Queen Mary’s College is an inclusive, vibrant and high achieving sixth form college in Basingstoke, Hampshire, catering for around 2000 students aged 16-19 years old.

The College is a lively learning community employing approximately 200 staff of which roughly half work in a support role. Set over 23 acres the site is diverse, offering a range of services to learners and the community. Performing Arts is a thriving area of the College and the College has a commitment to making Performing Arts accessible to as many students as possible.

At present, 8 full-time teachers and a range of peripatetic instrumental teachers work in the Department. The range of provision is designed to meet the varying needs within the student population, from those whose primary aim is to study Drama, Dance, Music, Music Technology, Performing and Production Arts, or to those who wish it to form a relatively small part of a broader programme of study. Courses offered range from A Level, UAL L3 Diploma and UAL L3 Extended Diploma courses through to various enrichments. In addition to timetabled courses, students are able to join in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, including College choirs, ensembles and orchestras, individual instrumental tuition and large-scale theatrical and musical productions.

The Department benefits from the presence on site of Central Studio, a multi-purpose performance venue designed to suit theatre, live music, conferences, dance schools and more. Our Music Centre was completed in October 2013. The Charles Butler Building, opened by Dame Evelyn Glennie, includes a new recording studio, recital room and five practice rooms as well as being fully equipped with the latest sound and recording technology meeting the needs of the music industry and enabling students to learn the correct use of technical equipment, specific to their chosen career. Queen Mary’s Hall and Central Studio are used for performances.

The close working relationship between the Performing Arts Department and Central Studio provides students with unique performance opportunities and access to collaborative work with large numbers of professional companies, artists and technicians.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are seeking a flexible, technically minded, committed, Performing Arts Technician who will complement the skills of the existing teaching team. The ideal applicant for this role is someone with up to date knowledge, who enjoys technical tasks and can demonstrate energy, common sense and enthusiasm whilst working in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for a self-motivated individual who is able to work both as part of a team and without supervision.

This role would suit a graduate of a related degree/qualification who is looking for their first position and who is interested in working with young people. The role requires a positive ‘can-do’ attitude, a good and appropriate sense of humour and the ability to work flexibly. The suitable applicant will be someone who understands the ethos of the College and has a strong sense of resilience to work with both staff and students in a large and varied department.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience and understanding of the needs of a performing arts department and productions

• Willingness to support student lead productions and performances

• Practical knowledge of all areas of technical theatre, specialising in the following:

          - Lighting design & operation.

          - Live sound mixing for bands /musical performances

          - Set design & construction

• Strong communication skills and an enjoyment of team work.

• Ability to work to deadlines

• Self-motivated with an ability to take responsibility, show initiative and solve problems with minimum supervision.

• Willing to work unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends

• Some knowledge of current Health and Safety legislation for places of public entertainment

• Effective written and oral communication skills

• Willing to undergo further training where necessary

• Flexibility, patience and resourcefulness.

Desirable:

• Computer literate

• Practical knowledge of the equipment and practices used in a professional recording studio

• Knowledge of the use of audio-visual equipment such as digital cameras and edit suites and video projectors

• An empathy and understanding of working appropriately with young people

• Understanding of the Performing Arts student experience including exams and assessments

• Experience of teaching technical theatre skills and lighting

• Knowledge of First Aid procedures

• Certified Genie use

Accountable to: Head of Performing Arts Department

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Objectives:

• Supervise, implement and maintain technical equipment and facilities within the Performing Arts Department to ensure that they provide a safe, secure and tidy working environment for students and staff.

• Provide support for the Department’s performances in Central Studio and Queen Mary’s Hall (daytime/evening/some weekends).

• Helping teachers to set up technical equipment for classes, and providing necessary technical support to teaching staff across the department for lessons, rehearsals, practical and examination work.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Support for whole Performing Arts Department.

• Ensuring that all aspects of technical support for the day to day running of the Department (daytime curriculum delivery and evening performances) are met and give close supervision to students involved in the running of performances when needed.

• Liaise with Central Studio Technicians with regard to production requirements.

• Monitor stocks and supplies of consumables and devise and implement an effective method of monitoring and regulating the use of the Performing Arts Department equipment and facilities.

• Ordering, installing and maintaining all Performing Arts equipment and advising the Head of Department on the suitability of new equipment.

• Ensuring that all equipment is kept in good working order; undertaking first line maintenance and repair of equipment and liaising with the Head of Department to arrange professional maintenance and repair where necessary.

• Ensure that all technical work is carried out in a professional and safe manner.

• Conduct monthly H&S checks on all areas of Performing Arts, QM Hall, the Performance Space and the Kiln and liaise with the Premises Department in order to act upon the findings of such checks.

• Willing to work unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends.

• A willingness to undertake further training as necessary.

• A willingness to work with and support the team in Central Studio as necessary.

• Attendance at appropriate meetings and participation in training events where necessary.

• Committed to principles of promoting Safeguarding, Child Protection and Prevent for young people.

• An understanding and application of legal principles in the workplace such as ED&I, H&S and GDPR.

• Other duties consistent with the grade of the post as may be requested by the Head of Department, Assistant Principal or Principal.

BENEFITS

This role attracts a number of benefits such as access to a beautiful 23-acre site, use of the Sports Centre facilities, (swim and gym), free parking on site, and complimentary hot beverages for all staff, mentoring support, and access to related training and development. Apart from all of this you will work with a brilliant, dedicated, professional curriculum department, with whom you will have the opportunity to learn a great deal from.