TECHNICAL MANAGER (PART TIME)

 

Location: 53two, Arch 19, Watson St, Manchester. M3 4LP

 

Hours: Minimum 15 hours per week (variable, including evenings and weekends) – Additional hours required on show days                   (typically 2+ hours per show)

 

Hourly Rate: £15/hour (General duties, maintenance, planning)

                       £25/hour (performance/show operation hours)

                       Typically supporting 2-4 shows a week in a 150 capacity venue.

 

Contract: Variable hours, subject to a 2-month probation period.

 

Reports to: Creative Director

 

Role Overview:

We are looking for a proactive and hands-on Technical Manager to play a key role in the day-to-day running of 53two’s technical operations. This is an opportunity to shape and support a vibrant programme of performances in a unique fringe venue.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Creative Director to coordinate technical provision across all performances and hires, either delivering this themselves or arranging appropriate cover technicians.

 

Typically supporting 2-4 shows a week in a 150 capacity venue.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Technical Operations & Show Support

- Ensure all incoming shows and hires are provided with appropriate technical support.
- Act as lead technician for performances where required, including lighting design and operation.
- Coordinate and schedule freelance/cover technicians to ensure full show coverage.
- Develop and maintain a reliable bank of technicians.

 

Venue & Equipment Management

- Maintain the technical areas of the theatre to a high standard of organisation and cleanliness.
- Ensure the theatre remains a professional, welcoming, and functional space for incoming companies.
- Identify, repair, or arrange repair of faulty or damaged equipment.
- Oversee the safe and effective working condition of all technical systems.
- Proactively research and recommend technical upgrades within an agreed budget.

 

Health & Safety

- Maintain and update all relevant health and safety documentation.
- Ensure safe working practices are followed at all times within the theatre.
- Take responsibility for the safety and compliance of technical operations and spaces.

 

Collaboration & Communication

- Work closely with the Creative Director to plan and deliver technical support for all programming.
- Liaise with visiting companies, bookers, and creatives in a professional, friendly, and courteous manner.
- Support the development of the theatre’s technical capabilities in line with organisational goals.

 

Person Specification:

 

Essential

- Demonstrable experience in technical theatre (professional or semi-professional)

- Experience in lighting operation and/or design.
- Familiarity with Allen & Heath QU-16 mixing desk and ETC EOS Nomad lighting control system.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Reliable, approachable, and able to communicate effectively with a range of people.

- Ability to work independently and take ownership of the technical function

 

Desirable

- Experience managing or coordinating technicians.
- Knowledge of health and safety practices in a theatre environment.
- Experience working in a small-scale or fringe venue.

 

Why Join 53two?

- Be part of a dynamic, artist-led fringe theatre in central Manchester

- Work on a wide variety of productions and visiting companies

- Opportunity to shape and improve the venue’s technical offering

- Flexible working structure within a supportive team

 

Additional Information:

This is a part-time role with a minimum of 15 hours per week; additional hours will be required depending on the programme schedule.
Evening and weekend availability will be required.
Some on-the-job training will be provided.

 

Application Deadline

 

17.00 on Friday 17th April 2026

 

To apply, please send a CV and short covering statement, outlining your relevant experience, to simon@fiftythreetwo.com with the subject line Technical Manager Application.

 

53two is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are dedicated to creating a working environment free from discrimination where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

 

All applicants will be contacted with an outcome once decisions have been made.