At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the technical team in delivering high-quality theatre productions and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Birmingham Hippodrome, a leading theatre complex enriching cultural life.
- Benefits: Full training, college support, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Welcoming diverse applicants; excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and learn the magic of technical theatre while working on major productions.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18, with GCSE English and Maths; passion for technical theatre is key.
The predicted salary is between 23792 - 29080 £ per year.
ABOUT US: With a mission to enrich the cultural life of our region, Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the most popular theatre complexes in the UK. Varied productions in our 1,850-seat auditorium and in our 200-seat Patrick Studio ensure we play a key role in the region’s world-class cultural scene. Our Tech Team is welcoming, inclusive, and committed to passing on knowledge and skills, willing to teach and train.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
- Full Time – 40 hours per week, which includes one day of college per week (remotely delivered by Chichester College Group).
- Frequent work during evenings and weekends, and sometimes overnights, around show performances.
- Fixed term contract - this is a 24-month contract to complete a Level 3 Creative Venue Technician apprenticeship.
- Full training provided, plus support from Chichester College Group.
As an apprentice in the vibrant world of theatre, the post-holder will play an active role in supporting the technical team to deliver high-quality theatre productions. They will gain hands-on experience across a wide range of technical activities both on and off stage, including get-ins and get-outs, show running, equipment maintenance, and general backstage operations.
ABOUT YOU: We are looking for someone with a real passion and interest in technical theatre. Previous experience would be useful, but it's more important that you are proactive, motivated, and eager to learn. You must be over 18 (or will be by 21 September) and have passed GCSE English and Maths. You cannot have a degree-level qualification as a Creative Venue Technician or in Technical Theatre, but an adjacent subject such as Music Production would be fine. You must also have:
- Basic computer skills.
- Some theatrical exposure and knowledge.
- Ability to work in a manual environment.
- Effective and efficient communicator.
- Excellent teamwork skills; confident working and communicating with people at all levels.
- Self-awareness about your learning style, able to help managers to get the best from you.
- Excellent time-keeping abilities, able to follow instructions in a timely manner.
- Creative and problem-solving skills.
- Proven passion and a keen interest in technical theatre.
- Personal alignment with Birmingham Hippodrome’s Values.
- Respect for others, values diversity, and can work with a diverse team.
- An adaptable and flexible attitude to working in any parts of the organisation and completing new tasks as required.
- Keen to learn and develop, open to trying new areas and motivated to take part in new opportunities.
- A positive and proactive approach to work.
- Comfortable working at heights.
- Comfortable with physical work in a manual working environment.
Recognising under-representation in our workforce of the global majority, and people with disabilities, we particularly welcome applicants from those backgrounds.
OUR APPRENTICES: Birmingham Hippodrome are very proud of our apprenticeships tradition, particularly in our Technical department. Our previous Technical Apprentices have:
- Helped bring major musicals and our spectacular annual pantomime to life.
- Gained hands-on experience across backstage roles, including stage crew, followspot operation and pyrotechnics.
- Worked on lighting for musicals, ballets, operas, festivals and live events.
- Assisted with building sets and installing professional sound systems for touring productions.
- Supported large-scale productions, taking part in flys operations for immersive dance and audiovisual performances.
- Learned industry-standard theatre terminology, technology and software from experienced professionals.
- Shadowed backstage of touring productions, including rehearsals and promotional filming.
- Worked as show crews and operators across our main theatre and studio spaces.
- Designed and operated lighting for live comedy and other performances with creative input.
- Completed industry-recognised training, including ETC Eos lighting desks, pyrotechnics, Portable Appliance Testing, Tallescope, ABTT Bronze Award, IPAF, and d&b audiotechnik sound workshops.
Technical Apprentice in Birmingham employer: Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Hippodrome is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being. As a Payroll & Benefits Specialist, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant arts organisation while enjoying professional growth in a collaborative environment. With a commitment to staff development and a focus on work-life balance, Birmingham Hippodrome stands out as a rewarding place to build your career.
