Performing Arts and AV Technician

Summary

St Helen's School is looking to appoint a proactive, friendly and energetic Performing Arts and AV Technician to provide high quality technicial expertise and practical knowledge to lead 'hands on' support to mee the needs of the School's Performance spaces, as well as supportive key events through the School calendar.

Detail

THE POST

REPORTING

This role will report to the Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Outreach and Compliance.

MAIN OBJECTIVE:

To provide high quality technical support to meet the needs of the School’s Performance spaces. This will include responsibility for all technical areas such as the School of Music, the Drama spaces, the RBH (main school hall) and the recording studio.

The position requires a good knowledge of stage lighting and sound, video recording and editing, music technology, audio visual equipment and other technical resources, and the willingness to work closely with the teaching staff and students, to provide technical support for school performances and examinations. There will be additional hours required outside of school hours to support school productions and events (for example, the Joint Musical/Senior Play with Merchant Taylors’ School, Year 6 Play, Middle School Play etc).

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities linked to this post are wide ranging and the list of main duties below is by no means exhaustive, and it may be necessary to perform other such duties commensurate with the post as may from time to time arise or be determined. These duties will be agreed, in advance, with the Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Outreach and Compliance.

AV RESPONSIBILITIES

 Taking responsibility for designing and operating lighting, sound, audio visual, set and props.

 Responsibility for the careful storage and maintenance of all AV equipment.

 Supporting sound, AV and lighting for all school performances and classwork.

 Assisting with the recording (video/audio) of performances and subsequent editing and copying.

 Set up and operation of musical instruments, microphones and all sound and lighting equipment required for concerts in and out of school.

 General maintenance work within the relevant departments, including minor repairs, and planning for repairs and servicing of all equipment.

 To be fully conversant with the equipment and have knowledge and application of up-to-date sound and lighting software.

 To be responsible for day-to-day organisation of workload.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

 Line Manage and mentor the Performing Arts and AV Apprentice.

 Care and maintenance of all drama and music equipment (e.g. lanterns, lighting board, computers etc.) including setting up and maintaining an inventory.

 Advising on the purchase of equipment.

 To assist and support staff in the use of performing arts equipment including computer-based software for teaching purposes.

 To maintain the IT equipment within the Music Tech Room and Recording Studio.

 To regularly ensure drum kits, guitars and amps are functional and tuned in all band practice rooms.

 To set up microphones as required for regular music rehearsals.

 To lead the development of pupil technician teams for any in house production work (such as drama, dance and House activities).

 To assist with/encourage/lead set design and construction where required.

 To support the maintenance of the performance spaces.

STUDENT SUPPORT

 Providing practical support for students using specialist equipment.

 Supporting students in the recording/delivery of coursework and examination work.

 Recording and collating GCSE and A Level Music performance and composition coursework.

 Assisting with the running of courses for students on the technical aspects of theatre and other performances.

 To assist and support students in the use of performing arts equipment including computer-based software as part of the curriculum.

 To assist and support performing arts activities on tour and on trips such as to the theatre.

 To offer students across the school an opportunity to use the technical equipment within the curriculum (for example students may opt for lighting/sound/set design instead of doing acting assessments as GCSE and A level).

 To be actively involved in the training of student technical teams across the year groups.

 To oversee student technicians in peer-led learning.

HEALTH & SAFETY

 Annual PAT testing of all CPA equipment.

 Weekly check to ensure all departmental IT equipment is functioning.

 To report any malfunction of equipment or software upon discovery to the Director of Drama or Director of Music, as appropriate.

 To attend training courses (e.g. National Rigging Certificate (NRC) Level 2) on the use of equipment and systems as agreed with the Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Outreach and Compliance.

 To be fully conversant with health and safety protocols and ensure they are always adhered to.

 To report any concerns about health and safety to the Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Outreach and Compliance and/or Business Operations Director. .

 Keeping up to date with health and safety issues/developments regarding the technical side of the theatre and implementing it with students and staff.

 To compile risk assessments for any performances.

OTHER DUTIES

 Helping with and being aware of Performing Art developments and opportunities.

 In the case of emergency to act as supervisor within the Drama and Music departments.

 Liaising with IT systems staff to support delivery of IT.

GENERAL DUTIES

 Other appropriate tasks to support the provision of an effective and efficient service to the school, as directed by the Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Outreach and Compliance and working closely with the Director of Drama and Director of Music.

 Follow responsibilities as defined in the Health & Safety Policy

 To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people with whom s/he comes into contact and adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy.

 Support and promote the school’s ethos, aims and objectives.

 Support and promote the school’s ethos, strategic plans and objectives

 Any other duties that may from time to time be required by the Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Outreach and Compliance, Business Operations Director, Head or Board of Governors.

HOURS

Core hours are 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. This role is required to work term time, plus 8 weeks during school holiday periods, where essential maintenance tasks will be completed with other tasks as agreed with the Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Outreach and Compliance. Occasional weekend and evening production support is also a requirement.

SALARY

A pro rata salary of £29,775.92 per annum (full-time equivalent of £32,130) per annum – full time equivalent, dependent on qualifications and experience.

THE PERSON

Essential

• National Rigging Certificate (NRC) Level 2 - (Candidates who are yet to complete this qualification will be required to complete the necessary training prior to start date, with the cost of the training covered by the School.
• Able to climb rigging, with a head for heights!
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working in a similar technical environment.
• Good knowledge of presentation setup, MS Powerpoint presentation, PC set-up, and specific theatre industry design programmes.
• Experience of recording audio/ video.
• Knowledge/ certifications in Health and Safety legislation relevant to the role.
• Stage management/ production management experience, speicfically lighting and sound design and operations experience.
• Good systems skills for sound, lighting and video.
• Good ICT Skills including MS Office and MS 365.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to work with a high level of initiative.
• Able to work independently and part of a team.
• A good eye for detail
• Flexible, resilient and well organised.
• Creative, approachable and collaborative.
• Available evenings and weekends for production and support as required.
• Enthusiastic about working

Desirable

• NRC Level 3.
• Experience of working in a similar role within an educational setting.
• Experience of providing IT support.
• Experience of working directly with young people.
• Video editing experience.

BENEFITS

Competitive pay and pension contribution scheme

50% fee remission for staff children subject to spaces and entry examinations (pro rata for part time staff)

A strong culture of professional development

Access to the School’s swimming pool and fitness suite (specified times)

Free on-site parking and excellent public transport links

Free lunch and refreshments (term time only)

Generous occupational sick pay

Cycle2Work scheme

Electric Vehicle Charging facilities onsite (discounted monthly membership)

Discounted Staff Coach Travel

A beautiful working environment – the school is set in a conservation site of 21 acres.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Closing date: 8am on Friday 21 November 2025

Please apply as soon as possible as shortlisting/interviews will progress up until the closing date. Should a suitable candidate be appointed, we reserve the right to close the advert early.

Due to the volume of applicants, we receive, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume we will not be progressing your application further on this occasion.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the school where they will be interviewed

by the Deputy Head Co-Curricular, Outreach and Compliance and other members of the team. There will also be the opportunity to have a tour of the school.

St Helen’s school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as detailed in Part 3 (Safer Recruitment) of the KCSIE 2025 guidance document. Applicants will be asked for proof of right to work in the UK and undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the disclosure and barring service.

If you have any queries about this position, please contact the school at recruitment@sthelens.london

Documents

• Performing Arts Technician - 2025 (1) PDF Document