Company Overview
Portsmouth Theatres operate two venues in Portsmouth, Kings Theatre and Theatre Royal. This role works across both venues on both touring and in-house productions.
Summary
We are seeking a talented Theatre Technician to provide high‑quality technical support across both Portsmouth Theatre venues, with a primary focus on sound and audio‑visual systems while maintaining the ability to work confidently across all technical disciplines including lighting, staging, flying, projection, and general backstage operations.
This role provides an exciting opportunity to support in providing specialist sound engineering for in‑house productions across Portsmouth Theatres.
Main responsibilities;
- Support and, when required, lead the unloading and loading of stage equipment for visiting companies, with particular responsibility for integrating touring sound systems with in‑house infrastructure.
- Operate and maintain all venue sound systems, including digital mixing consoles, radio microphones, IEM systems, comms, show relay, and audio networking.
- Provide specialist sound engineering for in‑house productions, including mixing rehearsals and performances, programming digital desks, and supporting sound design requirements.
- Communicate in a professional, respectful, and composed manner, fostering positive and effective interactions across all departments at all times.
- Work across all other technical disciplines as required, including lighting operation, rigging, focusing, projection, staging, and operation of hemp, counterweight, and computerised flying systems.
- Attend rehearsals for in‑house productions, taking technical notes (with emphasis on sound) and producing reports as required.
- Work collaboratively with FOH and other departments to ensure excellent customer service and smooth running of performances.
- Assist with maintenance, repair, testing, and documentation of all technical equipment — sound, lighting, staging, projection, and flying — contributing to planned maintenance programmes.
- Follow all Portsmouth Theatres Health & Safety procedures, ensuring safe working practices in all technical areas and contributing to risk assessments and compliance.
- Wear uniform, protective clothing, and identification as required.
- Participate in internal and external training and support the training of casual and volunteer staff across all technical areas.
- Act as a key holder when required, ensuring the security of the venue.
- Support educational and community activities, including supervision of students and technical support for youth productions.
- Attend scheduled meetings and contribute to departmental planning and communication.
- Act as a First Aid appointed person and maintain a valid First Aid at Work qualification.
- Work occasional additional hours, paid at the agreed flat rate, where authorised by the Chief Executive.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by line management.
This job description will be reviewed on a regular basis and will, in consultation with the post holder, be adjusted as necessary in line with the developing nature of the Portsmouth Theatre’s activities.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Attainments
- Basic numeracy and literacy
- Recognised qualification in Technical Theatre or Sound Engineering (degree, diploma, or apprenticeship). {Desirable}
Special Aptitudes / Knowledge
- Experience operating and maintaining a wide range of sound equipment in a theatre or live events environment.
- Confident operation of digital mixing consoles, radio microphones, audio networking, and show relay systems.
- Ability to work across all technical disciplines including lighting, staging, projection, and flying systems.
- Experience supporting both professional and amateur theatre groups.
- Physically able to lift equipment and work at height.
- Effective verbal reasoning and communication skills.
- Working knowledge of health and safety legislation relevant to technical theatre.
- Experience in manual handling.
- Experience mixing complex live sound using large numbers of microphones. {Desirable}
- Experience preparing technical procedures and documentation. {Desirable}
- Experience implementing health and safety processes and ensuring compliance. {Desirable}
- Ability to use Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Access. {Desirable}
Interests
- Keeping up to date with developments in sound engineering, audio technology, and wider technical theatre practice.
Disposition
- Self‑starter with a proactive approach.
- Accepts and seeks responsibility.
- Performs well under pressure.
- Flexible and able to cover a range of technical roles as required.
- Uses initiative confidently.
- Strong team player.
- Positive, can‑do attitude.
Pay: £26,928.72 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Free flu jabs
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
