Head of Stage

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

At Derby Theatre, we are a charity and a National Portfolio organisation for Arts Council England, and we’re known for artistic excellence. We’re committed to education. And we believe that theatre can change your life.  

Previously Derby Playhouse, we have a long and important theatrical history. As Derby Theatre, we work in partnership with the University of Derby and are a home for higher education students. We produce new plays and projects, collaborate with artists and local people, and offer training for young people too, with opportunities for learners of all ages. It’s all about empowering people to tap into their potential and achieve.  

The Technical Department is part of the wider Production Department, led by the Technical Manager and comprises of the Head of Stage, Head of Lighting & AV, Head of Sound, and three multi-disciplinary Technicians. The department work on all Produced and Received shows, and on external hires and internal projects, including the theatre's large Youth Theatre and outreach events.

The department provides all aspects of technical theatre support, from set builds to show operation, fit-ups to get outs, workshops with school groups to assisting the university Theatre Arts students; if there's a technical part then we're part of it.

About the Role

The Head of Stage line-manages the Stage Department, overseeing the day-to-day duties of the team, ensuring their Health and Safety and welfare, and assessing any training and development needs.

Duties for Produced work will include managing the build of set and scenic elements in our workshop, and ensuring a full compliment of competent staff are called for shows. For Received work, duties will include liaising with incoming companies to ensure their production is fit for presentation in our venue, and running the Get In and Get Out in a safe and timely manner. All to the highest standards possible within the time and financial resources agreed and available.

The job involves both hands-on and office-based work, and regular evening and weekend work will be expected.

Salary - £28,520 To £31,689 per annum plus overtime and UKT/BECTU Get-Outs as applicable.

Potential interview dates - 24th/25th February

About You

You will have good experience in a lead Stage role in a professional theatre or entertainments venue, you will have solid knowledge and expertise of technical theatre, including producing shows.

You will have proven leadership skills, and have the ability to work with a wide range of people, personalities, and departments, sometimes under a great deal of time pressure.

You will be competent and confident in regards to industry Heath and Safety, accomplished and accurate in IT skills and record-keeping, and have an interest in supporting learners of all ages.

As this role involves working with young people, a full DBS check will be required.

Benefits

Please refer to the job description for Derby Theatre benefits. Please note benefits from University of Derby do not apply.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Mike Redley, Head of Production via [email protected]. 

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]. 

Important Information 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

The Theatre is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 12 Feb 2026

Area: Operational Support

Salary: £28,520 to £31,689 per annum