May 2013 Application Pack for the post of Technical Manager Thank you for requesting information about this role at Arcola Theatre. In this pack, you will find the job description and person specification for this post together with an application form and Equal Opportunities monitoring form. To apply please complete the application form fully and email it to jobs@arcolatheatre.com. We cannot accept CVs. Please feel free to save and send the Equal Opportunities monitoring form separately from your application form. Please do not apply if you do not have the relevant experience as this position is not a 'first step into the industry' role. Please note that we can only accept applications from people who have a work permit for the UK. Unfortunately, as we are a charity with limited resources, we will only respond to short listed applicants so if you have not heard from us by Friday 28 th June 2013 your application will have been unsuccessful. The deadline for applications is 5pm Thursday 20 th June 2013 Interviews will take place w/c 24 th June 2013. 1
JOB DESCRIPTION ROLE: TECHNICAL MANAGER LINE MANAGER: GENERAL MANAGER REPORTING TO: GENERAL MANAGER AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ARCOLA THEATRE Arcola Theatre is based in the heart of Dalston, East London and is a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England. Since 2000, Arcola Theatre has been developing a dynamic and strong reputation for its high standards of theatre programming, community and creative learning engagement and through its ethos for environmentally sustainable arts practice. Arcola Theatre it is now considered as one of the most respected arts venues in the UK. Founded by Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen and Executive Producer Leyla Nazli, Arcola Theatre is blazing a trail in artistic excellence and innovative management style. From its inhouse productions in its main house studio one, to groundbreaking work in Studio 2, Arcola programming features some of the most exciting directors, actors and writers working in the industry through to residencies from some of the most exciting young companies in the world. Arcola is much more than an arts venue and runs one of the most extensive multicultural community and youth programmes in East London. Arcola Theatre has won numerous awards in its 12 years of operation and most recently this included winning Most Welcoming Theatre at the 2013 Off West End Awards. After recent renovation of the building, Arcola Theatre is embarking on an exciting new chapter of its recent history. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE TECHNICAL MANAGER CONTEXT OF THE ROLE Following recent refurbishment of the Arcola Theatre, we are now looking for an experienced and hands-on Technical Manager to lead on all areas of operation across Arcola s two studio theatres, pop up Theatre Tent and two rehearsal spaces and public areas. The new post of Technical Manager will take responsibility for all technical and production aspects at Arcola Theatre and will be a key member of Arcola Management team. The successful candidate will relish being at the forefront of changes and the development of our producing arm at Arcola across its three theatre spaces and its two rehearsal rooms. 2
The post holder will be central to the process of re-shaping and re-structuring the technical processes of the way Arcola make, present and tours its work. As well as leading the Technical department, the post holder is expected to provide leadership across the whole organisation on all Technical aspects at Arcola. The post holder will recognise and value all that makes Arcola Theatre one of the most ambitious and exciting producing and receiving houses within the off west end theatre scene in London, whilst being capable of bringing fresh ideas and different ways of working to the organisation. MAIN PURPOSE The Technical Manager will assist in the creation of a re-structured Technical department which will be a key part of a more integrated and connected theatre working towards an ambitious artistic strategy. The Technical Manager ensures, in conjunction with all other staff, that Arcola Theatre maintains the highest possible production values, building on the theatre s reputation of excellence, integrity and ambition. The Technical Manager will support the General Manager on developing relationships with incoming companies, effective budgeting, Technical resourcing of the building, nurturing relationships with new and existing Technical suppliers. The also work with the General Manager to recruit good Technicians, freelance stage management, production management and supporting the identification and recruitment of creative teams on productions. This role within Arcola leads on and advises the organisation on ALL Technical aspects, developing a culture of comprehensive planning and excellent communication in the Technical department. Health and safety is a key component and so the post holder will deal with risk assessments and ALL health and safety aspects within the Theatres. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: TECHNICAL, DEPARTMENTAL AND PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT (PLANNING, DELIVERY AND REALISATION) The Technical Manager has overall responsibility for: Management and the Theatre spaces Ensuring that all Technical aspects of all productions at Arcola Theatre are presented to the highest possible standards. Providing support to visiting companies, technicians and artists so that their work is presented to a high standard. Recruiting good Technicians, freelance stage management, production management and supporting the identification and recruitment of creative teams on productions. Ensuring excellent communication between the Technical team, Production team and the rest of the organisation. 3
Supporting the company s technical needs both in production, educational, youth, community, development activities, events programming at Arcola and at other venues. Work with the Front of House Manager and all theatre Front of House staff to ensure that our audience has the best experience possible. To be available for call-out outside normal opening hours during production periods and in emergency situations. To advise on medium and long term building and technical requirements which may need substantial investment and allow a reasonable lead in time for any fundraising requirement. To represent Arcola Theatre at external events, for and industry panels both locally and nationally. To develop relationships with peers in other theatres throughout the UK to ensure Arcola remains at the cutting edge of policy and practice Health and Safety The Technical Manager will take the lead in promoting and ensuring the highest level of Health and Safety across the organisation, working with the General Manager to develop policy and best practice throughout the Arcola building. To be responsible for liaising with statutory bodies with regard to Health and Safety including the local authority To ensure all production related work is safe and complies with current entertainments licensing, fire, building and Health and Safety legislation and take overall responsibility for risk assessments within the department. To oversee the timely execution of risk assessments for each Arcola production prior to any technical rehearsals. To ensure all annual inspection and testing takes place building wide on all Technical equipment. That the theatre s Technical resources are maintained, managed and used responsibly and appropriately. Productions and companies To support the creative requirements technically of the Artistic Director and Executive Producer within agreed budgets, making effective use of the available physical, financial and human resources. To plan, with the Executive Producer, the Technical aspects all future productions in both venues co-ordinate, with the Artistic Director and members of the producing/programming team, the programming and scheduling of all Theatre spaces and rehearsal rooms. To co-ordinate and oversee the smooth running of the production process in both venues and, in consultation with the Production Manager, agree design and production deadlines, Get Ins and Fit Ups. Support and advise all directors, designers and other visiting artists on the spaces and Technical aspects of the Theatre spaces. Participate with all parties in the planning and realisation of the productions at Arcola 4
To support the General Manager to ensure liaison takes place between visiting companies and Arcola Theatre so they are made to feel welcome in the building and receive the highest technical support. Ensure that Arcola touring shows are delivered to the highest standard. Work alongside the Creative Learning Manager on the setting up and running of all Creative Learning Productions and provide Technical advice and support of major education and community programmes. Finance and Contracts Technical and Creatives To support the Executive Producer and General Manager, taking an active part in liaison and preparation of all co-productions and co-production negotiations. To budget, in conjunction with the Executive Producer and General Manager the Technical requirements all in house productions in ALL Theatre spaces and rehearsal rooms. With the Executive Producer and General Manager, agree all production budgets and technical equipment budgets and be responsible for monitoring and controlling expenditure in accordance with agreed financial procedures. Ensure that all processes relating to expenditure on productions is correct and properly executed in liaison with the show specific Production Managers. Ensure deadlines are achieved cost effectively and with maximum efficiency Support show specific Production Managers to negotiate and supervise contracts and payments for everything relating to the physical aspects of a production. To have a good working knowledge of union agreements for all the Production staff, stage managers and actors in order to oversee working patterns and support the General Manager to negotiate rates as required. Sustainable Arts With the General Manager and Sustainability Manager, lead on Arcola Sustainability Policy and the implementation of the Green Action Plan with regards to the Technical Aspects of the Theatres and building, ensuring we continue to work sustainable and strive to reduce energy consumption throughout the building. Contribute to industry-wide and local initiatives around sustainability, including those introduced by ACE, Arcola, Julie s Bicycle and others Other roles and responsibilities may be required as and when they occur. PERSON SPECIFICATION Knowledge and Experience required: A minimum of five years relevant Technical and production management experience across a range of different contexts/different theatre environments Proven leadership ability with excellent people management skills, ability to build and lead a team Collaborative skills with proven ability and experience of working with creative teams Proven background in technical aspects of theatre, with extensive up to date knowledge of technical procedures, stagecraft and the use of technology. 5
Proven track record in managing and delivering large scale productions from a Technical perspective on time and of working to and reporting on production budgets. A sound understanding of planning/scheduling relating to technical and production activities Track record of developing new budgeting and scheduling procedures Ability to prioritise a complex workload with excellent organisational skills Extensive Health and Safety background with an in-depth knowledge of its practical application within a theatre technical department. Experience of working as part of a management team, collaborating effectively with other departments to contribute to achieving wider organisational ambitions Ability to demonstrate an understanding of organisational finance including production budgets and management accounts. Experience of managing Continuous Professional Development across a team and proven interest in the development of wider industry training and skill development issues. Excellent written and verbal communication skills A progressive, positive and forward thinking attitude A passionate interest in contemporary culture, particularly in theatre TERMS & CONDITIONS: Title of post: Technical Manager Hours: Standard 40 hours, with regular evening and weekend work Salary: 25,000 28,000 per annum (dependent on experience) Holiday entitlement: 28 days per annum including public holidays Contract: Initial 1 year contract (with intention to extend) subject to a three - month probationary period Start: Immediate start Reporting to: Executive Producer and General Manager Responsible for: Freelance Technical and stage crew APPLICATION To apply please complete the application form fully and email it to jobs@arcolatheatre.com (We cannot accept CVs). Please feel free to save and send the Equal Opportunities monitoring form separately from your application form. Please do not apply if you do not have the relevant experience as this position is not a 'first step into the industry' role. Please note that we can only accept applications from people who have a work permit for the UK. The deadline for applications is 5pm Thursday 20 th June 2013 Interviews will take place w/c 24 th June 2013. 6