Purpose of the Role

To work as part of the Scenic Construction Workshop team within the Production Department, with a specialism in construction of sets, delivering a service to Theatr Clwyd productions of the highest possible standards. Working primarily in the area of the Workshop, they will work on occasions alongside colleagues in other areas of the Production Department.

About Us

Theatr Clwyd is a cultural hub, producing world-class theatre in the hills of North Wales. Since 1976 we have been serving our communities and delivering the highest quality theatre and arts experience for the people of North Wales and beyond.

Our mission is increasingly important to us in all that we do.

To make the world a happier place, one moment at a time.

We are fortunate enough to be one of very few theatres in the UK to build sets, make costumes, paint scenery and create props inhouse. These essential theatre making skills ensure that we can push theatrical boundaries to create stunning shows from the seed of a writer’s imagination. Since 2018 this has been recognised by the theatre industry with awards from UK Theatre, The Stage and the Olivier’s.

The development of theatre makers in our community is key to sustaining Wales and the UK’s cultural sector. We have spaces for writers and companies dovetailed with technical apprenticeships and trainee directors to create a building which supports emerging creatives in developing artistic excellence.

We use our skills to underpin social transformation in our communities. We creatively address social and educational challenges such as youth justice while bridging social and economic divides. We recognise the immediate impact and long term benefits the arts can provide to aid psychological and physical wellbeing. We collaborate with Wales’ largest NHS health board and local social services to meet the challenges facing health and social care by supporting our communities.

We have a recent annual turnover of around £7m and are funded by a combination of Arts Council Wales, Flintshire County Council, box office ticket sales, commercial income and fundraising from individuals, trusts and foundations and corporate sponsorship.

Job Description

Role Title - Construction Workshop Deputy Manager
Contract Type - Permanent
Family - Theatre Making
Team Specialism - Construction Workshop
Hours - 37 per week
Starting salary - £26,326
Salary Grade - OP4
Reports to - Workshop Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

• To supervise Workshop Assistants, casual and freelance staff and co-ordinate the workshop, advising the Workshop Manager regarding the progress of the work.
• In conjunction with the Workshop Manager, to plan and manage the workflow of the department and lead the team during builds, fit-ups, get-outs and strikes as required, ensuring a safe working environment and compliance with all relevant legislation relating to an industrial workplace (including PUWER, COSHH, LOLER).
• To deputise and manage the department in the absence of the Workshop Manager.
• In conjunction with the Workshop Manager, to be responsible for a clean, tidy and well-ordered working environment and taking particular responsibility for housekeeping in the workshop.
• To order materials and services and in the absence of the Workshop Manager, to liaise with the Production Manager and Head of Production on production and department budgets.
• Under the management of the Workshop Manager, to be responsible for the construction of sets, props or any production item as requested, to the highest possible standards and within the time and budget allocated.
• Alongside the Workshop Manager, to provide designers with all necessary practical information.
• To assist during fit-up and production weeks to ensure they run smoothly.
• To undertake practical work in relation to get-ins, fit-ups, strikes and get-outs, including the assembly, rigging, adjustment and use of scenery, props, rigging and lifting equipment.
• To oversee casual staff as required.
• To work with the Workshop Manager in ensuring training and monitoring of performance of the Workshop Assistants, casual and freelance staff.
• To interpret designs and prepare plans and working drawings, using CAD and other applications.
• To source and order stock and consumable items. To make the Workshop Manager aware should any specialist equipment need to be hired or purchased.
• To work within set budgets.
• Where required, to provide technical assistance to external users.
• To liaise with the Scenic Artist to ensure that the department functions effectively and efficiently throughout the build process, which includes both construction and scenic work.
• To attend meetings as required and to represent the department in the absence of the Workshop Manager.

Health and Safety

• To ensure all Health and Safety requirements are met at all times while working.
• To attend training as required and maintain awareness of Health and Safety regulations specific to the spaces, machinery and equipment used.
• To ensure that all specialist equipment is correctly shut down at the completion of each working day.
• To ensure that all potential hazards are made safe as soon as is practicably possible.
• To produce risk assessments and method statements as required.

Other

• To ensure all equipment is stored safely and is accessible to authorised users.
• Alongside the Workshop Manager, to ensure an inventory of all equipment and materials held and used.
• To provide any other duties as reasonably required by the Workshop Manager, Production Manager or the Head of Production.

Person Specification

Essential

• Practical relevant experience working in construction, carpentry and or metal fabrication, ideally in a theatre environment.
• Proven experience of supervising, leading and motivating teams.
• Strong, proven experience in construction and carpentry.
• Strong, proven experience in welding and metal fabrication.
• Ability to use and maintain a wide range of workshop based tools and machinery safely and confidently.
• Ability to use a wide range of portable power tools and hand tools safely and confidently.
• Working knowledge of rigging methods and the safe use of lifting gear.
• Experience of setting up and rigging scenery and stage decking systems.
• Demonstrable experience in the preparation and interpretation of plans and construction drawings, with a knowledge of CAD and other applications
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to communicate clearly and consistently with all theatre and event space users, especially non-technical users.
• An organised approach, with a proven track record of meeting deadlines and managing conflicting priorities.
• Experience in implementing Health and Safety requirements and risk assessments.
• Confidence in working independently, but also willingness to collaborate across many departments.
• Ability to work flexible and unsociable hours including evenings and some weekends.
• Full, clean driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience and knowledge of mainstream UK theatre production.
• Working knowledge of rigging methods and the safe use of lifting gear.
• Experience of setting up and rigging scenery and stage decking systems.
• Current forklift truck certificate.
• Training in manual handling, safe ladder use and working at height.
• Current first aid certificate.
• Written and spoken Welsh.