Summary
More Details
Second Stage, a charity created to develop partnerships between prison leavers and the live events industry, are recruiting an experienced theatre/live events technician to work at HMP Hollesley Bay, Category D, male open prison, in Suffolk.
The Hollesley Bay Hall Technical Manager will need to deliver entry-level production training, preparing the men for employment opportunities upon release. You will need a basic knowledge in lighting, sound, video and stage management and an awareness and ambition to develop training courses to include basic life and social skills to benefit the men on release.
You will need a genuine passion for live events and be looking to share that passion with a new potential workforce, made up of people who might have had limited opportunities and experiences in life. Working in close conjunction with the HMPPS and ‘through the gate’ support teams, in-prison specifically the Facilities Manager, the Education dept and the Employment dept.
The duties of the Technical Manager will mostly be completed within a 3 ½ day week Monday-Thursday, however may necessitate working some evenings as and when events may be staged. The technical course structure and length will be developed by the post-holder, meaning that the courses will be structured to fit the availability of the Technical Manager and around the other education and employment offerings within the prison, to maximise the efficacy of the programme and the availability of the right candidate. The course will be developed in consultation with the ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians).
The TM will also work closely with Second Stage to engage with the professional theatre industry on the potential recruitment of the prison-leavers. Supported by existing ‘through the gate’ networks, together with the team at Second Stage, you would support applicants through the application and interview process of recruitment into technical roles backstage in the live events industry.
This is a new and unique opportunity for the right candidate to be instrumental in creating and delivering the first ever theatre training in prisons.
Role and Responsibilities
As this is a new and unique position, the full breakdown of roles and responsibilities is not confirmed, but we envisage it including some if not all of the below.
- Manage the day to day running of the Hollesley Bay Hall
- Manage and maintain the bookings diary
- Liaise with the prison facilities manager on maintaining the equipment in the hall
- Schedule and deliver in-prison technical courses, in conjunction with Second Stage, to ABTT and other technical standards (tbc).
- To manage a budget for orders/re-stocks of consumable supplies
- Ensure the routine up-keep of the Hall including compliance with statutory Health and Safety legislation in liaison with the Facilities Manager and Governor.
- To provide a high level of technical education, supervision, advice and assistance to all staff and users of the equipment and Hall.
- To act as Production Manager for any in-prison performances, providing assistance to visiting professional and amateur productions. This may also include assistance with audio visual aids for lectures/talks.
- To take responsibility for construction or hire of sets, scenery and supervise all users.
- To supervise fit ups and strikes whilst rigging, plotting and focusing lanterns or when engaged in any technical theatre work.
- To be responsible for H&S in the Hall reporting to the Facilities Manager and H&S Advisor.
- To be the designated First Aider for the Hall
- To attend specific training for working with people with trauma in prisons (provided by Second Stage).
Qualifications and Education Requirements
GCSEs and post 16 further education, possibly higher education in an aspect of theatre production.
Industry experience essential.
Previous relevant education experience would be beneficial, though not essential.
Skills Requirements
Excellent knowledge of technical theatre and production processes. Some knowledge of set design and construction would be an advantage.
Outstanding communication skills, patience, diplomacy and adaptability. To be a cheerful team player who works with a genuine energy and enthusiasm for the work and who has a good imagination and sense of humour.
Experience of working with marginalised communities would be an advantage.
Ability to manage own time effectively and responsibly essential.
Organisation
