At a Glance
- Tasks: Support technical delivery of productions and learn from industry pros.
- Company: Nottingham Playhouse, a vibrant hub for live theatre.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a competitive salary and recognised qualifications.
- Other info: Join us for an info session on 25 October—no booking required!
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in theatre and be part of creative magic.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just passion and commitment to live performance.
The predicted salary is between 20800 - 20800 £ per year.
Start your career in technical theatre at Nottingham Playhouse
Are you passionate about live theatre and interested in how lighting, sound, video and stage technology come together to bring a production to life?
Nottingham Playhouse is looking for a passionate, enthusiastic and practically minded Apprentice Technician to join our Technical and Production team.
This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in one of the country’s leading producing theatres while working towards a nationally recognised Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician Apprenticeship qualification.
You’ll work alongside experienced theatre professionals across our Stage, Lighting, Sound and Video departments, developing the practical and technical skills needed to build a career in theatre and live events.
You don’t need to arrive knowing everything – this is an apprenticeship designed to help you learn.
About the apprenticeship
This is a two-year, full-time apprenticeship combining practical experience at Nottingham Playhouse with structured learning.
Around 80% of your time will be spent working alongside our team of skilled technical professionals, with the remaining 20% dedicated to college learning and coursework.
You will study towards a Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician qualification with Chichester College and, as part of your training, will also have the opportunity to gain the ABTT Bronze Award, an industry-recognised technical theatre qualification.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll gain experience across different technical disciplines and work on a wide range of productions and events – from main‑stage and studio productions to co‑productions, touring work and Participation projects.
Want to find out more before applying?
If you're interested in the opportunity but want to know more about what being an Apprentice Technician involves, come along to our informal drop‑in session on Saturday 5 September 2026.
There's no need to book – just come along to Company, our bar and community space at Nottingham Playhouse, between 10am and 2pm.
It's an opportunity to find out more about the apprenticeship and ask any questions you might have before applying.
What you'll be doing
As an Apprentice Technician, you'll be an active member of our Technical and Production team.
With training, guidance and support, you'll:
- Develop practical skills across Lighting, Sound, Video and Stage.
- Assist with the technical delivery of Nottingham Playhouse productions.
- Help with get-ins, fit-ups, technical rehearsals, performances and show operation.
- Work alongside performers, stage management, visiting companies and creative teams.
- Help set up and operate technical equipment.
- Support the maintenance of lighting, sound, video and stage equipment.
- Assist with technical requirements for events and hires.
- Learn how to interpret technical plans and drawings.
- Develop your understanding of safe working practices within technical theatre.
- Help maintain workshops, technical areas, equipment and storage spaces.
- Learn about the processes involved in taking productions from rehearsal through to performance.
- Gain experience of professional production processes within a busy producing theatre.
There may also be opportunities to work on productions away from Nottingham Playhouse, including at venues elsewhere in the UK.
About you
We're looking for someone who is genuinely excited about developing a career in technical theatre and live events.
You might already have some experience through school, college, amateur theatre, volunteering, events or personal projects – but you don't need to be an experienced theatre technician.
We're particularly interested in your enthusiasm, potential and willingness to learn.
You'll ideally have:
- A passionate and enthusiastic interest in producing and presenting live theatre and events.
- A strong desire to develop skills across Lighting, Sound, Video and Stage.
- Some basic knowledge or interest in technical theatre equipment.
- An interest in how lighting and sound systems are programmed and operated.
- A positive, professional and practical approach.
- Motivation and enthusiasm for working with creative teams.
- An awareness of the importance of health and safety.
- An interest in solving practical and technical problems.
- A willingness to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
Knowledge of areas such as sound consoles, ETC lighting desks, counterweight flying systems or technical drawings would be useful, but we do not expect you to know everything before you start.
Nottingham Playhouse is committed to developing and nurturing its employees. You do not need to have every skill listed in the Person Specification, but you should be able to demonstrate your potential to learn and develop with the right training and support.
About Nottingham Playhouse
We create theatre that's bold, thrilling and proudly made in Nottingham.
Awarded Theatre of the Year 2025 at The Stage Awards, Nottingham Playhouse is one of the country's leading producing theatres. We create a range of productions throughout the year, from timeless classics and innovative family shows to adventurous new commissions.
Our Technical and Production teams play a crucial role in bringing this work to life, collaborating with creative teams to turn artistic ideas into productions on our stages.
We want our theatre to be a space where everyone feels they belong. We use our stage to tell diverse stories that reflect our city, deliver wide‑reaching participation programmes across our communities and support the next generation of theatre‑makers through our Amplify programme.
Benefits of working at Nottingham Playhouse include:
- 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
- An additional day off for your birthday.
- Free and/or discounted tickets for performances, including Press Nights.
- Free Playhouse Pass membership.
- Discounts on our bars offer.
- Enhanced company sick pay.
- Staff social events.
- Discounted travel on Nottingham City Transport buses.
- Discounted parking at Mount Street and St James NCP.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- A relaxed working environment and informal dress code.
Diversity, Inclusion and Access
Nottingham Playhouse is committed to equality of opportunity and to creating a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we work with. We believe that theatre belongs to everyone and want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be involved.
We actively encourage applications from the Global Ethnic Majority and Disabled people. Applicants who declare as being from the Global Ethnic Majority and/or as Disabled will be guaranteed an interview for workforce vacancies where they meet the minimum criteria set out in the Person Specification.
We are a Disability Confident employer and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to make our recruitment process accessible.
We are also part of the Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) campaign and welcome applications from people with caring responsibilities and anyone looking for a positive work/life balance.
If you require the recruitment information in an alternative format, support completing your application, or an alternative way to apply, please contact recruitment@nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk or call our Stage Door on 0115 947 4361.
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Apprentice Technician in Nottingham employer: Nottingham Playhouse Trust Ltd
Nottingham Playhouse is an exceptional employer that values its staff and fosters a vibrant work culture centred around creativity and collaboration. With opportunities for professional growth within the arts sector, employees enjoy a supportive environment that encourages innovation while contributing to memorable theatre experiences in a historic venue. The unique location offers a dynamic atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those passionate about the performing arts.
Contact Details:
Nottingham Playhouse Trust Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Technician in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Nottingham Playhouse! Attend the drop-in information session on Saturday 25 October. It’s a great chance to meet the team, ask questions, and show your enthusiasm for live theatre.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the industry, whether it’s through social media or local events. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info about opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with the team, let them know why you love live performance and what excites you about technical production. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Technician in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for live theatre shine through! We want to see your love for the craft and how eager you are to learn and grow in this exciting field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences, even if they’re informal. We appreciate creativity and a unique perspective, so don’t hesitate to share what makes you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We’re looking for clarity in your writing, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion comes across without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Nottingham Playhouse.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham Playhouse Trust Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Theatre
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for live theatre during the interview. Share any experiences you've had with performances, whether as an audience member or in a related role. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the field and align with what Nottingham Playhouse is looking for.
✨Research the Venue and Productions
Before the interview, take some time to learn about Nottingham Playhouse and its recent productions. Familiarising yourself with their work shows initiative and gives you talking points during the interview. You can mention specific shows that inspired you or aspects of their technical production that you admire.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the types of productions you'll be working on or the training opportunities available. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the apprenticeship is the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
Since no formal experience is required, focus on your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. Share examples of how you've quickly picked up new skills in the past, whether in school projects or personal interests. This will reassure them that you're committed to making the most of this apprenticeship.
