Venue Technician

[theSpaceUK]

theSpaceUK Job Description

Venue Technician

24th July - 26th August 2019

£8.21ph

7-8 hour (approx) shifts 6 days a week

Summary

The Venue Technician is part of a team of theatre technicians whose primary job is to ensure the

shows in our theatres run smoothly. Each theatre will have around 10-12 shows per day, so the

Venue Technician role is very important in keeping the operation running smoothly.

theSpaceUK has 19 performance spaces in the 2019 season:

- Venue 45 (Old St Paul's Church Hall)

- Three theatres at theSpace on the Mile and two theatres at theSpace @ Niddry Street (all

based in the Radisson Blu Hotel)

- The illustrious Symposium Hall, and less illustrious Tent.

- A six-space complex at the Surgeons' Hall

- Our two-space venue complex known as theSpace Triplex

- Three theatres at theSpaceUK on North Bridge (based in the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton Hotel,

North Bridge)

 

Most of your responsibilities during the Fringe itself are in the changeover period between shows.

In this time you will ensure the departing and arriving theatre companies get in and out smoothly,

focus the lighting rig, load the lighting desk with the cues for the next show, check the sound rig is

working and sort out any technical issues that might delay the start of the performance. Fringe

venues tend to run on very tight schedules - and ours are no exception! Well executed changeovers

are key to keeping the shows running to time. You will also assist during technical rehearsals to

configure the venue to the shows' requirements. You will be supervised by your venue's Venue

Manager and Deputy Venue Manager but will be expected to work independently and with other

Venue Technicians in the team as required.

 

Build Tasks

● Work with the build team to get the venues built. This will include:

○ Setting up venue lighting and sound systems

○ Setting up ground support/truss systems/scaffolding rigs/drapes

○ Building stages

○ Creating an auditorium

● Familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures for the venues you're working in.

● Learning how each venue works (load in access, dressing rooms, prop storage etc)

Technical Rehearsals and Changeover Days

● Assist the Venue Manager with the introduction and briefing of companies when they arrive.

Ensure they know the rules and our operating procedures.

● Work with the rehearsing company to configure the venue's lighting rig to suit their

requirements, along with their other technical requirements.

● Ensure any equipment or props that company brings is being used in a safe and responsible

way.

● Compile concise and clear notes in the venue tech book to ensure other technicians will be

able to set up for the company.

● Arrange storage for props/equipment/costumes that a company may wish to leave at the

venue.

● Be on hand to deal with general enquiries that may arise and make visiting companies feel

welcome in our venues.

 

Daily (or regular) Tasks

● Be on site during your arranged shift time.

● Your role will be key to ensuring the venues run to time. This is achieved by well executed

changeovers. You will be required to:

○ Assist the outgoing company in clearing away and ensuring they are clear of the

venue in time for the incoming company to start their set up. Making sure any

equipment stored in the venue is put away tiddly.

○ Ensure the venue technical equipment is set up correctly for the incoming company

as per the technical note book (focus lights, set up microphones, loading programs

into lighting desks etc.)

○ Ensure the auditorium is presentable for the incoming audience.

○ Ensure the companies open the house on time and the show starts on time.

○ Oversee the ticket taking and audience.

○ We expect you to remain in your allocated performance space for the duration of the

change over and until the audience is seated, and the show begins.

● Be vigilant at all times and report anything untoward to the Venue Manager. This may

include equipment problems (blown lamps, failed dimmer channels), health and safety

(detached chairs, props left where they shouldn't), and anything else in the theatre

(untidiness etc).

● Perform maintenance tasks as and when necessary, e.g. picking up litter from the

auditorium, keeping the technical control position tidy, ensuring the chairs are in their

correct configuration and properly fixed together.

● Liaise with Venue Manager and box office staff to ensure the smooth running of the venue.

● Ensure the companies are happy and enjoy performing in our venues.

● You may be required to operate the technical equipment (lighting and sound) during

performances.

● Other duties as requested by management and supervisors

 

There will always be a supervisor available for advice and escalations - you won't be left on your

own.

 

Follow this link to our website and online application form.