Production Assistant - 2 year fixed term contract

Welcome to the Donmar, where anyone with a passion or curiosity for seriously good theatre belongs. In our powerfully intimate space, we make vivid theatre that transports. Our audience doesn’t sit in the dark; they lean into the light. You’ll want to be in the room and in the moment. The Donmar are looking for a new Production Assistant to join the team to support the work of the Donmar Production department in the planning and delivery of all Donmar productions and to assist in the smooth running of the Production department on a day-to-day basis. This role is the glue that holds the departments together. This is a two-year fixed term contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning & Delivery: Supports the Director of Technical and Production (DTP) in building and delivering all physical elements of a show.
• Show Lifecycle: Manages everything from rehearsal room setups (mark-ups/equipment) to the final "get-out", including transport and waste disposal.
• Technical Support: Provides hands-on help during technical rehearsals and previews, covering cues or technical roles as needed.
• Post-Production: Oversees the archiving of documentation and the storage, resale, or disposal of scenery and props.
• Budgeting: Tracks spending (PO's, invoices, petty cash) for specific productions and helps manage general theatre overheads.
• Scheduling: Oversees room bookings via Prospero and ensures production schedules are communicated across the building.
• Personnel & Payroll: Supports with staff rotas, assists in recruiting freelance talent, drafts contracts, and handles onboarding/right-to-work documentation.
• Documentation: Takes minutes for meetings, compiles program credits, and maintains organised show folders.

Health, Safety & Sustainability

• Safety Compliance: Assists with Risk Assessments, Method Statements, and CDM (Construction Design and Management) requirements for all stages of production.
• Emergency Roles: Acts as a designated First Aider and Fire Marshal.
• Environmental Impact: Tracks the "green" footprint of productions and leads initiatives for the sustainable reuse or disposal of technical assets.

General and departmental Logistics & Procurement: Serve as the primary point of contact for the department. You will manage the full lifecycle of orders, deliveries, and returns, ensuring the team has exactly what they need, when they need it.

Project & Event Oversight: Provide technical and production support for Participation and Development projects. This includes being "on the ground" at both on-site and off-site events to ensure seamless execution.

Asset & Space Management: Maintain the integrity of our physical assets, from cataloguing off-site scenery and props to the careful upkeep of rehearsal spaces and model boxes.

Building Operations: Act as a trusted key holder, coordinating closely with the Operations team to manage building logistics, maintenance, and security across all premises.

Culture & Mentorship: To actively participate in and support the Donmar’s Participation, Work Experience and Apprenticeship programmes.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Previous experience of working in a backstage role in live theatre, opera or dance.
• A proactive and flexible attitude, able to work well under pressure and adapt to quickly changing priorities.
• Outgoing, inquisitive and eager to learn; actively seeking out opportunities to assist others.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Friendly, approachable and welcoming presence.
• Strong IT and administration skills – experienced with MS Office and Google Apps Suite.
• Ability to work flexible and irregular hours in line with the needs of the department.
• A basic understanding of theatre Health and Safety practices.

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a technical or production department of a producing theatre.
• First aid trained Health and Safety qualification, such as IOSH.
• Knowledge and enthusiasm for the arts.
• Working knowledge of CAD software such as AutoCAD or Vectorworks – ability to use AutoCAD an advantage.
• An interest in sustainable theatre making practices and knowledge of the Theatre Green Book.

Benefits

• Enhanced holiday scheme with 25 days a year (pro rata) excluding Bank Holidays.
• Birthday day off.
• Enhanced employer pension contribution of 6% as part of the Donmar's stakeholder pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discount at the Donmar bar on food and drinks.
• All staff training and professional development programme.
• Complimentary tickets to attend performances at the Donmar.
• Company lunches twice a production.
• Travel loan.
• Subsidised gym membership.
• Cycle scheme.
• Eye test vouchers.