Meet Sophia – Production Assistant Apprentice
Meet Sophia Rowlatt, a production assistant apprentice at Big Button.…
Company:
Apprentice Scenic Automation Technician
THE ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE
Address:
Royal National Theatre, Upper Ground ,London ,SE1 9PX
Hours per week: 40Salary: £ 28808 peryear
Description:
Please view the full job description from the National Theatre using the >click here<
Based on the South Bank in Waterloo, London, the National Theatre (NT), has three theatres, a bookshop, cafes and bars which are all open to the public. Behind the scenes, there are workshops where we make sets, props and costumes for the shows, spaces for actors to rehearse and offices for all the administration staff. The National Theatre Apprenticeship Programme has recently been awarded the Princess Royal Training Award for outstanding training and skills development.
The National Theatre (NT) makes theatre that entertains and inspires using its creativity, expertise and unique reach.
We share unforgettable stories with millions of audience members across the UK and around the world – on our own stages, on tour, in schools, on cinema screens and streaming at home.
At the NT you will:
- You will work in all areas where the Technical Department work, supervised and supported by members of the Technical Department.
- You will be working with Stages, Stage Engineering & Automation.
- You will collect evidence of the work you do and make a portfolio showing how you have used your skills in the workplace.
- Under the direction of NT Staff, clean, maintain and use a range of Mechanical lifting and rigging equipment
- Experience the setup, testing, commissioning and fault finding of Automation equipment and systems
- Work backstage on shows and events when required, installing and operating technical equipment. This will sometimes involve evening and weekend work.
- Work to agreed deadlines.
- Learn how to work at height or in small spaces safely. (Sometimes in low-light levels)
- Participate in safety checks, and weekly planning meetings.
- Maintain high standards of operations and good housekeeping at all times
- Always work safely, following the NT’s Health and Safety policy
- Participate in other training as necessary and appropriate, including visiting other workplaces on placement.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the National Theatre’s representatives.
At all times you will be expected to:
-
Take responsibility for being on time and always working safely and considerately.
- Take responsibility for completing your college work and making sure your manager knows when a college assessor is visiting.
- Behave professionally, including keeping workspaces neat and tidy.
- To work at height and sometimes in small spaces, training will be given to you before you do this.
- You will sometimes be asked to work evenings and weekends, and will be given time off in the week to make up for it (this is called Time Off in Lieu – TOIL)
By the end of the apprenticeship you will have a working knowledge of:
- How to safely use theatrical flying, lifting and rigging systems, which suspend scenery (and sometimes actors) off the floor,
- The operation and programming of automated equipment
- Safety systems and equipment needed to operate automated stage machinery
- Electrical, mechanical and hydraulic engineering that forms the NTs automation infrastructure
- Read, understand and use a range of theatre related plans.
- Write and follow a basic Risk Assessment.
- Identify a range of theatre technical equipment and understand its uses.
- Operate under supervision a range of technical theatre equipment.
- Understand theatre jargon and processes.
- Create, follow and update paperwork used on shows.
Please view the full job description from the National Theatre using the >click here<
Requirements:
Maths and English GCSE at C/4 is desired.
As this is a training position, we are not looking for experience in automation, but for someone who has some entry level technical theatre experience, and the desire to specialise in automation for a career. You will need to show us that you can problem solve, can work well in a team, and will be committed to completing this apprenticeship. An interest in audio, networks or electrical systems would be useful
Skills required:
Attention to detail, Team working, Creative,
Training to be provided:
This occupation is found in theatres, live entertainment venues, TV and film studios. The broad purpose of the occupation is to programme, operate and maintain automation systems to ensure they meet the requirements of a production by consistently fulfilling the artistic vision for it. The highest standards of safety, efficiency and technical standards must be achieved.
Scenic automation technicians consult and collaborate with other departments to carry out planning and work activities to meet performance requirements including timing and order of all mechanised set movements during a theatrical production or other live performance. They control scenery and other equipment on the stage or set and in the air.
They support the running of shows including fit-ups, rehearsals, set changes, rotations and get-outs in all aspects of a show or production related automation. They work within the parameters which various environments dictate for example working at height or within confined spaces.
Duties
Duty 1 Work with artistic, production and technical teams to provide the technical interpretation and deliver the creative vision for the performance or production within budget and other constraints. This may include building, hiring or modifying existing automation components.
Duty 2 Define the parameters of safe operation of required stage or set machinery or equipment. For example, speed, height, limits of travel, weight as part of the creative design process, prior to rehearsal and communicate that information to the artistic team.
Duty 3 Manage personal workload to meet deadlines using the production schedules.
Duty 4 Interpret technical drawings for example stage or set ground plans, cabling schedules as part of a fit-up or maintenance planning activities.
Duty 5 Assemble, test and commission automated equipment for moving scenery, sets or performers. For example hoists, elevators and revolves in accordance with industry standards such as CWA15902 Pt1, BS7905, BS7906.
Duty 6 Ensure that all stage or set machinery which may be bespoke is safe and compliant with LOLER and PUWER whilst meeting the artistic vision of the production or performance.
Duty 7 Interpret creative direction or production requirements by programming automation control software or using mechanical special effects to create production effects, physical special effects props and stunts. Achieve the desired movements and performance or production sequences in-line with budget constraints.
Duty 8 Carry out the safe operation of automation systems and machinery for example computerised control desks using clear communication protocol during all phases of the production process including preparation, rehearsal and live performance.
Duty 9 Carry out emergency repairs of machinery during the live performance or production whilst ensuring the safety of those on stage or set. For example artists, technical staff and the public and where possible, without interrupting the performance or production. Know when to stop the performance or production and the impact of that decision.
Duty 10 Carry out planned and reactive maintenance of stage or set machinery such as pre-show or production checks, which may include 6-monthly insurance inspections, taking into account performance or production and rehearsal schedules.
Duty 11 Complete relevant documentation regarding inspection, repair and maintenance issues in accordance with reporting protocols.
Duty 12 De-rig, pack-up and safely store or dispose of stage or set machinery at the end of runs of performances or productions in accordance with requirements such as time constraints and environmental regulations.
Duty 13 Identify best practice by keeping up to date with new technologies and working practices
Personal Qualities:
Not Applicable
Things to consider:
This is a Level 3 apprenticeship, therefore applicants must be suitable for study at that level and NOT hold a theatre based degree, or a post graduate qualification, or have professional experience of working backstage in a theatre beyond entry level positions. Applicants with STEM based degrees looking to transfer to the creative sector would be considered.
Future prospects:
This apprenticeship is designed to be the next step in developing a career as an automation technician. Although we cannot guarantee that this apprenticeship will lead to a permanent post at the NT, this is an area of specialisation where there is a skills gap in the theatre sector, and we would expect there to be good opportunities for further work in the sector on completion of the apprenticeship.