Technician (Sound)

Our Technicians are responsible for supporting and working with visiting production companies to ensure the delivery of a technical performance of the standard expected at Northern Ireland’s Premier Theatre. Although multi skilled our Technicians all have technical specialisms with extensive knowledge and experience and our Sound Technician is an integral part of the Theatre’s Technical Team. 

Job Description

Main Duties : Operational Management

• Ensure the safe and efficient loading and unloading of scenery, sound equipment, electrics, wardrobe wagons and other technical equipment as required
• Rig and construct stage sets, flooring, sound equipment, electrics, and flying bars as per instructions accurately, safely and in a timely manner
• Ensure all production equipment is available, set up, checked and working as per the production schedule and that all equipment conforms to industry standards as detailed in the UK Theatre/BECTU Code of Conduct and ABTT best practice guidelines
• Move and fix production scenery as required
• Work on shows as scheduled to operate sound and stage equipment as required
• Follow DSM cues and/or requirements of visiting productions/ event hirer to ensure successful performance presentation, including appearing on stage, when required
• De-rig set, staging, sound equipment and electrics practically, safely and in a timely manner
• Carry out an ongoing programme of risk assessment, always being vigilant of risks and taking appropriate action to mitigate and control risk
• Assist other departments throughout the Theatre with technical provision and provide technical advice and support as directed by the Technical Manager or Chief Executive
• Co-operate and work with the visiting company crew and follow instructions given by the Production Manager, providing technical advice and support as required
• Maintain and service the technical stage stock and ensure collective responsibility for adequate stock control and accurate record keeping
• Take responsibility for developing and improving the skills base of less experienced technicians within the team and help to induct and train new technical staff as and when required

Person Specification

The Technician will be a confident and experienced theatre technician with extensive sound work experience and knowledge. A thorough understanding of health and safety legislation and how it applies to this role is essential, alongside a comprehensive technical understanding and skillset. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are key as well as the ability to motivate and coach team members.

Essential Experience

• At least 3 years’ professional experience working in a technical sound capacity in either a presenting theatre/similar live entertainment venue or touring theatre production environment.
• Experience of confidently leading a fit up on stage whilst guiding and instructing less experienced technical staff
• Candidates must have professional experience of at least six of the following sound elements;
  • Setting up in house PA systems, touring systems and delay systems, including safe rigging of sound equipment.
  • Operating a digital sound desk in a live environment
  • Choosing and setting up microphones, monitors and foldback for a band, orchestra, or choir
  • Balancing and equalizing microphones and instruments during set up and soundcheck.
  • Operating sound for a live performance
  • Operating and editing Qlab
  • Working with d&b systems
  • Recording and editing sound material
  • Working with a theatre/ live entertainment comms systems
  • Sound design

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of sound equipment, systems and working practices.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety legislation and the required checks and procedures that need to be applied in a theatre/ live entertainments environment, in particular around risk assessment, manual handling and working at height
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with people both internally and externally
• Excellent planning and organisation skills and the ability to prioritise and use initiative when necessary
• Ability to work as part of a team and to lead, motivate and coach team members
• IT proficient with working knowledge of Microsoft 365 Office products
• Must be physically fit and capable of meeting the requirements of a physically demanding job with long hours and a high proportion of manual handling and practical work