Theatre Technician

Role Overview

The Theatre Technician prepares, operates, and maintains the production systems behind departmental plays, dance performances, studio shows, and events. Working alongside students and faculty, this hands-on role turns creative plans into safe, workable stage productions while helping students build practical skills in theatre technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate technical preparation and operation for rehearsals and performances, covering scenery, lighting, sound, and projection.
• Help students and faculty set up lighting designs, interpret lighting plots, and operate lighting consoles and related production software.
• Configure audio equipment, including microphones, mixers, and playback systems; support sound design and mix live performances.
• Install and operate projection and video systems for productions using multimedia.
• Build and install scenery to designer specifications, and coach users in carpentry, welding, scenic painting, and prop fabrication.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair theatre equipment, including lighting fixtures, rigging, audio systems, and workshop tools.
• Train and supervise student crews during workshops, work calls, rehearsals, and performances, reinforcing safe practices and supporting roles such as stage carpenter, sound engineer, and master electrician.
• Maintain practical safety guidance and technical documentation; assist with crew scheduling, equipment records, supply purchasing, and production-related queries.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts, Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Music and Dance, or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
• At least one year of relevant experience in theatrical production, a scene shop, or a comparable technical setting, preferably within a university or similar institution.
• Hands-on ability in scenic construction and scenic art, with a sound understanding of workshop tools and safe work procedures.
• Knowledge of theatrical lighting systems, including the ability to read and implement lighting plots; experience with lighting consoles and software such as Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Lightwright, or QLab is relevant.
• Working competence with theatre audio systems, live sound mixing, microphones, and playback equipment.
• Experience with design, drafting, or production software and familiarity with projection technology for live performance.
• Clear communication and people skills, sound organisation, attention to detail, and the judgement to troubleshoot technical problems independently and with a team.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends when production schedules require it.
• A portfolio or demonstration of previous theatre work, including credits for completed or exhibited productions, is an advantage.