Theatre Consultant, Technical Systems Design - AV (London, Hybrid)

Theatre Consultant - Technical Systems Design - AV Overview Charcoalblue is seeking a Theatre Consultant in Technical Systems Design with an AV focus to join our 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 and expect to interview in late August 2025. 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.

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. We imagine, design, and deliver captivating spaces that entertain, educate, and transform individuals through collective experiences. Guided by listening, collaboration, and a passion for innovation, excellence, emotion, and theatricality, we strive to create extraordinary moments.

Since our inception in the UK in 2004, Charcoalblue is now the largest organization of its kind, delivering projects to every corner of the globe. We operate as a cohesive and collaborative team with studios in London and Bristol in the UK, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco in the US, and Melbourne in Australia.

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, 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.

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 Essential

• Minimum four years of experience of 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 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, 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 of detailed knowledge about audiovisual and high level of knowledge about stage lighting equipment infrastructure and networking technology, and systems integration A good level of knowledge for broadcast/streaming/lecture room technology.
• You may have completed a higher education qualification or have attended a Technical Theatre course at a Drama School, College or University.
• You may have completed industry relevant training (AVIXA etc)
• 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 stagelighting 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 skills, and reliable.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Able to work calmly under pressure.
• Friendly and professional manner.
• Ability to work successfully on own initiative, as well as part of a local and global team.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing business needs.
• Ability to manage and prioritize a diverse workload, sometimes in a pressured environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines, as well as maintain both perspective and a sense of humour.
• Ability to manage simple budgets and basic finance related tasks, as required.

The role is being offered at 40 hours per week (to be arranged flexibly between Monday-Friday), including a comprehensive benefits package, plus an hour per day (unpaid) for lunch . click apply for full job details