Theatre Consultant - Audiovisual

Description of Role

We are seeking a Theatre Consultant – Technical Systems Designer with an AV focus to join our global Theatre Consultancy team in the UK. You will be responsible for all aspects of design, documenting, and commissioning Audiovisual and Stage Lighting systems on our projects, working as part of our project teams which can include team leads, theatre designers, stage equipment designers, experience designers and acousticians to deliver holistic, bespoke dedicated design solutions.

It would be advantageous for you to have prior experience with theatre and/or presentation technical systems and/or broadcast and media technology, either as a practitioner and/or systems designer and / or experience as a team leader or project manager.

You will report to one of our Associate Directors and your project assignments and workload will be managed by your line manager. You will have the chance to meet regularly with your line manager to ensure you are fully supported in your role and since theatre consultancy is a specialist field, we will provide role‑specific inductions, and ongoing training to help you succeed.

• Provide general support for projects; primarily assisting with the production of drawings, specifications and reports for specific projects, as well as assisting the more senior team members with research on new products, developing the principles of system design and the production of Charcoalblue’s design intent system information.
• Consistently deliver work to the highest standards, following our quality assurance processes and working to ensure full compliance with relevant legislation, guidance and good practice.
• Ensure all project demands are met while fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere that inspires confidence, motivates teams, and reflects our commitment to excellence in design and construction.
• Expand your knowledge of the theatre, technical presentation and construction industry through self‑led research and supported by our Training & Development programme.
• Meet with clients to evaluate their needs and work with our internal design team to present a holistic design solution, balancing all aspects of performance functionality and budget.
• Describe the functionality and purpose of audiovisual or stage lighting systems while adjusting communication styles for different audiences – for other creative designers, for experienced technicians, or engineers.
• Work with architectural and engineering teams to ensure that each of the design disciplines includes the required infrastructure, support, dependencies and accommodation for all elements of the stage lighting or audiovisual systems.
• Provide cost projections throughout a project for audiovisual or stage lighting systems integration. Working with manufacturers and distributors to sense check system designs and conduct early market testing.
• Conduct value engineering; adapt and revise designs to reduce cost while maintaining as much value and performance as possible, meanwhile being able to describe impacts on functionality.
• Participate in site visits for commissioning, witness testing, construction progress, and other purposes as required.
• This position will require occasional travel, including international/overseas travel.
• Work with our Team Leaders to set out project work plans, goals, and deliverables.
• Contribute to the continual development of our internal design and technical resources through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Minimum four (4) years of experience working in live performance venues.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working as a technical systems designer.
• Experience in computer drafting of some form; proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD or REVIT will be required.
• Professional experience with the standard suite of Microsoft Office and GSuite products.
• Professional experience with Adobe Acrobat and / or Bluebeam – we operate a paperless office and use the Adobe/Bluebeam PDF format for all documents.

• Excellent communication skills through verbal explanations, interpretation of data, sketch drawing, written communication, technical drawing,…