We are looking for a Senior Lighting Technician - Grade 3B (Programming Bias) to join the National Theatre's Lighting team on a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.
The emphasis of this role is towards programming lighting consoles and taking a supporting role in all aspects of lighting control platforms in the theatres. This involves close liaison with the Lighting Control Manager, Lighting Operations Manager and other Lighting Programmers within the department, providing regular updates and reporting issues relating to programming and assisting with delivering and developing informal workplace training.
When not engaged in aspects of programming, Senior Lighting Technicians are expected to take a leading role in other projects as defined by the Lighting Control Manager and to instigate projects as required. At all other times, they are expected to take part in all other tasks of the department and support the Lighting Operations Manager, Supervisors and Lighting Control Manager.
These include: rigging, focussing, maintaining lighting rigs and operating lighting control systems on National Theatre productions. The work may be carried out on any of the National Theatre’s stages, relevant working areas and at designated outside venues on tour.
Senior Lighting Technicians are expected to work under minimum supervision and to supervise other Lighting Technicians; to initiate, plan and take responsibility for projects and activities within the theatres, delivering informal training and passing on skills in the process.
The successful candidates will have the following:
- Extensive experience in professional theatre, ideally in a producing house or equivalent with extensive experience in lighting control. Experience in a repertoire environment would be beneficial
- A proven ability to operate and programme ETC Eos and/or Apex consoles to an advanced standard with automated fixtures and LED fixtures
- Excellent communication skills and experience of working with Lighting Designers on large scale productions. A sympathetic approach to creative concepts and the ability to realise the requirements of Lighting Designers, Designers and Directors.
- Experience of using various lighting visualisation packages and working with ETC Augment3d
- Experience of using Vectorworks, Moving Light Assistant and Lightwright in order to create/update lighting plans and focus plot documentation
If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from 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 23rd February 2026 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.