Performing Arts Technician

Performing Arts Technical Support • Provide practical and technical support for Music, Drama and Dance lessons, rehearsals, workshops, examinations and performances across Primary and Secondary. • Set up, operate and maintain sound, lighting, projection and playback equipment required for lessons, rehearsals and performances. • Support school productions, concerts, showcases, festivals, competitions and other Creative Arts events. • Assist with stage management, backstage operations, props, microphones, sound cues, lighting cues and other production requirements. • Work closely with teaching staff to understand creative and technical requirements and support the effective delivery of lessons and performances. • Assist students in developing their understanding of sound, lighting, recording and performance technology where appropriate. • Ensure rehearsal rooms, music studios and other Performing Arts spaces are appropriately equipped, organised and ready for use. • Prepare and manage technical resources for practical Drama and Dance work, including recorded material, sound effects, backing tracks and multimedia elements. Music Technology and Recording Studio • Maintain and operate music technology equipment, including digital audio workstations (DAWs), MIDI controllers, microphones, audio interfaces, mixing desks, studio monitors and associated software. • Support Music lessons, composition projects, music production, recording, editing, mixing and playback. • Manage the day-to-day readiness and organisation of the recording studio, ensuring equipment is functional, secure and available for teaching and student use. • Assist staff and students with recording vocals, instruments, ensembles, podcasts, backing tracks and other audio projects. • Prepare, edit and organise audio files and backing tracks for lessons, examinations, concerts and productions. • Maintain organised digital audio files and shared resources in accordance with school procedures. • Troubleshoot basic hardware and software issues and report faults requiring specialist support. • Support the effective integration of music technology into teaching, learning and student creativity. Podcasting and Audio Production • Support the planning, recording, editing and production of student and staff podcasts, including microphone setup, sound recording, editing and final production. • Set up and maintain podcasting equipment, including microphones, headphones, audio interfaces, recording software and associated equipment. • Support the production of interviews, student discussions, school broadcasts, audio presentations and other digital audio content. • Assist students and teachers with audio editing, sound mixing and the use of recording software. • Organise and store audio recordings securely, following school procedures for student privacy, consent and data protection. • Support the development of high-quality audio content for curriculum projects, enrichment activities and wider school initiatives. Video Production and Digital Drama • Support the filming and production of Drama work, including scripted performances, monologues, devised pieces, practical assessments and student portfolios. • Assist with video recording, camera setup, lighting, sound capture and editing for Drama lessons, coursework, examinations and student creative projects. • Support the recording of rehearsals and performances for educational purposes, reflection, assessment and student progress. • Assist with the production of digital performance content, promotional videos, rehearsal footage, multimedia presentations and other school projects. • Support teachers and students in using video editing and audio-visual software to develop high-quality digital outcomes. • Prepare and operate cameras, microphones, lighting and recording equipment to meet the requirements of different filming environments. • Organise, label and manage digital video files securely, ensuring appropriate access, storage and retention in accordance with school policies. • Troubleshoot recording, filming and editing equipment and software, ensuring resources are ready for use. • Collaborate with Music, Drama, Dance and other curriculum teams to identify opportunities to integrate filming, podcasting and digital production into teaching, learning and enrichment activities. Audio-Visual Support for School Events • Provide AV support for assemblies, presentations, conferences, parent events, award ceremonies, open days, school celebrations and other whole-school activities. • Set up, test and operate microphones, speakers, mixing desks, projectors, displays, laptops, presentation systems and other relevant equipment. • Support sound playback, presentations, video content, recording and livestreaming where required and technically feasible. • Assist staff and visiting presenters with technical requirements before and during events. • Conduct pre-event checks and troubleshoot technical issues promptly. • Liaise with the designated auditorium technician, IT and Operations teams to coordinate technical requirements for events taking place in shared school facilities. • Ensure responsibilities are clearly coordinated, with the designated auditorium technician retaining responsibility for auditorium management and its designated technical provision. • Support the preparation and operation of portable AV equipment for events in classrooms, meeting rooms and other school spaces. Productions, Performances and Extracurricular Activities • Provide technical support for school productions, musical theatre, concerts, dance showcases, student performances, competitions and other Creative Arts initiatives. • Support extracurricular activities (ECAs), clubs, rehearsals, enrichment opportunities and student-led performances. • Assist with technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, backstage arrangements, sound cues, lighting states and the preparation of performance spaces. • Work collaboratively with staff and students to ensure the smooth and safe running of performances and events. • Support visiting artists, workshop leaders, theatre companies and external production teams where required. • Assist with technical equipment for off-site performances and school events where appropriate. • Contribute to an inclusive and creative environment that enables students to participate confidently in Performing Arts activities. • • Relevant qualification, training or demonstrable experience in Performing Arts technology, music technology, sound engineering, AV technology, digital media production or a related technical field. • Practical experience operating audio equipment, microphones, mixing desks, speakers and playback systems. • Experience setting up and troubleshooting AV equipment, including projectors, displays, laptops and presentation systems. • Knowledge of music recording, audio editing and digital audio workstation software. • Strong organisational and problem-solving skills. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with teaching staff and technical colleagues. • Effective communication and interpersonal skills. • A proactive, reliable and solution-focused approach. • Commitment to safeguarding, health and safety, and the responsible use of technical equipment. • Flexibility to support scheduled school activities outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends. Minimum Experience • Experience working in a school, theatre, live performance or educational Performing Arts environment. • Experience operating theatrical lighting desks, DMX lighting systems and stage lighting equipment. • Experience with digital audio consoles, wireless microphone systems and live sound reinforcement. • Experience using music production software such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, GarageBand or equivalent platforms. • Knowledge of MIDI, multitrack recording, mixing and audio post-production. • Experience recording and producing podcasts or other digital audio content. • Experience filming and editing Drama performances, student projects or other educational video content. • Experience using video editing software and digital media production tools. • Experience supporting musical theatre, live concerts, dance performances and school productions. • Experience with livestreaming, multimedia production and digital content creation. • Relevant technical health and safety training. Job Specific Knowledge & Skills • Reliable, adaptable and highly organised. • Enthusiastic about supporting Music, Drama, Dance and the Performing Arts. • Calm and resourceful under pressure, particularly during live events and performances. • Professional and approachable when working with students, staff and external visitors. • Committed to maintaining high standards of technical quality and equipment care. • Proactive in anticipating technical needs and resolving problems. • Creative and willing to support new approaches to digital production, recording and performance. • Flexible and responsive to the demands of a busy school environment.