TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT
• Support all visiting companies and in-house producing teams to enable efficient realisation of their productions in the performance spaces, and provide a professional and friendly point of contact for visiting companies, artists and their representatives across all three venues
• Assist with the regular and proper maintenance, inspection and testing of production and building technical equipment, ensuring it meets industry and manufacturer standards
• To programme lighting and sound as required by all shows and events
• Lead get-ins, fit-ups and get outs
• Ensure safe rigging of lighting / sound / video equipment / effects, and construction of scenery
• Ensure good housekeeping is maintained in all technical and backstage areas
• Supervise casual technical staff
HIRES & CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT
• Provide a technical point of contact for all external hires bookings, ensuring their requirements do not conflict with or compromise the main programme, and communicating any additional costs as appropriate
• Act as Production Manager for Soho Labs (term-time workshops hosted by Soho’s Creative Engagement team) and other public events including but not limited to Soho Labs and Primary Playwrights; coordinating technical requirements, staffing, and conducting production meetings with each of the four Lab groups to communicate the technical capabilities and limitations in advance of their public sharings
• Act as Duty Technician on Saturdays when Soho Labs are taking place, providing building and technical support to staff and workshop leaders
• To coordinate with the Creative Learning Producer and Soho Producing teams to ensure technical requirements are met and delivered for Writers Lab, Tony Craze Award and Soho Rising Festival
• To debrief with the Creative Learning Producer and Creative Learning Coordinator to feedback and carry improvements into the next cohort
PERFORMANCE TIMES
• Fulfil the role of Duty Technician at Dean Street, supporting the smooth running of the building through consistent communication with all three performance venues, foyer and our busy bar Ensure performance times run safely, smoothly and efficiently
• Operate performances, oversee and assist with turnarounds and report on issues noted
• Act as Fire Marshall and assist as required in the event of an evacuation
BUILDING
• Support the Building and Office Manager to maintain the building and plant equipment, assisting with routine day-to-day maintenance as required.
• Constantly ensure that all public areas of the building are kept clear and comply with Soho’s building & entertainment licence and Health & Safety Policy
• Act as a key-holder for the building
HEALTH AND SAFETY
• Read and actively implement Soho Theatre’s Health & Safety Policy in all areas
• Ensure all work is carried out in a safe and secure manner and inform the Technical & Production Manager in the case of any uncertainty
• Ensure that all incoming companies are provided with a full Health & Safety induction on arrival, and technical company members are given a technical induction / toolbox talk
• Create / sign off risk assessments, ensuring control measures are adequate, achievable and adhered to at all times
• Act as an appointed First Aider for the building
GENERAL
• Support the aims and objectives of Soho Theatre Company both internally and externally
• Act as an ambassador for Soho Theatre to all visitors to the building
• Any other duties the Technical & Production Manager may reasonably require
This is a guide to the nature of the work required of the role. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the post holder and the line manager from time to time.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
• Experience in a professional producing or receiving theatre and/or a qualification in technical theatre
• Experience of liaising with artists
• Rigging, operation and maintenance of theatrical lighting, sound, communications, special effects and video equipment
Desirable Experience (not part of shortlisting process)
• Advanced knowledge of theatrical sound systems
• Awareness of networking for technical theatre infrastructure
Essential Skills
• Knowledge of ETC lighting desks, including plotting moving lights
• Knowledge of sound consoles and QLab software
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and sound/video/lighting plans
• Ability to work at height safely and with confidence
• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively and with authority and to lead by example
• An awareness of the access requirements that may be presented by artists and patrons, and to identify reasonable adjustments to make their time here safe and comfortable
• Excellent attention to detail and time management
Desirable Skills (not part of shortlisting process)
• Ability to use a wide range of portable power tools and hand tools safely with confidence
• Ability to PAT test and maintain standard theatre equipment
• Basic knowledge of stage management duties
• Basic set construction and carpentry skills
• Experience with live sound mixing
Qualities
• Understanding of the nuances of Soho Theatre’s programming, enthusiasm for working in a fast paced, energetic and demanding environment
• Willing to contribute to interpreting a creative vision and support teams to collaborative success
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of personalities and backgrounds in a clear and effective manner
• Willingness and ability to work unsupervised and with initiative
• Highly organised and self-motivated
• An interest in new writing and ambitious approaches to theatre, comedy and cabaret
• Friendly and approachable, with an interest in meeting new people
• A working knowledge of the arts sector
This is a guide to the nature of the work required of the role. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the post holder and the line manager from time to time.