Deputy Head of Workshop

Royal & Derngate Northampton is the main venue for arts and entertainment in Northamptonshire and one of the major regional producing theatres in the country, with its acclaimed Made in Northampton work touring nationally and internationally.

The theatre was recently nominated for Theatre of the Year in The Stage Awards 2022. Eight of its productions transferred to London and the West End in 2019, with The Worst Witch winning the 2020 Olivier Award for Best Family Show and Our Lady of Kibeho being nominated for the 2020 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre and named by The Guardian as one of the 20 Best Shows of the 21st Century. Meanwhile, recently artists have won The Stage Ensemble Award, The Stage Debut Award and the Ian Charleson Award for their work on Made in Northampton productions and the adapted screenplay from Royal & Derngate's original play commission of The Pope was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards as Netflix's The Two Popes.

The 2021/22 Made in Northampton season included Ralph Fiennes in the world premiere stage adaptation of T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets which transferred to the West End at the end of last year, a new version of Joe Penhall's Blue/Orange, Improvised show An Improbable Musical, touring co-productions of Animal Farm and Othello with the National Youth Theatre, digital musical On Hostile Ground, and a brand new musical Gin Craze by April de Angelis and Lucy Rivers.

The venue also presents a diverse range of visiting productions on both the Derngate and Royal stages, featuring musicals, dance, comedy and music, and its two-screen cinema presents the best in world, independent, British and mainstream film. Over recent years the theatre has hosted the UK Musical Theatre Conference, Devoted & Disgruntled 14 and the International Teach First conference.

Royal & Derngate's nationally recognised Creative Learning programme engages with schools, families and communities in Northamptonshire and beyond, and its Generate artistic development programme regularly supports hundreds of local artists each year.

We're looking for a creative and resourceful maker to help bring the weird, the wacky, and the wonderful to life for our professional theatre productions. As Deputy Head of Workshop, you'll collaborate with our talented team to craft imaginative sets, props, and the occasional piece of furniture - whatever the show demands

You'll have excellent time management skills, a proactive approach, and the confidence to lead builds when needed. A broad range of making skills is essential - especially in wood and metal work - along with a dash of polystyrene carving, plastic fabrication, and, most importantly, a flair for inventive problem-solving.

Job Purpose

• To ensure that the physical aspects of productions are constructed properly, on time and to the Designer's brief.
• To ensure that the workshop area is in a safe and professional state.
• To support and deputise for the Head of Workshop.

Key Task Areas

• To assist in managing the personnel and resources allocated to the workshop efficiently.
• To ensure that sets are constructed to the satisfaction of the Production Manager and Designer, including all scenery and related items for R&D productions and co-productions.
• To assist in maintaining accurate records of all expenditure relating to the department.
• In conjunction with the Production Manager, Head of Workshop and Stage Department, play a leading role in fitting-up in-house productions.
• In conjunction with the Head of Workshop and Head of Production implement the principles of the Theatre Green Book and champion sustainable scenery construction.
• To assist in providing cost estimates for each project, and to order materials in consultation with the Head of Workshop.
• To implement building schedules in order to meet identified deadlines.
• To maintain the Department's tools and equipment in good working order, and to make recommendations for replacements and additions.
• To maintain the workshop areas in a safe and clean condition.
• To maintain stocks of hardware and consumables.
• To attend staff, and other meetings as appropriate.
• To drive the Theatre van when required, if a suitable licence is held.
• To be responsible for the carpentry elements of stage maintenance.
• To assist in training of new workshop staff to ensure adherence to the same best working practices.
• To assist in overseeing the use of the workshop by other departments.
• To advise designers about the Stage/Workshop facilities and to advise on any restriction which may affect designs.
• To keep accurate stock records at all times, ensuring that optimum stock levels are constantly maintained and to carry out periodic stock checks as requested.

Full Job Description available on our website.

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bar & Shop Discount
• Complimentary tickets available on selected shows and films
• Family Friendly Policies

Essential Experience:

• Proven experience in a producing theatre and/or in a Workshop
• Proven experience in a range of production styles and construction techniques
• An understanding of the principles of the Theatre Green Book, and making productions sustainably
• Essential Knowledge/Qualifications:
• Design techniques
• Financial systems
• Theatre Green Book
• Health & Safety At Work Act 1974 and other legislative requirements

Essential Skills/Abilities:

• Able to plan work schedules effectively
• Able to work creatively
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Good communication skills
• Staff deployment
• Numerate and IT literate
• Staff Training and Development skills

Desirable Experience:

• Working full time within a venue with large and active community engagement programme
• Working full time in a producing theatre company, and/or Repertory theatre system

Desirable Knowledge/Qualifications:

• An understanding of subsidised /commercial theatre.
• First Aid at Work certificate
• IOSH Managing Safely
• Driving Licence

Closing Date: 12 November

Interviews: w/c 17 November