Thank you for your interest in Charcoalblue!
We are seeking a Theatre Consultant in Stage Lighting Design to join our talented team.
To apply, please complete the online application form and submit a short CV (1–2 pages max.) and a cover letter addressing the following prompts:
- Why do you consider yourself to be a suitable person for the post and what you would like from the job?
- Which of your previous experience would you highlight as particularly relevant? Please highlight any stage lighting design for performance buildings and event spaces.
- Describe any experience of designing, specifying and commissioning stage lighting or performance systems.
- Describe your experience and competency using CAD drawing tools for designing stage lighting systems.
- Please highlight the elements of the role requirement where you feel you have the least experience.
- Please highlight any experience you have leading teams.
- What are your salary expectations in line with experience?
Description of Role
We are seeking a Theatre Consultant – Technical System Designer with a Stage Lighting focus to join our global Theatre Consultancy team in the UK. You will be responsible for all aspects of design, documentation, and commissioning Stage Lighting systems on our projects. You will work as part of our project teams which can include team leads, theatre designers, stage equipment designers, experience designers and acousticians to deliver holistic, bespoke design solutions. It would be advantageous for you to have prior experience with theatre and/or presentation technical systems and/or broadcast and media technology, either as a practitioner and/or systems designer and/or experience as a team leader or project manager.
You will report to one of our Associate Directors and your project assignments and workload will be managed by your line manager. You will have the chance to meet regularly with your line manager to ensure you are fully supported in your role and, since theatre consultancy is a specialist field, we will provide role‑specific inductions and ongoing training to help you succeed.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide general support for projects; primarily assisting with the production of drawings, specifications and reports for specific projects, as well as assisting the more senior team members with research on new products, developing system design principles and creating Charcoalblue’s standard system information.
- Work to a consistently high standard, in line with Charcoalblue’s quality assurance and control procedures.
- Ensure that the demands of your projects are fully met.
- Operate with minimal administrative assistance: drafting emails, letters, reports and budgets as necessary.
- Self‑motivate in research, expanding your knowledge of theatre and of the construction industry. Highlight any particular skills or experience you may bring to the company through the application form.
- Meet with clients to evaluate their needs for a project’s stage lighting and network systems design.
- Work with our internal design team to present a holistic design solution that balances performance functionality and budget.
- Communicate with client teams to describe our solutions and ensure they reflect the right fit.
- Describe the functionality and purpose of stage lighting systems while adjusting communication styles for different audiences – other creative designers, experienced technicians, or electrical engineers.
- Work with architectural and engineering teams to ensure that each design discipline includes the required infrastructure, support and accommodation for all elements of the stage lighting system.
- Provide cost projections throughout a project for stage lighting integration.
- Conduct value engineering; adapt and revise designs to reduce cost while maintaining value and performance, while describing impacts on functionality.
- Participate in site visits for commissioning, testing, construction progress and other purposes as required. The position requires occasional travel, including international/overseas travel.
- Work with our Team Leaders to set project work plans, goals and deliverables.
- Contribute to continuous development of our internal design and technical resources.
- Discuss your work and ideas with other designers at Charcoalblue.
- Serve as a resource for all designers about stage lighting technology applicable to our projects.
Qualifications And Key Skills
We welcome 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’ experience as a stage lighting designer or technician, ideally across performing arts and architectural contexts.
- Minimum two (2) years of experience working as a technical systems designer or specifying stage lighting systems or equipment.
- Experience in computer drafting of some form; proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD or Revit is required.
- Professional experience with Microsoft Office and GSuite products.
- Professional experience with Adobe Acrobat and/or Bluebeam – we operate a paperless office and use the Adobe/Bluebeam PDF format for all documents.
- Experience and interest in live performance and/or events, with a demonstrable passion for the performing arts.
Desirable
- Excellent communication skills through verbal explanations, data interpretation, sketch drawing, written communication, technical drawing and formal presentations.
- Ability to self‑manage and set work plans for successful delivery of work against deadlines with minimal input from management.
- Expert level knowledge of stage lighting and high level knowledge of audiovisual equipment infrastructure, networking technology and systems integration.
- Completed a higher education qualification or attended a Technical Theatre course at a Drama School, College or University.
- Completed industry‑relevant training (e.g., AVIXA).
- Served as primary stage lighting or audiovisual systems designer on completed projects in the 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 is advantageous.
- Skill and sensitivity to graphic design and layout, graphical display of information, adherence to design standards and incorporation of 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.
- Experience of temporary or permanent architectural lighting schemes.
- Experience of temporary or permanent stage lighting immersive environment installations.
Interpersonal Skills
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills, with a dependable and consistent approach.
- Careful and thorough, able to produce accurate work.
- Clear and confident communication skills, both in writing and speaking.
- Comfortable managing multiple responsibilities with support where needed.
- Able to maintain focus and use healthy coping strategies during busy periods.
- Approachable and respectful when working with others.
- Confident working independently and collaboratively within local and global teams.
- Open to learning and adapting to evolving business needs.
- Able to prioritise tasks and balance a varied workload.
What’s in it for you?
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 8 am–8 pm, Monday to Friday, and enjoy a hybrid setup with a minimum of two days per week in one of our studios, balanced with studio collaboration, site visits and project meetings.
- Unlimited days off under our “Take What You Need” leave policy.
- Studio closure over Christmas and New Year.
- Annual company bonus scheme.
- Pension auto‑enrolment.
- Monthly live‑event ticket allowance to stay inspired by the industry we design for.
- 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.
Please state your salary expectations in your application in line with your experience. 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.
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. We encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds to ensure our global team reflects our clients and the communities we serve.
If you require this application in a different format or need 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.
