Role Introduction

The Scenic Carpenter and Technician works alongside the team of theatre professionals to provide at least 10 fully mounted productions within the academic year as part of a fully programmed season. The Scenic Carpenter and Technician will work with the team to enable the highest possible standards of production, training, and safety in all school theatres. They will construct sets to the highest standards and offer support with the technical running of the theatre.

All members of the department work on all productions. This role is key in effectively delivering the artistic and creative teams’ vision to the stage. It entails detailed collaboration with directors, colleagues and students, working on a wide range of plays and styles, in a variety of performance spaces. The ability to lead, develop and enthuse a team of students, to remain calm and focused under pressure, to meet deadlines and have flair and a creative approach to design is essential.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• Constructing sets and props;
• Rigging lights and other electrical equipment Counterweight, hemp, manual and motor hoist rigging and operation;
• Supervising and motivating boy technicians and crews;
• To promote and participate in an alert and positive approach to Health and Safety and appropriate working methods at all times, and ensuring Eton College’s and Eton Theatre’s Health and Safety policy and all relevant Health and Safety legislation is applied;
• Maintaining tidiness, cleanliness, and good housekeeping throughout the theatre with particular responsibility for the workshop;
• Maintaining sets, props, and equipment;
• Deputising in the absence of the Head of Production when required;
• Attending training courses, trade shows, etc, as necessary to stay abreast of developments in the whole field of theatre production;
• Offering support to the technical running of theatre whether in sound, lighting or stage;
• Acting as Duty Technician for production evenings when required;
• Assisting or leading on the specification of new equipment across venues;
• Liaising with the buildings and maintenance department regarding the upkeep of the theatre and all related equipment;
• Supporting the Head of Theatre Studies in a non-teaching capacity in the delivery of the academic programme;
• Meeting the technical, production and crewing requirements for all the non-theatrical use of the building (e.g. assemblies, lectures, religious services and film showings);
• Where necessary engaging and supervising freelance specialists and technical crew;

In relation to safeguarding:

• Where required, undertake regulated activity, such as unsupervised contact with children, ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed and providing safe and effective care at all times;
• Good understanding and effective implementation of Child Protection procedures;
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity & inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students, including by not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

As a member of the Eton Drama team:

• Attend daily check ins and weekly meetings with the theatre team and harness a creative environment that is supportive and collegiate;
• Ensure a warm welcome to all collaborators and users of the theatre;
• Support the smooth running of all projects by sharing information with all colleagues, so that all staff involved have all the information they need to perform their duties effectively;
• Help student teams focus on specific tasks, help coordinate effort and motivation of all team members, clarifying requirements as and when required;
• Undertake any other reasonable task as requested by the Director of Drama/Head of Production to ensure the effective running of the theatre.

Please see job description for full details on working pattern.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

• A good knowledge of carpentry;
• Relevant experience in a theatre of educational environment is desirable;
• Experience in the lighting or sound departments of a theatre would be beneficial;
• Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures;
• Good IT skills including use of emails, Word and Microsoft Excel.

In addition to your experience, you may enjoy this role if you possess:

• Excellent verbal communication skills and presentation skills;
• Good written communication skills;
• Strong planning and organisational skills;
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines;
• Creativity and resourcefulness in problem solving;
• The ability to work alongside and motivate students;
• The ability to change ideas into a three –dimensional design;
• A commitment to continued professional development;
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team;
• An imaginative, enthusiastic and adaptable approach with high levels of efficiency.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College