Theatre Consultant in Bristol

We are seeking a Theatre Consultant with a Stage Engineering Focus to join our global Theatre Consultancy team in the UK. You will be responsible for all aspects of design, documenting, and commissioning stage engineering on our projects, working as part of our project teams which can include team leads, theatre designers, stage equipment designers, experience designers and acousticians to deliver holistic, bespoke dedicated 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.

To apply, please complete the online application form and submit a short CV (1–2 pages max.) and a cover letter addressing the prompts below:

• 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 being particularly relevant?
• Please highlight any stage engineering design for performance buildings and event spaces.
• Describe any experience of designing, specifying and commissioning stage engineering or performance systems.
• Describe your experience and competency using CAD drawing tools for designing stage engineering 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?

We look forward to receiving your application and expect to interview in December 2025. We will only accept applications via our online system. Interviews will either be held in person at our London studio or remotely (via Microsoft Teams) – time, date and location will be confirmed for shortlisted candidates.

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 the principles of system design and the production of Charcoalblue’s ‘standard’ system information.
• Draw stage engineering systems, mechanical, electrical and manual, from concept design to detailed specification (Revit & AutoCAD).
• Consistently deliver work to the highest standards, following Charcoalblue’s quality assurance processes and working to ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, guidance and good practice.
• Take responsibility for delivering project requirements and communicating early if support or adjustments are needed.
• Problem-solve – finding bespoke/creative and innovative solutions to particular project challenges.
• Meet with clients to evaluate their needs for a project as they relate to stage engineering systems design (and beyond).
• Work with our internal design team to present a holistic design solution which balances all aspects of performance functionality and budget.
• Describe the functionality and purpose of stage engineering systems while adjusting communication styles for different audiences – for other creative designers, for experienced technicians, or engineers.
• Work with architectural and engineering teams to ensure that each of the design disciplines includes the required infrastructure, support, dependencies and accommodation for all elements of the stage engineering systems.
• Provide cost projections throughout a project for stage engineering systems integration.
• Working with manufacturers and distributors to sense-check system designs and conduct early market testing.
• Participate in design team meetings and co-ordination workshops both online and in person on our building projects.
• Participate in site visits for commissioning, witness testing, construction progress and other purposes as required.
• This position will require occasional travel, including international/overseas travel.
• Contribute to the continual development of our internal design and technical resources through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive and may be subject to alteration over time.

Qualifications, Key Skills & Employment Details

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 anticipated experience of three years working in a technical engineering role; likely in some combination of performing arts and architecture.
• A background in mechanical or structural engineering, or practical and design experience of stage engineering systems.
• Experience of designing/operating manual-powered flying systems and automated stage engineering systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or similar software.
• Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat and/or Bluebeam – we operate a paperless office and use the Adobe PDF format for all documents.

Desirable

• Familiarity with the standard suite of Microsoft Office products.
• Demonstrable experience of working within the performing arts, live entertainment and/or the construction or mechanical engineering industry.
• 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 live performance buildings.
• Excellent communication skills through verbal explanations, interpretation of data, sketch drawing, written communication, technical drawing, and formal presentations.
• Ability to plan and organise work effectively, delivering agreed outcomes on time while seeking guidance when needed.
• Experience creating contract documentation for stage engineering systems on new construction or architectural renovation projects in the UK and/or EMEA.
• Experience working with a global team across different time zones.
• Experience of working as part of a distributed, international team.
• Completion of a higher education qualification or having attended a Technical Theatre course at a drama school, college or university.
• A practical knowledge of Theatre Health & Safety practice and some knowledge of current relevant Health & Safety and electrical regulations.
• Experience and interest in theatre, live performance, broadcast, and/or events.

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.
• Able to meet agreed deadlines while taking care of personal wellbeing.
• Capable of managing basic budgeting and finance-related tasks where required.

Seniority Level Mid-Senior level

Employment Type Contract

Job Function Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries Architecture and Planning