Head of Stage & Flys

ABOUT SADLER’S WELLS EAST

Sadler’s Wells is a world-leading creative organisation, dedicated to presenting, producing and touring dance made today in all its forms. Sadler’s Wells commissions, presents and produces more dance than any other theatre in the world – from tango to hip hop, ballet to flamenco, Bollywood to cutting-edge contemporary dance.

With an innovative, year-round programme of performances and learning activities, this is the place where artists come together to create dance, and where we welcome everyone to experience dance and be inspired.

Our aim is to reflect and respond to the world through dance: enabling artists of all backgrounds to create dance that moves us and opens our minds; sharing those experiences with the widest possible audiences to enrich their lives and deepen their understanding of what it means to be human.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The principal responsibility of the Head of Stage & Flys, is the preparation and running of productions, ensuring that technical requirements and teams are operating in a safe and professional manner across the theatre space, studios, and its additional spaces.

Sadler’s Wells East has new state of the art equipment with a brand new automated flying system. It will be the responsibility of this role to operate and maintain the venues Stage and Flying equipment to the highest standards with safe operating procedures as a priority.

The role is responsible for supervising Stage & Flys teams and may be required to deputise for the Technical Manager.

You will have the following skills and experience:

• Experience of working with large-scale opera, dance or ballet.
• Experience of collaborating successfully with touring companies and venues through regular work.
• Thorough knowledge of automation systems, control platforms including programming of these.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

Technical

• Advancing technical information, including ground plans, hanging plots and the scheduling of the Stage & Flys teams for all shows, events, and productions.
• Thorough and existing understanding of automated Theatre Flying Systems, Stage Automation, Rigging and Stage Systems.
• Leading the running of fit-ups, get-outs, and shows across Stage and in the Flys department. Supervising the show crew in their duties.
• Leading a positive and proactive approach to the shows and to visiting company requirements and requests.
• Training & Development; encouraging a culture of excellence across the Stage & Flys Department.
• Assist the Technical Manager with pre-production and maintenance tasks as required across the venue and studios.
• Always maintain a high standard of production values and professional etiquette.
• Prepare, programme, and undertake show flying cues, conveying clear and concise notes and handovers to team members.
• Promote, maintain, and improve a positive approach to Health & Safety and safe working methods.
• Lead the operation, maintenance and asset management of the flys and stage systems, proactively suggesting improvements and more efficient ways of working.
• The position will also be required to work collaboratively with the technical teams at SWT, Peacock Theatre, Lilian Baylis Studio, as well as on tour if necessary.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience of working with large-scale opera, dance or ballet.
• Experience of collaborating successfully with touring companies and venues through regular work.
• Proficient in computer skills in order to train effectively and integrate with organisational systems.
• Demonstrable knowledge of health and safety issues and safe working practices.
• Knowledge, skills, and experience to ‘advanced’ level in automated stage systems.
• Knowledge, skills, and experience to ‘basic’ level in manual flying (or higher).
• Knowledge, skills, and experience to ‘high’ level in entertainment rigging.
• Thorough knowledge of automation systems, control platforms including programming of these.
• Ability to interpret artistic requirements confidently and sensitively.
• Experience of supervising and motivating staff and of team leadership.
• Ability to communicate effectively and politely with co-workers.
• Knowledge, skills and experience to ‘good’ level in stage carpentry and set building.
• Must currently hold the right to work in the United Kingdom.
• Experience in set construction techniques (desirable).
• Knowledge, skills, and experience to ‘advanced’ level in stage/carpentry (desirable).
• Proficient in AutoCAD or similar design software (desirable).
• Experience of working with Management in a cooperative manner (desirable).
• Budget management & strategic awareness (desirable).
• Vocational qualifications such as IPAF, NRAG, First Aid, etc (desirable).

Anticipated start date: October 2025

Interviews: Interviews will take place on 23rd Sept 2025

To view the full job description, please click here — > Sadler’s Wells East – Head of Stage & Flys – JD