Creative Production Technician Apprenticeship-SW-Richmond and Woking

ATG Entertainment is proud to stand at the forefront of the live entertainment industry. Our expertise and capabilities enable producers and other creatives to bring their visions to life and create unforgettable performances for audiences, presented in our landmark venues and delivered with exceptional hospitality. It is the passion of our teams, that cover every discipline across the live entertainment industry, that underpins our continuing strategic growth and success.

We own, operate or programme some of the world’s most iconic venues; ATG Entertainment manages 64 venues across Britain, the US and Germany. We are the world leader in theatre ticketing; we process more than 18 million tickets every year for hit musicals, acclaimed plays, concerts, comedy shows and a variety of other live events across the UK, US, and Germany. We present the world’s best live entertainment in our venues; working alongside the world’s leading producers and creative artists, our venues present an extraordinarily diverse range of top-quality entertainment. We produce award-winning shows; our in-house production team, ATG Productions, are dedicated to producing critically acclaimed, commercially successful and creatively ambitious work for the West End, Broadway, Continental Europe and beyond.

Working in one of our regional or London venues, apprentices gain hands-on experience straight away, working alongside our in-house technical teams and visiting companies to support our busy performance programme. Our theatres are all receiving houses with an ever-changing variety of productions, so you’re guaranteed to work on an interesting variety of shows and events. The apprenticeship lasts for two years and includes time with lighting, flys and stage. During that time you’ll work in at least two of our theatres and be challenged to develop your skills and take on a wide range of tasks. On completing, apprentices have the skills and experience required to work as a multi-skilled technician.

Location of work: There will be one apprentice based in each of the following theatres. Applicants must live within a commutable distance of at least one of these venues. Please bear in mind that you will need to be able to travel home after a late finish and long commutes are not suitable.

• Apprentice 1: New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Surrey.
• Apprentice 2: Grand Opera House, York.
• Apprentice 3: Richmond Theatre, London.

Throughout the apprenticeship you will be based at your home venue. You will also be expected to complete secondments to other ATG venues during your apprenticeship, this will require you to move to another area of the UK; it is therefore essential that you are happy to move during the apprenticeship to ensure that you gain a broader range of experiences, develop a wider network in the industry and encourage you to seek out job opportunities in all ATG’s theatres. All travel and accommodation for secondments away from your base venue will be paid for by ATG Entertainment.

About you: We are looking for candidates who:

• Are ambitious, determined and eager to learn.
• Are self-motivated and work well as an active member of a team.
• Act professionally at all times, with a positive attitude to learning and work.
• Have strong attention to detail, including planning and evaluating tasks.
• Have an enthusiastic approach to undertaking a wide variety of duties, to be executed to the best of their ability.
• Communicate confidently, pleasantly and effectively with a wide range of people.
• Enjoy working practically and have a hands-on approach to using equipment to resolve challenges.
• Have an interest in live entertainment and working in the technical theatre industry.

You’ll need to be equally committed to learning through on-the-job experience and off-the-job training workshops, tutorials and through building a portfolio recording your work, with support from your college tutors.

Requirements: You do not need to have worked in theatre before to apply for this role. It is desirable to have a Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade C / 4-5) qualification in English and Maths. If you do not hold these qualifications already you will be supported to achieve them during the apprenticeship. If you already hold a Level 3 or higher qualification in technical theatre, please note this opportunity is not suitable.

Skills required: Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Team working, Logical.

Training to be provided: Creative Industries Production Technician – Creative Venue Technician Pathway Level 3 Standard. A CVT provides technical support for the construction, rehearsal, presentation and removal of a live performance. They are multi-skilled across a wide range of technical disciplines. They possess a broad level of knowledge relevant to the venue in which they operate. CVTs will be competent in lighting, audio, video and stage systems related to live performance. They apply these competencies to their resident premises and production. They are skilled in stagecraft techniques such as operating stage machinery and performing scene changes. This allows them to set up, rig, operate, maintain and carry out basic repairs of technical equipment used in creative venues.

Duty 1: Interpret system specifications for productions, live performance and events. These systems can include sound or lighting or video.

Duty 2: Assemble and configure systems to meet the specification requirements for sound, lighting, power or video.

Duty 3: Test, troubleshoot and maintain equipment and systems.

Duty 4: Collaborate with stakeholders and work with team members.

Duty 5: Operate and maintain technical equipment.

Duty 6: Dynamically risk assess the work environment and situation. Adapt working practices to ensure the safety of self and others.

Duty 7: Disassemble and store technical equipment safely and efficiently at the end of the event, ensuring that the integrity of the components is maintained.

Duty 12 (Creative Venue Technician (CVT)): Monitor and operate systems or services relevant to own workplace.

Duty 13 (Creative Venue Technician (CVT)): Assemble scenery and staging systems to meet performance requirements.

Duty 14 (Creative Venue Technician (CVT)): Carry out live scene changes and operate stage and suspension systems.

Duty 15 (Creative Venue Technician (CVT)): Inspect systems or services relevant to own workplace and carry out maintenance, basic repairs, and upkeep.

Future prospects: ATG Entertainment have a long history of working and developing young talent. They are looking to grow their team and help build skills within the sector.