Theatre Assistant jobs

Role Purpose:

To expertly wrap, stretch, and cover scenic flats and structures with appropriate materials, providing a flawless surface foundation for live event scenery. This role is critical in maintaining the high-quality visual standards and rapid turnaround times essential to live entertainment environments.

Please note this is an in person, fixed-term opportunity until approximately the end of November.

Key Responsibilities

• Selecting and preparing fabrics (canvas, muslin, vinyl, etc.) based on design specifications.
• Utilising traditional and modern techniques (gluing, stapling, shrinking) to achieve seamless, drum-tight finishes on scenic flats.
• Collaborating with the scenic carpentry and warehouse teams to ensure seamless production workflow.
• Maintaining tools, adhesive inventory, and a safe, clean workshop environment.
• Keeping the covering station clean, organised, and free of tripping hazards, dust buildup, and combustible materials.
• Safely handle, store, and dispose of industrial adhesives, fire-retardant treatments, and solvents in strict accordance with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and OSHA/HSE regulations.
• Consistently and correctly use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators, eye protection, and gloves.
• Safely operate workshop tools (pneumatic staple guns, hot glue systems, fabric cutters) and report any faulty equipment immediately.
• Utilise the company’s inventory management software to log material usage (fabrics, adhesives, hardware), check stock levels, and scan items in/out.
• Accurately measure and calculate fabric cuts to minimise waste, logging any scrap material or offcuts according to workshop policy.
• Assist in regular digital stock-takes and alert the Scenic Operations manager when core supplies are running low.

Warehouse & Logistics Support

• Truck Loading & Unloading: Assist the warehouse team in safely loading completed scenic elements (and other items) onto trucks and unloading incoming materials or returned assets.
• Event Prepping: Help prep, pack, and secure scenic elements, hardware, and equipment into flight cases or onto pallets, ensuring everything is road-ready and protected from damage.
• General Warehouse Assistance: Support the wider team with general warehouse duties during peak times or when fabrication demands are lower.

Experience & Training (The Right Fit)

• Previous Experience: Prior experience in scenic construction, upholstery, sailmaking, textile stretching, or event fabrication is highly desirable.
• Training Provided: For candidates who lack direct experience but demonstrate the right attitude, traits, mindset, a strong work ethic, and a practical approach, full training on scenic covering techniques and inventory software will be provided.

Desirable Skills

• Fabric Handling & Manipulation: Ability to stretch, tuck, and apply canvas, muslin, and other textiles to frames smoothly and tightly without warping the structure.
• Tool Proficiency: Confident and safe use of workshop tools, particularly pneumatic staple guns, heavy-duty cutters, and adhesive applicators.
• Basic Tech Literacy: Ability to learn and navigate inventory management software to track stock and log materials.
• Measurement: Some basic maths skills for accurately measuring fabric lengths, calculating yields, and minimising material waste.
• Health & Safety Awareness: Understanding of safe workshop practices, including the correct handling of industrial adhesives and proper use of PPE.

Qualities Required (Traits & Mindset)

• Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for spotting wrinkles, sagging fabric, or loose edges to ensure a flawless final product.
• Stamina & Dexterity: Physically fit and capable of repetitive hands-on work, bending, lifting, and working on their feet for long periods.
• Pace & Efficiency: Ability to work quickly and maintain focus under pressure to meet tight live-event production deadlines.
• Adaptable & Resourceful: Able to problem-solve on the fly when working with unusual scenic shapes or unexpected material changes.
• Collaborative Spirit: A team player who works seamlessly alongside scenic carpenters and other team members

Benefits

• 31 Days annual leave, including bank holidays
• Annual leave increases by two days after two years' service
• BUPA private healthcare on an opt-in basis after successful conclusion of probation period
• Access to company Perkbox on an opt-in basis after successful conclusion of probation period
• Bi-annual company social events

Pay: £26,437.00-£28,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person