Theatr Clwyd is seeking a suitable candidate to take part in the Technical Apprentice scheme being operated across Wales by the Wales Millennium Centre. They will train and develop skills in technical theatre production, such as sound, lighting and technical stage management. The successful candidate will be based at Theatr Clwyd but employed by the Wales Millennium Centre. Interviews will be held at Theatr Clwyd.

Technical Apprentice Scheme

This scheme is intended to allow candidates to develop their existing skills in a real-world environment and prepare them for full time employment in the theatre industry. It is operated in conjunction with Cardiff & Vale College, who will be the further education provider for the qualification side of the apprenticeship – a Level 3 Certificate in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage.

There will be an induction week in Cardiff, and potentially other weeks in Cardiff for industry standard ‘off the job’ training, provided by the Association of British Theatre Technicians (and other providers). Accommodation in Cardiff can be provided. There may also be scope for apprentices to swap venues from time to time, to broaden their experience.

For more about the apprentice scheme visit -Careers and jobs | Wales Millennium Centre (wmc.org.uk)

Theatr Clwyd

Theatr Clwyd is the major arts centre in North East Wales presenting a huge range of activity across many art forms. At its heart is its drama producing company, which has made many world-class productions over the years, with a focus on Wales and Welsh artists. Theatr Clwyd has close community links and operates a significant Creative Engagement programme within schools and offering weekly workshops to people of all ages.

Wales Millennium Centre

Wales Millennium Centre has developed an outstanding reputation for delivering artistic excellence and amazing entertainment, showcasing the very best of Wales to the world and bringing the very best of the world to Wales.

Job Description

Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £11,648 per annum
Team: Production
Start date: 30th September 2024
Closing date: 10th July 2024

About the Role and Responsibilities:

Backstage theatre technicians play a vital role in delivering live performances, ensuring each production is produced to the highest possible standard. The primary purpose of this role is to develop specialised and transferable skills in areas specific to stage craft, lighting, and sound for live entertainment for those at the start of their technical careers.

On a day-to-day basis you will be reporting to the Technical Stage Manager or Chief Electrician, who will integrate you into the wider technical department placing you on a number of projects for you to discover and practice your niche. You will also report to the Apprentice & Training Coordinator, who oversees the apprentice programme to ensure that individuals hit their practical and assessment targets - created with their tutor from Cardiff & Vale College. The coordinator is also responsible for your professional training schedule which will include trips away from base.

Over the 12-months, you will have completed the ABTT Bronze Award along with a PAT Testing & IPAF qualification and will undertake a rigging, lighting and sound professional workshop.

Our current apprentices have recently completed placements on visiting touring productions like Disney's Aladdin, Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands and The Wizard of Oz to name a few..

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of senior technicians

• To provide technical support to productions (touring & in-house), and other projects/events the Centre hosts.
• Supporting the department with fit-ups – lifting, rigging, focusing etc using tools and equipment for construction or maintenance.
• Providing crew support on projects where necessary in areas such as stage craft, lighting, sound and flying. This will include -
• The planning of lighting requirements for a production, set up and check, operating the lighting and follow spot for a live performance.
• The planning of sound requirements for a production, set up and check, operating the sound and microphones for a live performance.
• The planning of flying/stage requirements for a production, set up and check, assisting with flying/automation systems where appropriate.
• Maintaining high standards in terms of housekeeping. Keeping working areas clear and fit for use.
• Selecting and using safe systems of work for working at height.
• To complete practical and theory assessment modules within agreed deadlines.

Person Specification

Essential

• An understanding of Technical Theatre and a proven interest in working backstage.
• Proof of working to deadlines in both a practical and theoretical sense.
• A strong awareness and understanding of Health & Safety – either generally or specifically to theatre.
• Ability and willingness to undertake academic learning and operating online portfolio’s when gathering and uploading evidence for assessments.
• A positive and constructive attitude when liaising with colleagues and clients, showing leadership and flexibility in your approach to tasks.
• Taking the initiative and displaying pose when presented with challenges at work or college.
• Being accountable when managing your working week to complete modules to obtain your qualification.
• Showing good interpersonal and team-working skills whilst working within a large organisation with individuals from differing backgrounds, views and identities.
• Ability to work unsociable hours, including weekends and Bank Holidays.
• Adhere to H&S policies connected with working backstage, including working at height, manual handling and working with electricity, as well as wearing the appropriate PPE where necessary.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in technical theatre (be it volunteering or on school/college productions).
• Knowledge of backstage areas and the equipment used.
• Computer literate, proof in working with Microsoft Office packages and online portfolios.
• The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh
• Ability/willingness to working at height safely.

Recruitment Process

Your application and covering letter are our first point of contact with you. They are judged solely on merit and are our means of shortlisting candidates for interview. Please ensure all questions are answered clearly and succinctly but as fully as possible.

We strongly advise that you carefully read the Role Profile before you complete your application form. This document includes a detailed list of the duties for the role and the essential and desirable criteria we are looking for.

Please complete the application form thoroughly. Forms which are not thoroughly completed are not acceptable and you will be discounted from the shortlisting process.

Please do not send CVs by themselves in place of the application form. As part of our recruitment process, an application form needs to be completed. Of course, you are quite welcome to enclose CVs with your application form, along with any other documents, videos or information you may feel are relevant.

Applicants will need to be available for Induction Week on the W/C 30th September.

The working hours of an apprentice slightly vary from week-to-week, it really depends on the demands of the production they are working on. We must highlight that this is not a 9-5 role, therefore we encourage applicants to really think hard about whether this type of work is suitable for them should this be of conflict. We also encourage you to think about your travelling arrangements and whether it is feasible/viable for you at this point. The criteria in which you will be evaluated on is relatively fluid. However, we do expect you to provide evidence of your understanding of backstage technical theatre and what areas specifically is of interest to you and why. You will need to show that you are able to learn or display good interpersonal and communication skills, as you will be working within a large organisation with people from differing backgrounds, viewpoints, and identities. Finally, you ought to display evidence of a good attitude and willingness towards professional working, learning new skills, and progression of coursework.

Getting to work

Like any role, you need to think about getting to and from work. Theatr Clwyd is situated in the town of Mold in North Wales about 11 miles from Chester train station. There are frequent buses to and from surrounding towns and villages but public transport may not be as frequent as it is in major cities so please be mindful of this.

Being organised

In addition to your role, you will also need to complete some practical assessments which are essential to the apprenticeship. You cannot complete the apprenticeship and gain certification without them.

We expect you to be fully committed to every aspect of the programme, show willing at all tasks and to manage your deadlines. Failure is all part of the learning process but it's how you react to that which is important, but rest assured - you will have a strong support network behind you.

Who can apply?

Anyone 18 or over can apply. All we ask is that you have a good attitude, live within a reasonable distance of participating venues and are ready to start an exciting career in technical theatre!

There are no minimum qualifications, but we strongly encourage those without formal education to apply.

*This programme is not suitable for anyone still studying so if you're part way through a course and would need to return to studying after the apprenticeship, you are not eligible.

This placement can't be undertaken as a work placement as part of your course

Do you share our values?
Our values are part of who we are, what we stand for and how we act. Do you share these values?

• Reflective - We recognise and celebrate that great things are achieved every day and we consider it a strength to learn from our experiences.

• Accountable - In a culture that enables us to achieve our potential, we must be responsible for our own actions and for the actions of the Centre.
• Collaborative - We are one team working together, respecting each other’s skills and experiences to ensure the best results.
• Ambitious - We support passion and encourage bold decision making to drive our desire to continually improve.
• Innovative We look for imaginative solutions in all areas of our work to enable us to achieve our goals.