Senior Stage Technician (Head of Stage) at Theatre by the Lake

Application closing date: 15 Jun 2026 12:00pm

Based: Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, Cumbria

Salary: £30,676.00 per annum

Position: Senior Stage Technician (Head of Stage)

Contract: Full Time

Website: www.theatrebythelake.com

www.theatrebythelake.com

Job Description

Theatre by the Lake is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Technician with a specialism in Stage to lead the stage department and work alongside our existing technical team (comprising of Head of Lighting, Head of Sound and multi-disciplined fulltime and freelance technicians). You should be committed to high-quality work and have a keen interest in working in producing theatre. You will be joining our existing LX, Sound and Stage Technicians in our evolving team as we look ahead to an exciting programme for 2026/27, providing an excellent service to our customers, visiting artists and community users.

Ideally, you will have at least three years’ experience working in a professional producing theatre or touring professional productions.

Key Objective:

To work as part of the Technical Department and support the Technical Manager in the planning, delivery, and management of all Stage aspects of Theatre by the Lake’s performances, festivals, events, and to support the wider Production department as necessary.

Specific Duties:

To lead on TBTL’s stage work, including get-ins, get-outs, turnarounds, rigging and operation of all stage equipment.

To lead on the rigging and operation of all stage equipment and associated systems

To lead on the maintenance of stage equipment, including the flying system, stage lift and revolve.

Act as Duty Tech as appropriate during fit-ups and get-outs, responsible for technical teams across our spaces, managing the room and taking responsibility for all departments, supervising staff, monitoring health and safety, working hours and breaks.

For home-produced and co-produced work:

Help with the construction and sourcing of scenery and props, then be responsible for their maintenance during show runs.

Main Duties:

To actively contribute to the effective operation of the Production Department’s work

To support the Technical Manager in the effective planning and management of stage operations (including scheduling, maintenance, and budgeting)

To assist the Technical Manager in realising the stage designs for productions and events.

Liaise with other technical staff and departments as appropriate in relation to stage plans, fly plots, production schedules to ensure a well-planned and coherent approach to fit ups

For home-produced and co-produced work where we are the lead producer, liaising with external contractors, hire companies and sales representatives as necessary.

To liaise and coordinate with visiting companies and creatives, ensuring they have been contacted in advance of their visit, and that the necessary paperwork is received on time.

Maintain the paperwork necessary for the smooth running of the performances both received and in-house work (show running paperwork, startup/shutdown procedures, daily/weekly checks)

To attend Production, Progress, Technical and Interdepartmental meetings as required, and adequately prepare for and participate in these meetings as appropriate.

Undertake the rigging, focusing and operation of all lighting, sound, video and cinema equipment

Undertake technical stage work including: get-ins, get outs, rigging and operation of flying equipment

Undertake the rigging and operation of TBTL’s access equipment (including, but not limited to: Audio Enhancement, Caption screen)

Deliver training to technicians, casuals, students, and apprentices as required.

Promote Health and Safety within the stage /technical department (RAMS, Training, PPE/Tools as required, and regular checks) and inform the RAMS for all home-produced work

Deputise for the Technical Manager as required.


Other Duties: 

Provide technical support for incoming companies, festivals, education and outreach projects and other events.

Provide technical support for community groups and amateur theatre companies who work across our spaces.

Provide technical support for resident and freelance creative staff.

Undertake the maintenance of production and technical equipment at Theatre by the Lake and its stores

Supervise freelance or casual technicians, apprentices or work experience students working within the department, as required.

Build and maintain positive relationships with all suppliers, production team members, creatives, audiences, and participants and always represent Theatre by the Lake in a professional manner.

To work under the theatre’s Health & Safety policy and current legislation about the safe operation of theatre activities.

Keep up to date with current developments and trends within technical theatre.

Act as a representative and advocate of Theatre by the Lake.

Engage with internal communications and stay abreast of organisational updates and developments.

Support and uphold Theatre by the Lake’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

Adhere to Theatre by the Lake’s Safeguarding Policy including the reporting of any issues of concern following procedure.

Undertake any other duties that may be reasonably required in connection with the position, as a member of a small and collaborative organization.

DBS Certificate

You will be required to hold a Basic DBS Certificate in this role.  This will be subject to regular review by Theatre by the Lake in line with our Safeguarding policy.

Person Specification

The person specification will be used to consider suitable applicants for the shortlist and the exploration of skills at the interview.

Essential 

Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a professional producing or touring theatre at Technician level or above.

Excellent technical skills with a thorough understanding of stage equipment, technologies, and systems.

Working with rigging, motorised hoists and flying using a counterweight system.

Thorough knowledge and practical experience of stage and rigging techniques.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Provide good leadership skills so the team has a successful outcome and learns from challenges.

Ability to problem solve using a calm and logical approach, even when under pressure.

Adaptable and flexible approach to work.

Excellent computer literacy.

High aptitude for learning and retaining detailed information.

Motivated individual able to work on their initiative.

Willingness to work flexibly and to work shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Ability to carry out the physical demands of the job.

Excellent eye for detail and the ability to maintain high standards in the workplace.

Excellent team player.

Well-presented with a professional attitude and appearance.

Willingness to undertake any necessary training.

A keen interest in the development of stage technologies and stage products in the industry.

Awareness of health and safety issues, including a working knowledge of COSHH, LOLER and other related legislation.

 

Desirable 

Carpentry and Metal Work Skills

Electrical qualification.

First Aid qualification.

PAT testing qualification and/or experience of PAT testing.

Full, clean driving license.

A good knowledge of the theatre lighting industry Companies and Associations.

Experience of:  

Rigging, programming, and operating LX equipment, including EOS consoles.

Rigging, programming and operating video and projection equipment.

Rigging, programming, and operating sound systems, including Qlab; knowledge of radio microphones.

Facilitating and supporting amateur dramatics companies.

Working with young people.

Building maintenance.

CAD and/or Vectorworks

Negotiating hire and purchase of equipment

Application Process

If you think that this is the next role for you and you have the skills and experience we’re looking for, then please send your CV with a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role to jobs@theatrebythelake.com.

Please also complete our online Equal Opportunities and Monitoring Form available on the website

We’re committed diversity and creating an accessible recruitment process. So, whilst we’re taking applications by CV, if this process doesn’t work for you then please let us know and we’ll happily consider an alternative such as a video application. You can contact us at jobs@theatrebylake.com to discuss.

Closing Date

The closing date for application is Mon 15th June MIDDAY – Deadline for applications

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted by 6pm Mon 15th June

An initial online interview will take place during Thurs 18th June

For successful candidates, an in-person interview at Theatre by the Lake will take place on Weds 24th June

Terms and conditions

Salary – £30,676.00 per annum

Hours – This is an annualized hours contract averaging 43 hours per week (pro rata if less than a full year). Hours worked will be reviewed annually on 31 March.

Type of Contract – PERMANENT

Holiday Entitlement – 31 Days per annum (including Bank Holidays) plus Christmas Day

Pension – 5% Employee Pension contribution and 3% Employer Pension Contribution

Apply via www.theatrebythelake.com