Theatre Consultant - Stage Lighting - (15) in Bristol

Thank you for your interest in Charcoalblue. We are seeking a Theatre Consultant with a Stage Lighting focus to join our global Theatre Consultancy team in the UK. You will be responsible for all aspects of design, documenting, and commissioning Stage Lighting systems 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 following prompts:

• Why do you consider yourself to be a suitable person for the post and what would you like from the job?
• Which of your previous experience would you highlight as being 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?

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, and assisting senior team members with research on new products, developing system design principles and producing 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 your own research, expanding knowledge of theatre and construction industry.
• Meet with clients to evaluate their needs for stage lighting systems and network design.
• Work with the internal design team to present a holistic design solution balancing performance functionality and budget.
• Communicate with client teams to describe solutions and ensure they reflect the right fit.
• Describe the functionality and purpose of stage lighting systems to different audiences.
• Work with architectural and engineering teams to ensure each design discipline includes required infrastructure.
• Provide cost projections throughout a project for stage lighting systems integration.
• Conduct value engineering; adapting designs to reduce cost while maintaining value.
• Participate in site visits for commissioning, witness testing, construction progress and other purposes.
• Occasional travel, including international/overseas travel.
• Work with Team Leaders to set out project work plans, goals and deliverables.
• Contribute to continual development of 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.

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 four years’ experience as a stage lighting designer or technician, ideally across performing arts and architectural contexts.
• Minimum two years of experience working as a technical systems designer or specifying stage lighting systems or equipment.
• Experience in computer drafting; proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD or Revit will be required.
• Professional experience with Microsoft Office and G‑Suite.
• Professional experience with Adobe Acrobat and/or Bluebeam.
• Experience and interest in live performance and/or events with a demonstrable passion for the performing arts.

Desirable

• Excellent communication skills: verbal explanations, data interpretation, sketch drawing, written communication, technical drawing, formal presentations.
• Ability to self‑manage and set work plans for delivery against deadlines with minimal input.
• Expert knowledge of stage lighting and audiovisual infrastructure and networking technology.
• Higher education qualification or technical theatre course completion.
• Industry training (e.g., AVIXA).
• Experience as primary stage lighting or audiovisual systems designer on completed projects.
• Practical knowledge of stage lighting and/or audiovisual theory and design, understanding networks.
• Knowledge of theatre health & safety practice; awareness of electrical regulations.
• Skill in graphic design and layout, incorporating corporate branding.
• Experience with operation/construction of theatre live performance buildings.
• Experience creating contract documentation for stage lighting or audiovisual systems.
• Experience working with a distributed global team.
• Experience with temporary or permanent lighting schemes and immersive installations.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Careful and thorough, producing accurate work.
• Clear and confident communication in writing and speaking.
• Comfortable managing multiple responsibilities with support.
• Able to maintain focus with healthy coping strategies.
• Approachable and respectful when working with others.
• Confident working independently and within local and global teams.
• Open to learning and adapting to evolving business needs.
• Prioritise tasks and balance varied workload.

Seniority level Mid‑Senior level

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries Architecture and Planning