpret/implement lighting/sound/ground plans.
• Ability to identify/rectify faults within electrical systems.
• Experience of working with theatre lighting equipment/desks.
• Knowledge of AV & Projection.
• Experience of working with theatre sound equipment/desks.
• Experience of programming/operating EOS lighting desks.
• Experience of programming/operating Yamaha and Digico sound desks.
• Experience of programming/operating QLab.
• Experience of working with flying systems (hemp/counterweight).
• Experience of active participating in fit-ups, get-outs and technical rehearsals.
• Awareness of Health & Safety legislation/responsibilities.
• Ability to work at heights.
• Experience of budgeting and financial management.

Desirable

• Experience of maintaining sound/lighting equipment.
• Knowledge of theatrical electrical installations
• Stage Carpentry Skills
• Full UK driving license.
• First Aider Qualification.