Theatre Consultant - Audiovisual

Thank you for your interest in Charcoalblue!

1. Why do you consider yourself to be a suitable person for the post and what you would like from the job?

2. Which of your previous experience would you highlight as being particularly relevant? Please highlight any stage lighting, audiovisual and infrastructure design for performance buildings and event spaces.

3. Describe any experience of designing, specifying and commissioning stage lighting or audiovisual infrastructure or performance systems

4. Describe your experience and competency using CAD drawing tools for designing stage lighting or audiovisual systems.

5. Please highlight the elements of the role requirement where you feel you have the least experience

6. Please highlight any experience you have leading teams.

7. What are your salary expectations in line with experience?

• Provide general support for projects; primarily assisting with the production of drawings, specifications and reports for specific projects, as well as assisting the more senior team members with research on new products, developing the principles of system design and the production of Charcoalblue’s design intent system information.

• Consistently deliver work to the highest standards, following our quality assurance processes and working to ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, guidance and good practice.

• Ensure all project demands are met while fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere that inspires confidence, motivates teams, and reflects our commitment to excellence in design and construction.

• Expand your knowledge of the theatre, technical presentation and construction industry through self-led research and supported by our Training & Development programme.

• Meet with clients to evaluate their needs and work with our internal design team to present a holistic design solution, balancing all aspects of performance functionality and budget.

• Describe the functionality and purpose of audiovisual or stage lighting systems while adjusting communication styles for different audiences - for other creative designers, for experienced technicians, or engineers.

• Work with architectural and engineering teams to ensure that each of the design disciplines includes the required infrastructure, support, dependencies and accommodation for all elements of the stage lighting or audiovisual systems.

• Provide cost projections throughout a project for audiovisual or stage lighting systems integration. Working with manufacturers and distributors to sense check system designs and conduct early market testing.

• Conduct value engineering; adapt and revise designs to reduce cost while maintaining as much value and performance as possible, meanwhile being able to describe impacts on functionality.

• Participate in site visits for commissioning, witness testing, construction progress, and other purposes as required.

• This position will require occasional travel, including international/overseas travel.

• Work with our Team Leaders to set out project work plans, goals, and deliverables.

• Contribute to the continual development of our internal design and technical resources through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Minimum four (4) years of experience working in live performance venues.

• Minimum two (2) years of experience working as a technical systems designer.

• Experience in computer drafting of some form; Proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD or REVIT will be required.

• Professional experience with the standard suite of Microsoft Office and GSuite products.

• Professional experience with Adobe Acrobat and / or Bluebeam - we operate a paperless office and use the Adobe/Bluebeam PDF format for all documents.

• Excellent communication skills through verbal explanations, interpretation of data, sketch drawing, written communication, technical drawing, and formal presentations.

• Ability to self-manage and set work plans for the successful delivery of work against deadlines with minimal input from management. 

• Expert level of detailed knowledge about audiovisual and high level of knowledge about stage lighting equipment infrastructure and networking technology, and systems integration A good level of knowledge for broadcast/streaming/lecture room technology.

• You may have completed a higher education qualification or have attended a Technical Theatre course at a Drama School, College or University.

• You may have completed industry relevant training (AVIXA etc).

• Served as primary stage lighting or audiovisual systems designer for completed projects in the design, documentation, construction, and commissioning phases, either as a consultant or client.

• Practical knowledge of stage lighting and/or audiovisual theory and design, with a solid understanding of networks and required relevant infrastructure.

• Practical knowledge of Theatre Health & Safety practice and it would be advantageous to have some knowledge of current relevant Health & Safety and electrical regulations.

• Skill and sensitivity to graphic design and layout, graphical display of information, adhering to design standards, and incorporating corporate branding.

• Knowledge and experience of the operation and/or construction of theatre and/or live performance buildings.

• Experience demonstrating the creation of contract documentation for stagelighting or audiovisual systems on new construction or architectural renovation projects in the UK and / or EMEA.

• Experience working with a distributed global team across different time zones.

• Experience and interest in live performance, broadcast, and/or events.

• Experience of temporary or permanent architectural lighting schemes.

• Experience of temporary or permanent audiovisual immersive environment installations.

• Highly organised, excellent time management skills, and reliable.

• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

• Adept at multi-tasking.

• Able to work calmly under pressure.

• Friendly and professional manner.

• Ability to work successfully on own initiative, as well as part of a local and global team.

• Flexibility and adaptability to changing business needs.

• Ability to manage and prioritize a diverse workload, sometimes in a pressured environment.

• Ability to meet deadlines, as well as maintain both perspective and a sense of humour.

• Ability to manage simple budgets and basic finance related tasks, as required.

What’s in it for you?

This is a permanent, full-time role with flexibility built in. You’ll be UK-based, working a 40-hour week with flexible hours between 8am–8pm, Monday to Friday, and enjoy a hybrid setup with a minimum of 2 days per week working in one of our studios, balanced with studio collaboration, site visits, and project meetings.

• Ability to request an unlimited number of days off under our “Take What You Need” leave policy

• Studio closure over Christmas and New Years

• Annual company bonus scheme

• Pension auto‑enrolment

• Monthly live event tickets allowance to stay inspired by the industry we design for

• Home working contribution towards internet and utilities

• Private Health Insurance after two years for you and your dependants

• Laptop and peripherals provided

• Company mobile phone scheme

As you grow with Charcoalblue, so do your benefits – we’re in it for the long term.

Start Date

ASAP

Salary

The salary range for this role is £35,000 - £50,000 per annum for a 40-hour week.

Please state your salary expectations in your application in line with your experience.

Charcoalblue intends to offer the selected candidate base pay within this range, dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience. Base pay is one part of the total rewards that Charcoalblue provides to compensate and recognize employees for their work. Charcoalblue provides a robust benefits package to help support you physically, financially, and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life. Please visit our website’s careers page for more details.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Overview

We are committed to becoming an increasingly inclusive organization. We continuously work to eliminate unfair and discriminatory practices within the company while encouraging full and equal contributions from our diverse community.

Our mission is to foster an inclusive ethos by creating a welcoming work environment across our global practice. We provide recruitment opportunities that are open to all and encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds to ensure our global team reflects the clients we collaborate with and the communities we serve.

If you require this application in a different format or need support during the application process, please contact Ashleigh Staddon at [email protected] or via telephone at +44 (0)20 7928 0000. If you have any questions about accessibility or how the role may accommodate your personal circumstances, please reach out.

Charcoalblue strives to provide an environment free from discrimination and is committed to ensuring that all clients and customers can access the services and products we offer, across our three regions. We believe that all individuals – employees and clients alike – are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.