Rigging Technician - Manchester, United Kingdom - Factory International

Description

Closing date - 13 June 2024
Salary - £28,840 per annum

Please feel free to contact us at if you require any support in completing your application

Rigging Technician Job Pack - download here
Rigging Technician application questions (downloadable version)

Factory International has large, flexible performance spaces that can be configured in a number of ways including a 64m long, 33m wide Warehouse space or a 1600 seat Hall with a 22m wide, 11m high proscenium arch leading to a 33m deep stage, and everything in between. Our artists stretch the ambition further, reaching into every part of the building and the surrounding grounds. Our expert technical teams deliver the physical elements of all shows, artworks and events, working closely with the Programming and Producing teams to realise innovative ideas and making sure they are created in a safe, sustainable and exciting way.

We are looking for expertise from all artforms; live music, visual and performing arts, theatre, corporate events and beyond. The Rigging Technicians will support the Heads of Department and other Factory International teams to ensure that all of our spaces, events and shows are delivered to an exceptional standard and accessible to everyone.

We're looking for people who are good communicators, enthusiastic, and who want to be part of something new and unique. Factory International is a place to be proud of your background, your experience and your expertise, while also providing the opportunity to learn and develop new skills.

The key responsibilities for the Rigging Technician role include;

• Support the department heads in the operation and deployment of all aspects of Factory International's technical equipment with particular emphasis on rigging and automation equipment
• Leading on venue format changeovers to include stage builds & de-rigs, seating block deployment, movement of the venue Multiwall partitions, venue masking and mojo barrier deployment. To act as signaller and truck lift operator for incoming vehicles. To act as Technical Stage Manager on events as required. To assist the stage team as required and as appropriate
• Become familiar with the venue's technical equipment, infrastructure and processes including staging and rigging, truck lifts, equipment movement solutions and technical stage management. Preparation of stage and seating equipment and venue spaces in readiness for event load-ins. De-prepping equipment as required and ensuring items are stored safely and securely. Reporting faults or issues in a timely manner to department heads or technical manager and carrying out first line fault finding and maintenance when appropriate
• To participate in the organisation and supervision of the get ins, rehearsals, show runs, and get outs. Helping to plan appropriate staffing levels and apportioning equipment for the department, and ensuring that this is carried out in accordance with current Health & Safety legislation and Environmental Good Practice
• Liaise with department heads, production managers, stage management, show crew and other technical teams to help assess the feasibility and cost implications of set and stage designs and deployment in relation to productions and events
• Co-ordinating and working with discipline specific team members and freelance staff in the delivery of stage equipment during the delivery of concerts, artworks, shows and events within the building. Assisting in the rigging and operation of equipment in the various venue spaces and to programme and operate automation as necessary. Where required, assist in stage design for in-house productions and events
• Attend production meetings, rehearsals and technical rehearsals as required. Liaise with visiting technical departments, ensuring their requirements are met and they are compliant with Factory policies. Working with team members to identify, develop and promote production related income streams and to maximise return on the commercial contract
• Working on a rota system which will require some evening, overnight and weekend working. Lead shifts when required in the absence of a Technical Duty Manager. Provide advice to all other users of the venue with regard to the safe and proper us of stage equipment. Deliver all aspects of the venue's stage services to the highest standard
• In conjunction with other technical team members, plan and deliver an effective programme of maintenance (inc. Planned Preventative Maintenance), housekeeping, stock control and testing for all appliances and lighting related equipment in the building

The person specification for the Rigging Technician role are;

ESSENTIAL

• A proactive, flexible and collaborative approach to working
• Practical knowledge and experience of technical rigging operations in one or more art form (live music, theatre, performance art, etc), preferably in a producing environment
• Ability to manage and communicate with staff effectively at all levels
• Experience of theatre and event set, stage and seating deployment and techniques
• Knowledge of safe rigging practices and ability to assist with ground rigging
• Familiarity with various industry terminology, techniques and procedures
• Experience of supervising casual and agency staff with demonstrable supervisory skills
• Knowledge of technical drawing programs including AutoCAD and Vectorworks. Ability to interpret information from schematics, ground plans, tech specifications and schedule
• Ability to work well under pressure and to prioritise competing workload demands
• Experience of receiving or delivering large scale national and international touring productions
• Comfortable working at height
• Knowledge of the principles relating to the safe deployment and use of electricity, and an ability to apply this knowledge in practical situations typically required in an entertainment environment
• Experience of Health & Safety practice and procedures including Risk Assessments

DESIRABLE

• Demonstrable experience of technical stage management
• Experience working with Steeldeck and HOAC staging systems
• Relevant training & certification incl IPAF, PASMA training, Emergency first aid at work training or similar, CSCS certification, 3-Day Rigging for the Entertainment Industry course or similar
• A practical knowledge of LOLER, PUWER and other relevant Health and Safety regulations working within a large receiving venue
• Experience of Co-production/collaboration with a variety of partners and stakeholders
• Knowledge of CAD, MS Office, Artifax Event or similar resource management system.
• Awareness of current trends in venue technology
• Experience of touring
• Appropriate qualification in technical theatre from an accredited college, university, ABTT or industry relevant training courses
• Understanding of ABTT Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment