We’re always on the lookout for exceptional Stage, Sound, Wardrobe and Lighting staff to join our Technical team in delivering our fantastic productions at The Old Vic.

Please note that this is a rolling job posting and we may not have live roles available when you submit your application. 

A full job description can be found below.

Terms

• The contract will likely be Fixed Term, for the duration of the production, but may be extended on an ongoing basis where work is available. As we are a producing theatre, we’re mainly looking for staff to support with the Get In/Outs but if you are interested in show roles, please do make note of this within your application

• Hours worked will be variable depending on the production requirements.

• Pay rates will be in line with the SOLT/BECTU rates

• You will be paid on a weekly basis

What’s great about working at The Old Vic?

• Free therapy from our therapy partner SelfSpace

• Mental health support via our in house Mental Health Champions

• Pension scheme with The People’s Pension

• Staff discount in The Old Vic bars as well as discounts in local bars and restaurants

• Commitment to learning, education and development

The job

See below a breakdown of the responsibilities of the roles for stage, lighting and sound:

• Support get-ins and fit-ups for all productions.

• Assist with rigging and de-rigging of sets, sound & lighting equipment (per department).

• Collaborate as part of a team to maintain a safe, professional environment for performers, audiences, and technicians.

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues, particularly during live performances.

• Provide assistance to the full-time Technical team with theatre maintenance as required.

Stage production staff

• Previous experience of working in technical theatre, particularly producing venues

• Fundamental understanding of stage craft

• Able to work under supervision during the construction and rehearsal phases, including supervised use of workshop tools and the counterweight fly system.

• Can undertake operations, including working at height, manual handling, and equipment use, under supervision.

• Basic to advanced carpentry skills

• A proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• Able to demonstrate proactivity and initiative.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and demands.

Lighting

Essential criteria

• Previous experience of working in a producing theatre

• A proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

• Able to demonstrate proactivity and initiative

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and demands

• Availability to work evenings, matinees and/or weekends

• Basic understanding of theatre lighting and terminology

• Able to read and interpret simple LX plan

• Basic electrical knowledge skills

• Experience in rigging, focusing, and cabling under guidance

• Experience in working with and adapting stage practicals

Sound

Essential criteria

• Previous experience of working in a producing theatre

• A proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• Able to demonstrate proactivity and initiative.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and demands.

• Availability to work evenings, matinees and/or weekends

• Basic understanding of theatre sound and terminology

• Basic electrical knowledge skills

• Experience in rigging and cabling under guidance

Wardrobe

Essential criteria

• Previous experience of working in a producing theatre

• A proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• Able to demonstrate proactivity and initiative.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and demands.

• Availability to work evenings, matinees and/or weekends

• Ability to learn and adapt quickly

• Basic understanding of theatre wardrobe and terminology

• Basic sewing skills

• Experience in dressing within Theatre

We’re also keen to hear from those interested in show-based roles.

• Experience of performing stage show plots

• Experience of performing fly cues using a counterweight fly system

• (Desirable) Experience of building show plots during the tech and rehearsal phase of producing show

• Experience of follow spot operation

• Experience of lighting desk operation (EOS family)

• Experience of sound desk operation

• Experience of mic running

• Experience of dressing

How to Apply

We understand that everyone is different and we want you to apply in whichever way you feel best shows your skills and experience. There are a range of ways that you can apply with us:

• 1. Sending a short video file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you (have a look at the person specification in the job description).

• 2. Sending a short audio file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you.

• 3. Completing our application form.

• 4. Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.

As a Disability Confident employer, The Old Vic has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. However in the event that we have a high volume of applications all of whom meet the criteria and identify as disabled, meaning it is not practicable to interview everyone, we may apply a weighting to the shortlisting criteria, or add an additional shortlisting stage before any interviews take place. In all cases we will take care to ensure that any criteria or weightings do not disadvantage disabled applicants.

Your application will be held online for 6 months with no guarantee of a reply; you will be contacted on an ad hoc basis depending on production requirements.

All appointments are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK. 

The Process

The recruitment process for this role will be one stage:

• 1st stage in person conversation

• You may be asked to complete a work based skills assessment or challenge.

Equal Opportunities

We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of the global majority, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled candidates.

We may take positive action, in cases where candidates are equally qualified, to increase the employment of under-represented groups at The Old Vic.

In the event that we ask you to attend the theatre for a conversation and you are struggling financially, we may be able to reimburse you for any reasonable travel costs.

We partner with a range of inclusive organisations, to find out more please read our FAQs. 

FAQs

Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here.