Theatre Design Consultant - AV

Charcoalblue LLP; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading theatre consultancy in the UK seeks a Theatre Consultant specializing in Technical Systems Design with an AV focus. Ideal candidates will have at least four years in live performance venues and two years in technical systems design, proficient in CAD tools. Responsibilities include supporting project documentation, working collaboratively with internal teams, and client interaction. This role offers a salary range of £35,000–£50,000 per annum, with hybrid working options and various benefits.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme

Event tickets allocation

Contribution to home utilities

Qualifications

• Minimum four years of experience working in live performance venues.
• Minimum two years of experience as a technical systems designer.
• Experience in computer drafting; proficiency in CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Support production of drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Deliver high-quality work and comply with relevant guidelines.
• Meet clients to evaluate their needs for design solutions.

Skills

AV systems expertise

Team leadership

CAD proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Higher education qualification in relevant field

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Location

Bristol, BST BS1 4EQ GB
London, LND SE1 8LJ GB (Primary)

Category

AV, Design, Theatre Consulting

Job Type

Full-time, Permanent

Job Description

Welcome
We are seeking a Theatre Consultant in Technical Systems Design with an AV focus to join our talented team. To apply please complete the online application form and submit a short CV (1–2 pages max.) and a cover letter addressing the prompts below:

• Why do you consider yourself to be a suitable person for the post and what you would like from the job?
• Which of your previous experience would you highlight as being particularly relevant? Please highlight any stage lighting, audiovisual and infrastructure design for performance buildings and event spaces.
• Describe any experience of designing, specifying and commissioning stage lighting or audiovisual infrastructure or performance systems.
• Describe your experience and competency using CAD drawing tools for designing stage lighting or audiovisual systems.
• Please highlight the elements of the role requirement where you feel you have the least experience.
• Please highlight any experience you have leading teams.
• What are your salary expectations in line with experience?

We look forward to receiving your application. We will only accept applications via our online system. Interviews will either be held in person at our London Studio or remotely (via Microsoft Teams) – time, date and location will be confirmed for shortlisted candidates.

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 (ideally London). You will be responsible for all aspects of design, documentation 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive and may be subject to alteration over time.

Qualifications and Key Skills

We are open to receiving applications from candidates with a varied range of experience and education. If you meet most of the qualifications below, we encourage you to apply.
Essential

• Minimum four years of experience working in live performance venues.
• Minimum two years of experience working as a technical systems designer.
• Experience in computer drafting of some form; proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD or REVIT is required.
• Professional experience with the standard suite of Microsoft Office and G‑Suite 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 and formal presentations.
• Ability to self‑manage and set work plans for the successful delivery of work against deadlines with minimal input from management.
• Expert level knowledge of audiovisual equipment and a high level of knowledge of stage lighting equipment infrastructure and networking technology, and systems integration. Good knowledge of broadcast/streaming/lecture room technology is desirable.
• Completed a higher education qualification or attended a Technical Theatre course at a drama school, college or university.
• Completed industry‑relevant training (e.g. AVIXA).
• Served as primary stage lighting or audiovisual systems designer for completed projects in the design, documentation, construction and commissioning phases, either as a consultant or client.
• Practical knowledge of stage lighting and/or audiovisual theory and design, with a solid understanding of networks and required relevant infrastructure.
• Practical knowledge of Theatre Health & Safety practice and it would be advantageous to have some knowledge of current relevant Health & Safety and electrical regulations.
• Skill and sensitivity to graphic design and layout, graphical display of information, adhering to design standards and incorporating corporate branding.
• Knowledge and experience of the operation and/or construction of theatre and/or live performance buildings.
• Experience demonstrating the creation of contract documentation for stage lighting or audiovisual systems on new construction or architectural renovation projects in the UK and/or EMEA.
• Experience working with a distributed global team across different time zones.
• Experience and interest in live performance, broadcast and/or events.
• Experience of temporary or permanent architectural lighting schemes.
• Experience of temporary or permanent audiovisual immersive environment installations.

Interpersonal Skills

• Highly organised, excellent time management and reliable.
• Attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work calmly under pressure.
• Friendly and professional manner.
• Ability to work successfully on own initiative and as part of a local and global team.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing business needs.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a diverse workload, sometimes in a pressured environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and maintain perspective and a sense of humour.
• Ability to manage simple budgets and basic finance related tasks, as required.

The salary range for this role is £35,000–£50,000 per annum for a 40‑hour week. Please state your salary expectations in your covering letter in line with your experience.

Benefits

• Charcoalblue’s annual bonus scheme, subject to the partnership’s performance year on year.
• An allocation of live event tickets per month to encourage immersion in the live events industry.
• Contribution to home internet and home utilities to enable effective remote work.
• Upon successful completion of your second year, eligibility to join the Private Health Insurance plan.
• Additional benefits accrue with progression.

Other benefits are accumulative as you progress with the company.

Hybrid Working

The role is being offered at 40 hours per week (flexibly between Monday‑Friday), with an unpaid lunch hour per day. Flexible working hours will apply to meet client needs and global time zones. The role is hybrid: you will work from home with a minimum of two days attendance at one of our UK studios (London or Bristol). You must be based in the UK and willing to travel to the studios and external meetings as required.

Probation and Leave

There is a three‑month probationary period for permanent roles. Take‑What‑You‑Need (TWYN) leave policy provides unlimited days with a minimum of 20 days per annum (plus statutory holidays). Charcoalblue traditionally closes studios between Christmas and New Year’s Day, offering an additional 4–5 discretionary paid vacation days each year.

Company Overview

Charcoalblue is widely regarded as the most exciting and innovative theatre, acoustics, and experience consultancy in the world. We specialise in the performing arts, live entertainment, media, technology, education, experiential, hospitality, workplace and cultural sectors. Guided by listening, collaboration and a passion for innovation, we create extraordinary moments. Since 2004, we have delivered projects globally from studios in London, Bristol, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Melbourne.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to becoming an increasingly inclusive organisation. We continuously work to eliminate unfair and discriminatory practices and encourage full and equal contributions from our diverse community. Our mission is to foster an inclusive ethos by creating a welcoming work environment across our global practice. We provide recruitment opportunities open to all and encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds.

Contact

If you require this application in a different format or need support during the application process, please contact Jake Katz via email at [e-mail] or telephone at [phone]. If you have any questions about accessibility or how the role may accommodate your personal circumstances, please reach out. Charcoalblue strives to provide an environment free from discrimination and is committed to ensuring clients and customers can access the services and products we offer across our three regions. All individuals – employees and clients alike – are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.