Job description

Theatre Royal Plymouth is a registered charity, inspiring a lifetime of creativity for audiences, artists and participants throughout Plymouth and the wider region. As the principal home of performing arts in the Southwest, we engage and inspire many communities, creating memorable experiences for people from all backgrounds. TRP do this by creating and presenting a breadth of shows on a range of scales, with their extensive creative engagement programmes, by embracing the vitality of new talent and supporting emerging and established artists, and by collaborating with a range of partners to provide dynamic cultural leadership for the city of Plymouth.

What is a Theatre Technician?
If you enjoy variety, creativity and problem solving then being a theatre technician can be the most enjoyable job in the world. A theatre technician helps to bring the directors ideas to life and creates the special effects that make a show memorable. It is the job of the technician to ensure that all the lighting, sound, scene changes and special effects happen safely and calmly, so the actors are confident working in front of an audience.
There is nothing like the feeling of a live audience watching a show you are working on.

Purpose of an Apprenticeship
Working with the Lighting, Sound and Stage Departments (which are all part of the Technical Department), you will learn about and understand the role of a technician within the performing arts industry whilst getting hands on experience. You will learn the practical skills necessary to work as a technician in a theatrical environment and have the opportunity to work with top industry professionals in all the Theatre Royal’s spaces.

This apprenticeship is part of The Mackintosh Foundation’s Regional Technical Apprenticeship Programme. This is the second cohort which The Foundation has supported and is being delivered in partnership with 15 venues across the country.

As part of the programme all apprentices will receive additional support for their development and progress. This will take the form of monthly online catchups and development sessions, as well as opportunities for in person networking and learning.

Alongside on-the-job training, the apprentice will spend at least 20% of their working hours (up to a maximum of 6 hours per week) completing off the job training, which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. The 20% off the job training may include college attendance, evidencing workplace activity, attending external events and general tasks which are new skills.

In reality this means that you will work with the college towards your apprenticeship qualification (these are called ‘standards’). Each apprenticeship has a different standard attached to it, for more detailed information on the apprenticeship standards you can visit this website – Creative Industries Production Technician Apprenticeship Standards

What is involved?
The apprenticeship will be split between the Theatre Royal Plymouth and the Chichester College
You will study for the apprenticeship standard – Creative Industries Production Technician
You will be supported by the College to collect work for a portfolio, which will go towards completing the course
You will be supported in passing functional skills in English, Maths and ICT if you need to take them.
You will work in all areas where the Technical Department work, supervised and supported by members of the Technical Department.
You will collect evidence of the work you do and make a portfolio showing how you have used your skills in the workplace.
You will be supported in this process by the College and by mentors from the Theatre Royal.

What you will learn during the apprenticeship at the Theatre Royal:

Knowledge:
Safety & Compliance: Full understanding of health, safety, and electrical regulations, standards, and system maintenance.
Industry & Operations: Awareness of production/event management, industry bodies, lifting, security, and logistics.

Technical Principles:
General: Event planning, problem-solving, system improvement, and tidy workspaces.
Mechanical/Electromechanical: Function of stage machinery and lifting gear.
Electrical: Safe temporary power, installation, distribution, and varied voltage systems.
AV Systems: Lighting, sound, and video system principles (setup, test, maintain, basic repair), design history, lighting effects/optimisation, and low voltage lighting.
Production & Design: Stage/production management, venue types, and inter-departmental needs.
Sustainability & Technology: Environmental practices and design software use.
Communication: Adaptable stakeholder communication.
Advanced Technical: Complex troubleshooting, calibration, venue-specific application, servicing, network compatibility, advanced logistics (carnets), and battery safety.

Skills:
Technical Operations & Maintenance:
Interpreting/preparing specifications and drawings (CAD/asset management).
Assembling, operating, maintaining, and storing technical systems/equipment.
Repairing (basic to component level) and maintaining AV equipment.
Troubleshooting equipment and complex venue systems.
Calibrating and servicing equipment; ensuring network connectivity.
Operating suspension and stage machinery.

Lighting Specific:
Programming/operating lighting controls.
Power system assessment, wiring installation.
Setting, operating, and modifying lighting for desired effects, including short-notice changes.
Managing extra low voltage lighting and battery safety.
Production & Stage Management:
Operating production consoles and cueing for live events.
Managing set/scene changes and basic stage crafts

Safety & Planning:
Applying method statements and risk assessments for safe work.
Correct use of safety/access equipment.
Logistics planning for equipment transport (packing, carnets).
Operating lifting and rigging equipment.

Communication & Collaboration:
Effective stakeholder collaboration and communication.
Using digital collaboration tools; directing teams; report writing.
Management & Compliance: Adhering to budget/financial protocols.

Behaviours
Professionalism: Adaptable, reliable, responsible, self-motivated, goal-oriented, committed to safety and continuous improvement.
Teamwork: Respectful, effective communication and collaboration.
Problem Solving: Calm under pressure, proactive, stays current with best practices.
Sustainability: Environmentally responsible in all duties.

Apply via theatreroyal.com