Theatre Consultant - Audiovisual

Thank you for your interest in Charcoalblue!

We are seeking a Theatre Consultant – Technical Systems Designer with an AV focus to join our global Theatre Consultancy team in the UK. You will be responsible for all aspects of design, documentation and commissioning of Audiovisual and Stage Lighting systems on our projects, working as part of project teams that may include team leads, theatre designers, stage equipment designers, experience designers and acousticians to deliver holistic, bespoke dedicated design solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide general support for projects; primarily assisting with the production of drawings, specifications and reports for specific projects, and assisting senior team members with research on new products, developing principles of system design and producing Charcoalblue’s design intent system information.
• Consistently deliver work to the highest standards, following quality assurance processes and ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation, guidance and good practice.
• Ensure all project demands are met while fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere that inspires confidence, motivates teams and reflects our commitment to excellence in design and construction.
• Expand your knowledge of the theatre, technical presentation and construction industry through self‑led research and support from our Training & Development programme.
• Meet with clients to evaluate their needs and work with the internal design team to present a holistic design solution, balancing performance functionality and budget.
• Describe the functionality and purpose of audiovisual or stage lighting systems while adjusting communication styles for different audiences.
• Work with architectural and engineering teams to ensure each design discipline includes the required infrastructure, support, dependencies and accommodation for all elements of the stage lighting or audiovisual systems.
• Provide cost projections throughout a project for audiovisual or stage lighting systems integration.
• Work with manufacturers and distributors to sense‑check system designs and conduct early market testing.
• Conduct value engineering; adapt and revise designs to reduce cost while maintaining as much value and performance as possible, describing impacts on functionality.
• Participate in site visits for commissioning, witness testing, construction progress and other purposes as required.
• Occasional travel, including international/overseas travel.
• Work with Team Leaders to set out project work plans, goals and deliverables.
• Contribute to the continual development of internal design and technical resources through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications And Key Skills

We are open to receiving applications from candidates with a varied range of experience and education. If you meet most of the qualifications below, we encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Minimum four (4) years of experience working in live performance venues.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working as a technical systems designer.
• Experience in computer drafting; proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD or REVIT is required.
• Professional experience with Microsoft Office and GSuite products.
• Professional experience with Adobe Acrobat and/or Bluebeam.

Desirable

• Excellent communication skills: verbal explanations, data interpretation, sketch drawing, written communication, technical drawing and formal presentations.
• Ability to self‑manage and set work plans for successful delivery against deadlines with minimal input from management.
• Expert level detailed knowledge of audiovisual and high level knowledge of stage lighting equipment infrastructure, networking technology and systems integration; good knowledge of broadcast/streaming/lecture room technology.
• Higher education qualification or completion of a Technical Theatre course at a Drama School, College or University.
• Completion of industry‑relevant training (e.g., AVIXA).
• Served as primary stage lighting or audiovisual systems designer for completed projects in design, documentation, construction and commissioning phases, either as a consultant or client.
• Practical knowledge of stage lighting and/or audiovisual theory and design, with a solid understanding of networks and required infrastructure.
• Practical knowledge of Theatre Health & Safety practice; knowledge of current relevant Health & Safety and electrical regulations.
• Skill and sensitivity to graphic design and layout, graphical display of information, adhering to design standards and incorporating corporate branding.
• Knowledge and experience of the operation and/or construction of theatre and/or live performance buildings.
• Experience creating contract documentation for stage lighting or audiovisual systems on new construction or architectural renovation projects in the UK and/or EMEA.
• Experience working with a distributed global team across different time zones.
• Interest in live performance, broadcast and/or events.
• Experience with temporary or permanent architectural lighting schemes.
• Experience with temporary or permanent audiovisual immersive environment installations.

Interpersonal Skills

• Highly organised, excellent time management skills and reliable.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Adept at multi‑tasking.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Friendly and professional manner.
• Ability to work successfully on own initiative, as well as part of a local and global team.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing business needs.
• Ability to manage and prioritise diverse workload, sometimes under pressured environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and maintain a sense of humour.
• Ability to manage simple budgets and basic finance related tasks, as required.

Benefits

This is a permanent, full‑time role with flexibility built in. You’ll be UK‑based, working a 40‑hour week with flexible hours between 8am–8pm, Monday to Friday, and enjoy a hybrid set‑up with a minimum of 2 days per week working in one of our studios, balanced with studio collaboration, site visits and project meetings.

• Ability to request an unlimited number of days off under our “Take What You Need” leave policy.
• Studio closure over Christmas and New Years.
• Annual company bonus scheme.
• Pension auto‑enrolment.
• Monthly live event tickets allowance.
• Home working contribution towards internet and utilities.
• Private Health Insurance after two years for you and your dependants.
• Laptop and peripherals provided.
• Company mobile phone scheme.

Start Date ASAP

Salary The salary range for this role is £35,000 – £50,000 per annum for a 40‑hour week. Charcoalblue intends to offer the selected candidate base pay within this range, dependent on job‑related, non‑discriminatory factors such as experience. Base pay is one part of the total rewards that Charcoalblue provides to compensate and recognise employees for their work. Charcoalblue provides a robust benefits package to help support you physically, financially and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Overview

We are committed to becoming an increasingly inclusive organisation. We continuously work to eliminate unfair and discriminatory practices within the company while encouraging full and equal contributions from our diverse community. Our mission is to foster an inclusive ethos by creating a welcoming work environment across our global practice. We provide recruitment opportunities that are open to all and encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds to ensure our global team reflects the clients we collaborate with and the communities we serve.

Contact For a different format or support during the application process, please contact Ashleigh Staddon at ashleigh.staddon@charcoalblue.com or via telephone at +44 (0)20 7928 0000. If you have any questions about accessibility or how the role may accommodate your personal circumstances, please reach out. Charcoalblue strives to provide an environment free from discrimination and is committed to ensuring that all clients and customers can access the services and products we offer, across our three regions. We believe that all individuals – employees and clients alike – are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.

About Charcoalblue

Charcoalblue is widely regarded as the most exciting and innovative theatre, acoustics and experience consultancy in the world. We specialise in the performing arts, live entertainment, media, technology, education, experiential, hospitality, workplace and cultural sectors. We imagine, design and deliver captivating spaces that entertain, educate and transform individuals through collective experiences. Guided by listening, collaboration and a passion for innovation, excellence, emotion and theatricality, we strive to create extraordinary moments. Since our inception in the UK in 2004, Charcoalblue is now the largest organisation of its kind, delivering projects to every corner of the globe. We operate as a cohesive and collaborative team with studios in London and Bristol in the UK, New York, Chicago and San Francisco in the US, and Melbourne in Australia.