Deputy Head of Workshop

A wonderfully varied position needed to make weird, wacky and beautiful things for professional theatre productions, this Deputy Head of Workshop role involves primarily working with the fantastic team to produce the set pieces and create the odd prop and piece of furniture as and when they are needed.

The Deputy Head of Workshop will have excellent time management skills, have the ability to work on their initiative and lead on builds when required. A variety of making skills are desired, primarily wood and metal working but the odd bit of polystyrene carving and plastic work, plus the important ability to think outside the box.

Job Purpose

To ensure that physical aspects of productions are constructed properly and on time.

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 cause to be constructed to the satisfaction of the Production Manager and Designer, all scenery and related items for R&D productions and co-productions.

To assist in maintaining accurate records of all expenditures relating to the department.

In conjunction with the Production Manager 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 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.

Attend staff and other meetings as appropriate.

To drive the theatre van when required (if you hold a suitable licence).

To be responsible for the carpentry elements of stage maintenance.

To assist in training 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 restrictions which may affect designs.

To keep accurate stock records at all times, ensure that optimum stock levels are constantly maintained and carry out periodic stock checks as requested.

For a full job description, please see our website.