Job Title:
Theatre Technical Manager
Number Of Years Dedicated To This Field Of Work or Lifestyle:
8
Category Of Work:
Employment – Paid Work
Country / Area of Work:
United Kingdom
Industry:
Arts/Entertainment/Publishing
Type:
Employment
Key Skills For The Job:
Thorough technical experience and knowledge of all aspects of theatre.
Vital Key Skill:
Adaptability.
Your Personal Experience Of Entering This Role:
Learnt On The Job.
Tips For Undertaking This Work:
You must work your way up through the different areas and ranks to gain experience in all aspects in order to be able to manage a technical department. Starting as a casual technician at a local theatre is a good way to begin.
Future Progression Or Developments:
Casual tech to full time, to sound or lighting engineer, deputy stage management, stage management, company manager, flyman.
Listen and learn as fast as you can. The quicker you take on board the job and the more you can do a job before being asked, is what will get you more work and experience. Make yourself indispensable.
What Are The ‘tools of the trade’ Used Daily:
Hand and power tools, gerbers, theatre tools,teapots! Soldering irons, gaffer tape, lists. Pens and post-it notes.
A Typical Day’s Duties:
On a show day, you will be responsible for calling the crew within budgets and according to show requirements. You will be responsible for liasing with a show prior to its arrival, ensuring a pre-rig of the lighting is in place, sound requirements are met, dressing room riders are covered, then oversee and organise the show into your venue with your crew, making sure all needs are met by the incoming company.
You will need to delegate or operate equipment yourself, perhaps programming lighting, sound operation, set building, repairing, managing expectations of the actors, liase with the theatre manager and front of house staff.
You may have to work the show and get it out afterwards all neatly packed into the wagon!
On a none show day, you may be preparing for an incoming show, maintaining and cleaning or repairing technical equipment.
Reading show riders and compromising according to your venue and budgets. You need to ensure stocks are maintained, equipment is organised and ordered, and generally ensure the technical aspect of the theatre is managed appropriately. You may also key-hold and be responsible for opening or closing the building and general building maintenance.
Is Travelling A Regularly Part Of This Work:
No
Weekly Working Hours:
Full Time
Type Of Hours Arrangement:
Flexible Based On Employers Needs.
The Best Thing About The Work You Do:
Job satisfaction – the show must go on regardless, so you need to be able to problem solve and think on your feet, but working a show or managing a team in a venue is immensely rewarding.
Your Least Favorite Thing About The Work You Do:
The hours are incredibly antisocial and the work is very high pressure – deadlines simply are not optional.
Any Duties You Hadn’t Anticipated Prior To Undertaking The Work:
Mending Christmas tree lights! I HATE THEM!!!!!!!
The Top Perks Of The Work:
Variety, never knowing what will happen and making sure that the show goes on is a fantastic feeling. The banter and team within a stage crew is second to none – the unsung heroes. Technical management is very hard work but worth it!
Other Work In The Same Sector:
Stage management, production management, company management, touring, producing, set designing and building.
What Professional Organisations Are Associated With Your Work:
ABTT (The Association of British Theatre Technicians)
Additional Info You Wish To Share:
The industry is a small world – wherever you are, whichever venue, make sure you conduct yourself well as good reputation is everything and you will be head hunted for promotion – where a bad reputation will ensure you do not work. Everyone knows or has heard of everyone else and touring companies also talk to each venue they go to, so make sure they speak highly of you and yours.
