Technical Stage Manager

The postholder will be accountable to both the Head of Creative Learning & Engagement and the Head of Production.

The role of Technical Stage Manager exists to support the Learning & Engagement team technically,
ensuring that all L&E projects, productions, and events are delivered successfully and efficiently. The
postholder will contribute to a first-class service in all areas of work, particularly in the delivery and
operation of technical theatre. The postholder will also work as part of the Technical team on in-house
and visiting productions.

Duties and responsibilities:
• To ensure that L&E staff, young people, schools, and community members receive appropriate technical
support throughout their project, event, or production
• To offer creative and informed input to all aspects of the presentation of events, using an up-to-date
knowledge and experience of new technologies and techniques to provide solutions to technical
problems
• To carry out normal theatre duties (not limited to get-ins, get-outs, building and striking sets, rigging and
de-rigging lighting, sound, AV equipment, staging, flying pieces, operating lighting sound, projection,
stage flies, props, pyros) in any of the performance spaces or elsewhere as required
• To run the Technical Youth Theatre (including both planning and delivery) for ages 13-19
• To work with other technical professionals to consolidate and deliver a three year Technical Youth
Theatre syllabus
• To plan, deliver, and evaluate the technical aspects of Work Experience and Summer School
• To plan and deliver Technical Theatre sessions for schools and the community
• To be a creative technical lead for young company productions
• To production manage and technically support the L&E Christmas children’s touring show, including
accompanying the show on tour
• To support and work collaboratively with creative teams, visiting companies, and other departments to
deliver a positive and efficient production process
• To be aware of, observe, and contribute to all safety policies and procedures in place and any that may
arrive with visiting productions
• On occasion be responsible for securing and setting intruder alarms in the Pavilion Arts Centre and
Buxton Opera House as required
• To ensure that all sound and lighting equipment operated is fit for purpose, correctly stored, and
maintained. To identify, report, and where appropriate, remedy any defects or faults
• To assist in ensuring good housekeeping of all technical areas which should be kept clean and tidy at all
times, including safe storage and maintenance of tools, equipment, and materials. Report, and where
appropriate, remedy and defects or faults
• To ensure working methods and practices always comply with instructions, procedures, and risk
assessments in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and High Peak Theatre Trust’s Health and
Safety Policy
• To undertake personal development and training in order to achieve and maintain the highest standards
of safety, efficiency, and operation
• To provide administration support within the Learning & Engagement department
• Any other duties within the level of responsibility and competence of the post as directed by the
Head of Creative Learning & Engagement or other senior staff

Person Specification

Essential:
• Two years of industry or university/college experience in theatre or the arts
• Experience with ETC Eos Lighting Consoles
• A good working knowledge of sound, video, and lighting equipment
• Experience of maintaining high standards of technical provision
• Awareness of best practice, including Health & Safety and effective working methods
• Excellent problem solving and decision making
• Interest in and enthusiasm for the arts
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including a good standard of spoken and
written English
• Good ICT skills
• A desire to train others in technical theatre skills and understanding
• Excellent organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail and ability to manage
workloads to meet non-negotiable deadlines (e.g. performance schedules)
• Enthusiasm and calmness – to lead by example
• A team player who is personable, diplomatic, and has the ability to communicate effectively with
people at all levels both internally and externally
• Full driving licence. Driving a hired van may be required

Desirable:
• Experience in project/production management and delivery
• Experience of working in produced, co-produced, and touring theatre
• Experience working with Learning and Engagement or Community projects
• Experience of hemp flying
• Teaching/training experience
• Training qualification

It is a requirement of Buxton Opera House that all staff work in a flexible manner compatible with their
jobs and in line with the objectives of the company. The role will require the postholder to work occasional
weekends and evenings as well as some school holidays for the proper performance of their duties. Due
to the nature of the work, this post is subject to a fully enhanced DBS check which will be processed by
Buxton Opera House. Please note the job description for this position may be reviewed and amended to
incorporate future business needs.

Contract Full time, permanent (average 37.5 hrs per week)
Salary Up to £27,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Probation period 4 months with one weeks’ notice on either side
Pension Auto enrolment
Holidays 25 days (plus 8 days bank holiday) per annum
Preferred start date Monday 11 January 2027

We’d love to hear from you! To apply, please send your CV, along with a covering letter (no more
than 2 pages) detailing:

• Why you’re interested in this role and why you want to work at Buxton Opera House
• The key skills and experience you would bring to the position

Email your application to aspencer@boh.org.uk

Deadline for Applications: Sun 18 Oct, 11.59pm

If you would like to find out more about the role before applying, please contact Allie Spencer, Head of
Creative Learning & Engagement, on aspencer@boh.org.uk for an informal conversation.

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. You may not
meet every criterion listed, and that’s okay. If you have some relevant experience and a motivation to
learn and grow, we encourage you to apply.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to receiving your application!