Deputy Head of Stage

To support the day-to-day delivery and management of the stage department as well as the delivery and management of all staging requirements for Donmar productions and related projects to the highest possible standards. To play a proactive part in the running and operation of the Production Department, the Deputy Head of Stage will also, in conju

Production

• To work with HoS and creative teams to facilitate, oversee and realise all technical staging requirements for Donmar productions and related projects to the highest standards.
• To assist the HoS in running of production fit ups, get outs and technical rehearsals from a technical staging perspective, taking a  leading role as  required.
• Attend production meetings, site visits, rehearsals, and performances as required.
• Support the HoS to cost and build set, prop or scenic elements for productions where required, including the creation of appropriate paperwork.
• Support the HoS in overseeing and advising, in coordination with freelance specialists, on all rigging, flying and work at height activities, ensuring they are carried out safely and in accordance with appropriate legislation and regulations. 
• To provide show cover for Donmar productions either as an on-call duty technician or running an active show track, including providing cover for Automation operators as required.
• To carry out logging and archiving of production information. This may include producing storage lists and “as built” drawings and build/ construction/ maintenance notes.
• To support the production department in preparing for production transfers or tours when required.
• Working alongside the production department, provide support from a stage perspective, for additional work within the organisation as required.

Departmental

• To deputise for the HoS in periods of absence or as otherwise required 
• To assist the HoS in the management of departmental and production expenditure, providing costings and keeping detailed records of spending.
• In conjunction with the HoS, DTP, and freelance Production Managers to participate in the recruitment, management and scheduling of casual and freelance technicians.
• To support the HoS in ensuring appropriate training and induction is given to all stage staff. 
• With the HoS, provide technical and operational support, from a stage, rigging and work at height perspective, for the work of other departments.

Maintenance 

• In conjunction with colleagues and contractors, to identify, plan and undertake maintenance, repairs and improvements to the Donmar’s buildings and infrastructure.
• To support the HoS in liaising with and the supervision of outside contractors carrying out technical and building maintenance.
• To support the HoS in the preparation and running of maintenance work during designated dark periods allocated across the year. 
• To help ensure that all spaces and technical equipment throughout the building are legally compliant and well maintained, keeping maintenance records regularly updated.
• Support the HoS in ensuring the habitual upkeep of all stage and workshop equipment, including regular maintenance, inspections, inventory and maintenance history.
• Assist the HoS in ensuring that all maintenance and compliance inspections are carried out on schedule and the certification is properly filed.  

Health & Safety

• To work closely with colleagues in the Production Department to create, maintain and promote a safe working environment for everyone.
• Maintaining a detailed and current knowledge of all Health and Safety legislation relevant to the work of the Production and Stage departments.
• Identifying hazards and completing suitable risk assessments for all departmental activities. 
• Producing and maintaining Health & Safety records relevant to the department and its equipment as required e.g., In-service Inspection and Testing of Equipment, COSHH, LOLER, PUWER and CDM.

General

• To support colleagues in the effective management of the Production Department, actively contributing to its effective operation and to its positive, proactive and collaborative ethos.
• Support the DTP and Production HoDs with medium and long-term departmental planning, advising on new equipment, capital and maintenance spending.
• To undertake job specific training as required by the Donmar.
• To be a key holder for the Theatre building in Earlham St. and be responsible for its opening and locking up as required.  
• To actively participate in and support the Donmar’s work experience and apprenticeship programmes.
• To ensure that all creative teams and artists feel welcome, engaged and supported in the building and receive the highest level of technical support at all times. 
• Any other reasonable duties required to assist the Production Department or the Donmar as a whole.

Other Ad Hoc Duties

• At the request of your line manager or senior leader, take on other reasonable duties and responsibilities as required to support the needs of the team and the organisation.

 

Person Specification:

Are you someone who demonstrates strong technical and carpentry expertise, thrives as part of a team in pressured and complex environments, delivers high-quality building maintenance, and wants to work in an exciting and creative organisation?

Essential Skills

• • Prior full time or freelance experience working in the stage department of a producing theatre 
  • Demonstrable experience of running shows in live performance
  • Leadership skills and the ability to manage a team, including in fit ups and get outs
  • Excellent knowledge of  stagecraft and rigging techniques
  • Good level of stage carpentry skills
  • Comfortable and experienced working at height
  • Ability to read, understand and implement technical drawings
  • Working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and procedures as related to the theatre 
  • industry. In particular, LOLER, PUWER, COSHH, HSWA (1974) and CDM (2015)
  • Computer literate, with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 or Google Apps Suite
  • Ability to support and work well within a small dedicated production team in a collaborative manner
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills
  • Ability to work under pressure, on occasion, and be a creative and resourceful problem solver
• Ability to maintain a good relationship with contractors, companies, and suppliers

Desirable Skills 

• Previous experience of managing small projects
• Ability to produce and edit technical drawings using AutoCAD or similar
• Rope access and/or working at height training
• First aid training
• Basic metalworking skills
• Knowledge of theatre automation
• Enthusiasm and an interest in the arts.