Technician (Stage)


Company:	University of Derby
Salary:	£27,929 - £31,033
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Derby, DE1 2NF
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	26 Aug 2026
Closing date:	25 Sept 2026

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Summary

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

At Derby Theatre, we are a charity and a National Portfolio organisation for Arts Council England, and we’re known for artistic excellence. We’re committed to education. And we believe that theatre can change your life.

Previously Derby Playhouse, we have a long and important theatrical history. As Derby Theatre, we work in partnership with the University of Derby and are a home for higher education students. We produce new plays and projects, collaborate with artists and local people, and offer training for young people too, with opportunities for learners of all ages. It’s all about empowering people to tap into their potential and achieve.

Technical Department

The Technical Department is part of the wider Production Department, led by the Technical Manager and comprises of the Head of Stage, Head of Lighting & AV, Head of Sound, and three multi-disciplinary Technicians. The department work on all Produced and Received shows, and on external hires and internal projects, including the theatre's large Youth Theatre and outreach events.

The department provides all aspects of technical theatre support, from set builds to show operation, fit-ups to get outs, workshops with school groups to assisting the university Theatre Arts students; if there's a technical part then we're part of it.

About the Role

The Technician (Stage) is a key member of Derby Theatre’s Production & Technical team, supporting the delivery of produced and visiting productions, learning projects, and events to the highest standards. Working closely with artistic, production, and technical colleagues, the role involves stage operations, show running, fit-ups, get-outs, rigging, equipment maintenance, and backstage support, while assisting the Head of Stage in the day-to-day management of the department.

This hands-on role requires a flexible and collaborative approach, with opportunities to work across all technical theatre disciplines. You will help maintain high standards of health and safety, supervise casual staff, support visiting companies, act as Duty Technician when required, and contribute to the upkeep and development of stage facilities and equipment. As part of Derby Theatre’s Learning Theatre model, you will also support learning opportunities and help create an inspiring environment for students, artists, and audiences.

Anticipated interview date: Monday 5th October 2026

About You

You will have experience working in a stage role within a professional theatre or live entertainment venue, with a strong understanding of technical theatre and production processes. Practical experience of fit-ups, get-outs, and rigging, including fly bars, truss systems, motors, and gridwork, is essential.

We are looking for a proactive and resourceful team player who can build effective working relationships, solve problems under pressure, and manage competing priorities to meet deadlines. You will have a good understanding of theatre health and safety requirements, strong IT and record-keeping skills, and an enthusiasm for supporting learning opportunities for people of all ages.

The role requires the ability to undertake the physical demands of theatre work, including manual handling, working at height, and regular evening and weekend working. As the post involves working with young people, a DBS check will be required.

What should I expect if I am invited to an interview?

We aim to make the interviews as accessible and engaging as possible, and we want you to talk about yourself and your work experience in a relaxed and friendly setting.

We believe an interview is a chance for you to find more information about the role, us as an organisation and for you to get a sense of whether this is the right environment for you.

With this in mind, we have designed an interview process which will enable potential candidates to meet members of the team and partners, see some of the spaces you might be working in, and of course a chance to talk about you and your work experience.

Benefits

Please refer to the job description for Derby Theatre benefits. Please note benefits from University of Derby do not apply.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Harry Crane, Head of Stage via h.crane@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk

Important Information

The Theatre is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

If you are successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

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