theSpaceUK are looking for Venue Technicans to join our team for the Edinburgh Fringe 2022.
Role Summary
Our theatres are built, maintained and operated by our team of Venue Technicians.
We start by building our nineteen theatres: They need seemingly endless lights, sound rigs, trusses, drapes, about a zillion miles of cabling and all sorts of other accessories from ladders to gaffer tape. Lighting, sound, staging, networking, computer systems and a lot more all go in over the course of a few days.
You’ll be part of a large team poring over truss diagrams and lighting plans, unloading cases of equipment and working with our Build Managers to ensure our spaces are fully functional and ready for the arrival of our theatre companies.
Once our companies arrive at their tech rehearsal, your team, led by your Venue Manager, will welcome them into the venue. You’ll help them fit their set and props into the theatres, and configure our technical rigs to accommodate their requirements.
With the rehearsals finished, the Fringe settles down into a daily routine of performances. Working as a close-knit team with your fellow technicians you’ll be responsible for keeping our theatres running smoothly, leading the changeovers between shows, and fixing any problems that arise.
Another key part of our Technician role is looking after our performing companies and the their audiences. From guiding companies into and out of their theatres every day to helping the front of house team check tickets and even offering assistance to lost-looking audience members, you’re our representative to the public and we expect you to be professional, polite and helpful at all times.
All good things must come to an end, and the Fringe is no exception. That’s marked by our get-out: the day after our final performances is spent dismantling everything, packing hire kit back into trucks and returning our venues to the empty rooms they started out as.
You can expect
Training in all aspects of running our spaces; from technical to logistical, safety to service
To learn a huge amount about how to operate a Fringe theatre
To build relationships with your venue teammates and visiting theatre companies - some of which might become lifelong friendships
To work as part of a multi- disciplinary team - even in a primarily technical role, we expect you to support your colleagues with audience handling and customer service
Periods of intense work - changeovers between shows may be as little as ten minutes (including getting the audience in and out!)
To need to think quickly; troubleshooting and working around issues
A broad range of experience; not just technical
Ideal Experience
We do not require extensive technical knowledge for this role, and will consider applications from candidates with a range of experience. However, the following skills are beneficial:
Great interpersonal skills and proven experience of working as part of a team
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) - including ability to produce and maintain accurate technical setup notes
Basic understanding of the principles of theatre electrics and sound, including the operation of lighting and sound consoles
An awareness of H&S regulations in a theatrical environment
The ability to remain calm and work methodically yet quickly in potentially intense or time pressured situations
Experience of working with the public is useful
Stage or production management skills are desirable
First aid qualification applicable to a theatre environment is desirable
What we offer
Hourly rate of £10.00.
You will work a shift pattern which will vary by week and by venue and may start early or finish late, but we do not work overnight.
Shifts are typically between 6 and 8 working hours per day but this is dependant on the duration of shows in your venue. You’ll get breaks within these shifts. Shifts during the get-in and get-out are typically 9 hours per day.
We offer a minimum of 11 hours off between shifts and you also get 2 full days off within each 2 week period worked.
Overtime may be available by mutual agreement in advance but again this is dependent on venue bookings and any need to cover for other staff absences.
We do not require you to opt out of the Working Time Directive.
Your Space Pass (ID card) provides free entry to unlimited shows at our venues - after paying audience are admitted - and discounts at our bars and local restaurants.
We arrange regular company social nights during the Fringe; late-night opportunities to unwind with your colleagues. Relax with a drink or two while we provide the tunes. Aside from that, the Fringe is a infectiously social place, and there is plenty of opportunity for enjoyment with your colleagues, visiting companies and friends.
Our venues are busy places, there’s a lot happening every day from company questions to technical problems and everything in between. It is a unique environment in which to develop your knowledge, make new friends and forge new professional relationships, meet loads of like- minded people and, above all, have fun while you’re doing it.
For further details please download our information pack which contains further details and testimonials from past staff, or if you would like to apply please click here for our online application form.
