Performing Arts Technician

You have a degree or equivalent professional experience in technical theatre, lighting, sound or performing or production arts. You enjoy working with young people and sharing your expertise. You thrive on a challenge to problem solve, organise large events, support others and use your initiative. You may have worked in a theatre venue, music venue, community arts sector or for a touring band or theatre company. You are a competent user of IT and enjoy planning and organising projects and events. You are willing to be flexible and responsive and work well under tight deadlines. You enjoy people and thrive on teamwork. You are excited to share your learning and the technical skills you have acquired. You are eager to undertake training and continuous professional development so that you can be creative and imaginative in your work.

Hours: 35 hours for 39 weeks - hours calendared across the year to support the curriculum and performance demands.

Line Manager: Head of Drama

Job Purpose for Subject Technicians: To provide technical support for the Performing Arts Departments of Drama, Dance and Music in order to enable all teaching staff to provide excellent educational experiences for our students.

Core Responsibilities for this role:

• Providing expertise in the setting up of equipment required by your subjects.
• Administration for the Head/s of department in your area.
• Supervising students to take part in activities in your subject area.
• Supervising students for duties during the school day.
• Ensuring the Health and Safety requirements are met for the subjects under your responsibility.
• Ensuring effective and efficient management, record keeping, repairs and maintenance of resources.
• Organisation and effective housekeeping of all resources so that the department is tidy and well-ordered all year round and routines are in place to support this.
• Supporting in the use of subject specific IT equipment.
• Supporting teachers and teaching and learning as required by the Heads of Department.
• Engaging in training activities and responding to actions suggested to improve performance.
• Following all school policies and practices, for example in relation to child protection, behaviour for learning, health and safety and any others relating to your role in school.
• Providing flexible support across various school departments as needed.

Specific Performing Arts Technician responsibilities:

• Flexibility to support at school events outside of core school hours.
• Take responsibility for planning, preparing and running all school productions with the lead teacher.
• Maintain all sound and lighting equipment in all the performance areas of the school.
• Maintain all recording equipment and organise the use of this equipment to teaching staff.
• Run all technical rehearsals for all productions and events within the school and at external venues as appropriate.
• Support subject teachers to run technical theatre workshops during BTEC Production Arts lessons.
• Record all performances including examination pieces for Drama, Dance and Music.
• Supervise students assigned during the school day and in extra-curricular activities.
• Edit sound/film of examination performances.
• Provide training for staff regarding the use of technical equipment.
• Maintain all studios/teaching spaces used for the teaching of Performing Arts subjects.
• Arrange purchases for all technical and specialist equipment on behalf of the Performing Arts in consultation with the Finance Department and Head of the individual department.
• Advise on Health and Safety issues associated with the use and maintenance of equipment.
• Maintain staging, scenery, Performing Arts storerooms, equipment and supplies (keeping any hazardous equipment in a locked cabinet).
• Set up and maintain the necessary computer software and audio visual equipment to enhance the technical aspects of teaching in the department.
• Keep up to date with all technological advancements in the world of theatre.
• Attend performance rehearsals as well as technical rehearsals for BTEC / GCSE / Drama / GCSE Music / A level Drama.
• Film and edit any school videos for the website.
• Support production teachers during the delivery of technical units as required.
• Other tasks as reasonably requested by Line manager.

Working with Students:

• To supervise KS5 production students during independent work.
• Support and provide extra-curricular clubs and activities for groups of students wanting to work in the performing arts.
• To supervise group work for teachers when required.
• To attend trips and visits in a supervisory capacity.

Administrative Duties:

• Organise and administer the peripatetic music teachers.
• Purchase stationery and other resources as required for all Performing Arts departments.
• Produce publicity materials for all Performing Arts events.
• Administer the booking system for out of hours use of spaces by all the Performing Arts departments.
• Administer and organise department trips and visits.
• Maintain the display boards for all Performing Arts departments, making changes as required.
• Order scripts/libretto/scores for musical performances as required.
• Organise notices to students about extra-curricular activities as required.

School Expectations & Contributions:

• Be aware of and comply with all school policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the overall aims, ethos and values of the school.
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required, including staff.
• Attend Morning briefings.
• Participate in training and other learning activities and appraisal as required.

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities for the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified, which requires flexibility in all of its employees. This job description is not exhaustive and the post holder will be expected to undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Headteacher or as deputised.