Deputy Head of Stage

Department/Team

Technical

Head of Stage

Permanent - Full-Time

The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

192 hours over 4 week periods, Monday – Sunday, in accordance with a rota. Hours will include day, evening and overnight work.

£54,351.97 (BECTU rate, with additional 8 hours overtime/week buy out) plus additional payments for Sundays and overnight work.

• Hybrid working for eligible teams and a company culture that promotes good work/life balance
• Enhanced annual leave, starting at 25 days per year, increasing by one day per year up to 30 days (plus bank holidays). Opportunity to switch statutory bank holidays to mark a religious event or festival
• Complimentary tickets for you and a guest to Old Vic preview productions
• Discretionary invite to Press Night performances and parties
• Free therapy from our therapy partner Self Space
• Mental health support via our in-house Mental Health Champions
• Salary sacrifice scheme with The People’s Pension and enhanced employer pension contributions
• Death in service benefit
• Festive day – one discretionary additional paid day off around the festive period for a collective pause
• Time to volunteer – one day per year to support a charity or project of your choosing
• Commitment to learning, education and development
• Enhanced sick pay
• Access to interest free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after your probation period
• Family friendly policies and enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental pay
• All staff social events
• Staff discount in Backstage and The Old Vic bars as well as discounts in local bars and restaurants
• Opportunities to get involved with staff clubs and working groups such as the Inclusion Working Group
• Buddy schemes including New Starter and Parental buddies to support your induction and return to work after parental leave

The Deputy Head of Stage plays a central leadership role within The Old Vic’s Stage department, supporting the delivery of five to six world‑class productions each year alongside a dynamic and industry‑leading Additional Programming schedule. Working closely with the Head of Stage, you will help lead a highly skilled technical team to deliver productions safely, efficiently and to the highest artistic standards.

This is a hands‑on position requiring practical expertise, calm leadership, and a collaborative approach across creative and operational departments. You will deputise for the Head of Stage as required and take an active role in all aspects of production delivery, from rehearsal support and fit‑ups to technical rehearsals, show running, maintenance and get‑outs. Beyond productions, the Stage department contributes to building maintenance, capital projects, statutory compliance, and supports the Theatre’s Education and Community work.

The Deputy Head of Stage plays an important part in coordinating and delivering this broader technical remit.

The Deputy Head of Stage is part of the Stage department, reporting to the Head of Stage alongside the Stage charge hand. The Stage department forms part of the wider in‑house Technical team, which includes Lighting, Sound and Wardrobe, and sits under the Technical Services Director. The role works in close collaboration with the Production Director, Head of Estates & Services and Theatre Management to support the successful delivery of productions and wider operational activity.

• Support the smooth running of the Stage department, ensuring exceptional technical support for all productions and creatives.
• Lead and supervise crews during fit‑ups, technical rehearsals, performances and get‑outs.
• Lead show crews and undertake show cues.
• Support pre‑production processes both on and off‑site.
• Construct scenic elements, props and rehearsal items where required.
• Maintain scenery, props, furniture and technical elements to a consistently high standard.
• Maintain technical areas, stage infrastructure, tools, rigging equipment, and specialist hired equipment (such as automation systems).
• Support external hires and events within the stage and auditorium.

• Deputise…