Summary
More Details
We’re recruiting for a Technical Theatre Apprentice to join us from September, to work in our busy Production department across lighting, sound and stage. This opportunity provides experience, skills, knowledge and formal training whilst working on a range of professional theatre productions across our three stages and elsewhere.
The Technical Theatre Apprenticeship post suits those who are 18+ and looking for the next step. This role is aimed at a practically-minded, energetic and committed person who is passionate about theatre and live arts.
No previous experience in theatre or live events is necessary for this role, just a passion and interest in theatre.
Technical Apprenticeships at CFT are hands-on, paid, working roles, learning all the skills required of a professional Technician equipping them to enter the industry after the fixed two-year term. You will receive a nationally recognised Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician Apprenticeship qualification, whilst working with some of the most eminent industry professionals in the country.
All previous CFT apprentices have gone on to work professionally across the Performing Arts industry including on tours and in the West End in a variety of roles. Work in the Live Events sector would also be suited to the skills developed in this role.
Technical Theatre Apprentice
Responsible to: Head of Stage and Technical
Contract: Full time, fixed term 24 Months
Salary: National Minimum Wage (not apprenticeship)
40 hours per week over 6 days.
Job Purpose
To learn and apply the skills of a multi-skilled technician, working in Lighting, Sound and Stage whilst studying the Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician (Creative Venue Technician) Apprenticeship Standard in collaboration with Chichester College.
An Apprenticeship is an entry level paid employment position where you learn the required skills on the job from our professional team. You will be given 1 day per week to study and/or attend college, either remotely or in person.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop the necessary practical skills to be able to rig, focus, operate, construct and maintain lighting equipment
- Develop the necessary practical skills to be able to rig, focus, operate, construct and maintain sound and video equipment
- Develop the necessary practical skills to be able to construct, maintain and operate theatrical scenery and flying systems
- Develop the skills to interpret plans and specifications, respond to design requirements and meet deadlines
- Assist with production get ins and get outs including the safe and efficient loading and unloading of vehicles
- Learn to use a variety of tools and access equipment safely and competently
- Learn to work at height and in hazardous locations safely, using appropriate PPE as required
- Assist in the safe and effective management of theatre storage systems and maintain a tidy workspace
- Undertake duties on live performances such as show operation, creating and working to a cue sheet and performing pre-show and post-show checks
- Learn to adhere to Health and Safety legislation and understand its application in the live events industry
- Learn about the wider theatre and live events industry, including relevant legislation, unions and industry bodies
- Develop the necessary skills to work co-operatively with colleagues or to work autonomously following a brief
- Keep up to date with technical and production developments in the live arts through independent reading and research
- Attend Chichester College seminars and commit to course study to complete a level 3 Apprenticeship
- Undertake an end point assessment as part of the level 3 Apprenticeship
- Work closely with the nominated workplace mentor at CFT who will support the apprentice with completion of their coursework and portfolio
- Undertake any additional training required by Chichester College in the form of functional skills (Mathematics and English)
This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the apprentice will be required to perform duties outside of this as operationally required and at the discretion of the Technical Heads of Departments and Technical Director
This job will at times require unsociable working hours. Responsibilities of all staff members
- Be aware of the work of the other departments in the achievement of CFT’s objectives
- Take an active part in communicating and co-operating with other staff and departments
- Follow guidelines, procedures and policies provided by the company in relation to financial management and personnel records
- Work in accordance with CFT’s Equal Opportunities policy
- Be aware of, and comply with, the rules and legislation pertaining to Health and Safety at work
- Take part in such working groups and committees as might from time to time be required for the fulfilment of departmental and/or CFT’s objectives
- Be an active ambassador for CFT, its aims, objectives and values
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times
- Commit to CFT’s environmental policies to reach net zero and collaborate with us in finding innovative solutions towards more sustainable theatre-making
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Interest in technical theatre, with a demonstrable desire to follow technical theatre and live events as a career path
- Previous engagement in community, amateur or professional theatre/live events
- A positive and willing attitude to learning and to attending college to achieve an apprenticeship standard
- An enthusiastic, committed and flexible attitude to work, including the ability to work antisocial hours
- Excellent punctuality and good time management
- Computer literacy
- There is a substantial element of heavy lifting and manual handling necessary to undertake the role therefore a good level of physical fitness is required
- Have experience of working independently and carrying out independent research
- Qualifications Required
GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), in English and Mathematics
Join us for more information!
Have a read of the job description (you can download this below). If you want to find out more about apprenticeships and working at CFT, as well as getting some advice on how to apply and meet some of the team, we are running an event in the Festival Theatre Foyer on:
- Saturday 21st June 10.30 – 12.00
- Saturday 5th July 10.30 – 12.00
We recommend registering by emailing recruitment@cft.org.uk to let us know which session you’d like to attend, but if you haven’t then please don’t let that stop you attending. You’re welcome to bring your parents, carers or partner with you to these events .
How to apply
When you’re ready to apply, please send your CV and a covering letter or a video to recruitment@cft.org.uk by 10am 11 July. Remember to say what role you are applying for as we have other recruitment happening alongside this post.
What we would like to see included in your CV is:
- Details of your educational qualifications
- Details of any work, work experience and any experience over the last two years – paid or voluntary
What we would like to see in your covering letter/video is:
- Why is this post of interest to you?
- what do you hope to gain from this apprenticeship?
- what makes you the best candidate
- Let us know any experience or knowledge you have of theatre or live events that you feel is relevant to show us your passion for the live arts industry. (Maximum 500 words)
And
- Please tell us about your personal interests, hobbies and achievements that you are proud of so we can get a sense of who you are. (Maximum 250 words)
Organisation
