Royal & Derngate is proud of its reputation as a thriving regional theatre. An important entertainment hub for all communities across Northamptonshire and beyond, the three-stage and cinema complex is home to an acclaimed Made In Northampton self-produced programme as well as welcoming some of the most well-known acts and shows touring the UK. In recent years the venue has celebrated Stage, Olivier and Academy Awards nominations, notably including a prestigious win for Best Family Show at the 2020 Oliviers, and in 2025 it was named the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre in the UK Theatre Awards. As important as the work on its stages, its nationally recognised Creative Engagement programme works with schools, families and communities, and the Generate development programme supports hundreds of regional artists each year, at all stages of their careers.
Join Royal & Derngate in a pivotal technical leadership role at the heart of the Royal. You’ll oversee the delivery of ambitious productions and events, lead stage and flying operations while working closely with creative and production teams to turn ideas into live performance. If you’re a technically skilled theatre professional who enjoys combining hands-on delivery with team leadership in a fast-paced producing and receiving environment, this role offers real responsibility, variety, and impact.
Salary: £35,900 - £36,900 per annum, paid monthly.
Get-Outs: available as paid additional hours (£41.22 per hour).
Hours of Work: 37 hours per week, balanced over a four-week period.
Job Purpose
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Act as the primary point of contact for all activity in the Royal Auditorium.
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Manage the planning, coordination and delivery of technical staff, stage and flying equipment, and associated services for performances and events, including related spaces as required.
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Ensure all technical elements of productions are safely, efficiently and effectively installed, operated and maintained.
Key Task Areas
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Promote and deliver excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
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Oversee the day-to-day management and operation of the Royal Stage Department, including stage and flying systems.
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Act as a key liaison for internal and external clients in relation to events held in the Royal and, where required, other associated performance and event spaces.
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Ensure safe working practices are adhered to at all times, in line with departmental RAMS, policies and procedures.
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Under the direction of the Technical Manager, and in collaboration with the Head of Stage (Derngate) and the Heads of LX:
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Lead on the scheduling and booking of full-time and casual staff, ensuring calls are accurate, timely, and compliant with contractual and legislative requirements.
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Recruit suitable casual technical staff in line with the organisation’s recruitment and selection policies and procedures.
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Deliver training and conduct performance reviews for staff, identifying training needs and agreeing objectives.
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Maintain accurate financial records for the department, including recharges and production expenses.
Produced Work in the Royal
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In conjunction with Production Departments, play a leading role in the fit-up of in-house and visiting productions in the Royal.
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Prepare equipment in readiness for production weeks.
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Attend production meetings and liaise with the Production Manager and Designers.
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Support Stage Management and Craft Departments as necessary.
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Work performances as required.
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of equipment, working practices, and relevant legislation.
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Oversee routine and ad-hoc maintenance of backstage, stage, and associated technical areas.
Full Job Description available on our website.
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Employee Assistance Programme
- Bar & Shop Discount
- Complimentary tickets available on selected shows and films
- Family Friendly Policies
Essential Requirements
Experience:
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Proven experience working in a mid/large-scale receiving house.
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Proven experience delivering the technical aspects of presented work.
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Demonstrable experience managing a busy stage department.
Knowledge:
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Extensive knowledge of stage and flying systems.
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Strong understanding of receiving house and touring techniques.
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Knowledge of producing theatre techniques.
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Clear understanding of, and commitment to, live performance.
Skills:
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IT literate, with experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
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Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Effective people management and leadership skills.
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Competence in the operation of technical control equipment.
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High level of attention to detail.
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Calm and effective under pressure.
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Courteous, enthusiastic, and professional approach.
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Strong problem-solving skills.
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Customer-focused mindset.
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Motivated, proactive leader with the ability to support and develop others.
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Strong team player with a collaborative approach.
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Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends as required.
Desirable Requirements
Experience:
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Experience working in a venue with a large and active education programme.
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Experience managing staff within a large, multi-format performance space.
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Experience of working within a repertory house.
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Experience delivering large-scale corporate events.
Knowledge:
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Knowledge of theatre licensing and Public Entertainment Licensing (PEL).
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Recognised rigging qualification.
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Qualified workplace first aider.
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IOSH qualification.
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IPAF qualification.
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Working knowledge of Artifax and XLedger.
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Knowledge of building plant and machinery.
How to Apply:
Please submit a covering letter outlining your interest and how your skills and experience fit the requirements of the role, along with your CV.
Closing Date: Wed 22 July
Interview Date: Fri 31 July
