We are looking for a Deputy Head of Stage to join the National Theatre Stage Team.
Reporting directly to the Head of Stage, the Deputy Head of Stage is responsible for all operational Stage activity across the National Theatre’s venues, overseeing the scheduling of all Stage staff, and the hiring of additional labour as required, ensuring that projects are supervised efficiently and within agreed budgets and schedules.
The Deputy Head of Stage assists the Head of Stage in supervising all Stage staff and enabling the highest levels of skill and engagement to be maintained throughout the department. Key to the role is the responsibility for fostering an environment in which Directors and Designers can comfortably concentrate on producing their best work, backed by the highest professional standards of support, communication and technical excellence.
With the Head of Stage, and in consultation with the Rigging, Automation and other Technical and Production departments, the Deputy Head of Stage participates in strategic and forward planning, working towards modernising and standardising NT Stage infrastructure and working practices, addressing issues arising from external influences on stage design and practice, and helping to sustain the National Theatre as a centre of excellence for theatre practice throughout the industry.
The successful candidate will have the following:
- Considerable, proven experience at a supervisory or manager level in a repertory, producing and touring theatre.
- Experience of managing teams over multiple projects with an ability to give clear, concise instruction, whilst working well under pressure.
- Excellent communication, administrative, budgetary and organisational skills.
- Comprehensive knowledge of relevant Health and Safety legislation and a desire to monitor and improve upon working practices, Ideally an IOSH or NEBOSH certificate.
- Understand the pressures surrounding artistic endeavour and be able to respond to problems creatively, calmly and positively.
If that sounds like you, this may be the role for you!
Download the Job Description here.
Working with us will give you..
- Complimentary staff tickets for shows and guided tours, subject to availability and policy
- 25 days annual leave increasing up to 32 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
- Development Programmes via e-learning platform, and specialist in-person training relating to role
- Access to interest-free season ticket loan and cycle scheme partnership
- Enhanced sick pay
- Family Friendly policies including Family leave and Support leave
- Family-friendly employer – we are a member of Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts (PiPA)
- Pension schemes with Legal & General and NEST
- Sabbatical option, subject to agreement and policy
- On-site staff canteen and social facilities
- On-site occupational health support
- In-house mental health and wellbeing advisors providing workplace counselling and support
- Wellbeing programme of events, including mental health awareness, financial wellbeing, skills sharing and opportunities to get active
- Exclusive staff talks to hear more about NT productions, past and present, from leading practitioners
- Discounted access to National Theatre at Home
- Volunteer leave – one paid day per year to volunteer for your chosen charity
- Discounts in the NT’s bars, cafés, restaurants, and bookshop, as well as in local businesses (from Wagamama to gyms), on and around the South Bank
- Access to retailer discounted gift cards and a cash-back-on-spending card
Please note
The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Monday 1st December 2025 at 12 noon.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity. Should you need support or additional time to submit an application please contact recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk.
In line with our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), we recognise that we need to address underrepresentation in our organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals who are part of global majority, disabled and LGBTQ+ communities, and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
We strive to promote inclusive and equitable practices in all areas of the NT. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet our minimum requirements for our vacancies.
If you would like to speak to someone about any adjustments or have any questions about the recruitment process, you can email recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk or call us on 02074523834.