We Are Seeking a Theatre Consultant In Stage Lighting Design
To apply, please complete the online application form and submit a short CV (1-2 pages) and 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?
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, 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.
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.
- 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.
- Be self‑motivated in your own research, expanding your knowledge of the theatre and also of the construction industry.
- Meeting with clients to evaluate their needs for a project as they relate to stage lighting systems and network systems design.
- Working with our internal design team to present a holistic design solution which balances all aspects of performance functionality and budget.
- Communicating with client teams to describe our solutions and ensure they reflect the right fit which balances the needs of various project constituents.
- Describing the functionality and purpose of stage lighting systems while adjusting communication styles for different audiences – for other creative designers, for experienced technicians, or electrical engineers.
- Working with architectural and engineering teams to ensure that each of the design disciplines includes the required infrastructure, support, and accommodation for all elements of the stage lighting systems.
- Providing cost projections throughout a project for stage lighting systems integration.
- Conducting value engineering; adapting and revising designs to reduce cost while maintaining as much value and performance as possible, meanwhile being able to describe impacts on functionality.
- Participating in site visits for commissioning, witness testing, construction progress, and other purposes as required, including occasional travel, including international/overseas travel.
- Working with our Team Leaders to set out project work plans, goals, and deliverables.
- Contributing to the continual development of our internal design and technical resources.
- Discussing your work and ideas with other designers at Charcoalblue.
- Serving as a resource for all our 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 And Key Skills
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 will be required.
- Professional experience with the standard suite of Microsoft Office and GSuite products.
- 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 through verbal explanations, interpretation of data, sketch drawing, written communication, technical drawing, and formal presentations.
- Ability to self–manage and set work plans for the successful delivery of work against deadlines with minimal input from management.
- Expert level of detailed knowledge about stage lighting and high level of knowledge about audiovisual equipment infrastructure and networking technology, and systems integration.
- Higher education qualification or having attended a Technical Theatre course at a Drama School, College or University.
- Industry relevant training (AVIXA etc).
- Served as primary stage lighting or audiovisual systems designer for 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 relevant 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 demonstrating the creation of 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?
- 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 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. Charcoalblue provides a robust benefits package to help support you physically, financially, and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life. Please visit our website’s careers page for more details.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Overview
We are committed to becoming an increasingly inclusive organization. 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.
