Technical Theatre Manager

Reading Blue Coat School

Reading

Expired

Salary:: Salary will be in the range of £38,000 to £42,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications
Job type:: Full Time, Permanent
Apply by:: 6 July 2026

Job overview

Full-time, All Year Round

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Technical Theatre Manager to play a central role in the development and delivery of Performing Arts at Reading Blue Coat. This post will be essential to the successful operation and day to day management of our new Performing Arts Centre, due to open in Spring 2027, and will help shape the technical and production standards of the School for years to come.

In this role you will strive for excellence across all aspects of technical theatre, venue management, and live performance, working closely with the Director of Performing Arts to support a vibrant and ambitious programme of productions, performances, and events.

This is a full-time role working 37.5 hours per week. Typically these will run 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday with a 30-minute unpaid meal break. However, regular flexibility to adjust working hours to support events outside of core working hours throughout the year will be required.

About You

The successful candidate will bring energy, organisation, and strong technical expertise across lighting, sound, staging, and production management. They will take responsibility for the effective management of the Performing Arts venues, ensuring that spaces are safe, well maintained, and fit for professional level performance and teaching. This will include overseeing get-ins and get-outs, scheduling venue usage, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Our School

Founded in 1646, Reading Blue Coat is a leading independent day school of circa 800 pupils from ages 11 to 18. The School is located on a beautiful 46-acre campus in the village of Sonning, just outside Reading.

The School employs more than 200 staff, of whom 50% are academic staff, and provides a stimulating, friendly and supportive atmosphere in which each pupil can realise his or her full intellectual, physical, and creative potential.

What we offer

Reading Blue Coat offers an exceptional working environment and an attractive rewards package, including excellent benefits such as a pension scheme; free meals; extensive staff discounts; life assurance, tax saving cycle to work and car leasing schemes; free sports and leisure facilities; Employee Assistance Programme; and a strong commitment to professional development.

For further details of the role and how to apply please visit our website: https://rbcs.org.uk/about/work-with-us/ or contact the HR department, Tel: 0118 933 5813 email: recruitment@rbcs.org.uk

Closing date: 09:00 on Monday 6 July 2026

Interviews to take place during week commencing 20 July 2026

Applications must be submitted via our website and include a supporting statement outlining your suitability for and interest in the role. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the UK.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check.
Registered charity number 1087839 • No agencies, please https://rbcs.org.uk/

Attached documents

149522 - Candidate pack - Technical Theatre Manager_compressed.pdf843.69KB

About Reading Blue Coat School

Reading Blue Coat School
Holme Park, Sonning-on-Thames, Reading
Berkshire
RG4 6SU
United Kingdom

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Welcome to Reading Blue Coat School

Reading Blue Coat is a thriving independent co-educational day school for students aged 11–18. As of September 2026, we educate over 850 pupils and are now in our fourth year of full co-education from Year 7 upwards. Our Sixth Form has been co-educational for over 40 years, and by September 2027, all year groups will be fully co-educational.

Founded in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, a philanthropist inspired by Christ’s Hospital, the School began with a mission to educate “twenty poore boyes of Reading.” From its humble beginnings in Silver Street, the School moved in 1947 to Holme Park, a beautiful 46-acre estate in Sonning, Berkshire, where it continues to flourish.

Our ethos is rooted in Christian values, fostering a caring and inclusive community where every student is encouraged to reach their full intellectual, physical, and creative potential. We aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning, nurture confidence, and prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our values—aspiration, compassion, courage, integrity, and service—are at the heart of everything we do.

We employ over 200 staff, with around half in teaching roles. Reflecting our co-educational journey, nearly half of our teaching staff are women.

Our Location and Facilities

Situated just four miles from Reading and three miles from Twyford (on the Crossrail line), our riverside campus offers a peaceful yet accessible setting. The School continues to invest in its infrastructure, with a new Performing Arts Centre underway (completion expected in 2027). Our well-maintained grounds and facilities support a rich educational and co-curricular experience.

Academic Excellence

Our curriculum is broad and balanced, evolving from Year 9 to reflect students’ interests and strengths. Setting begins in Maths (Year 7), Languages (Year 8), and Science (Year 9). Geology is a popular subject, and all students take IGCSEs in English, Maths, Science, and a Modern Foreign Language, plus three additional GCSEs. Religious Studies is studied as a full GCSE in Year 10.

In the Sixth Form, students choose from 24 subjects, including new options like Economics, Politics, and Psychology. Enrichment includes the Extended Project Qualification and a programme of guest speakers. Our Learning Support Department and Learning Research Group ensure all students and staff are supported and challenged.

In 2026, 80% of A Level grades were A*–B, and 80% of GCSE grades were 9–7. Around 78% of our leavers go on to Russell Group Plus universities, with over 90% securing their first-choice destination.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care is central to life at Blue Coat. Our tutorial system, structured by year and House, ensures every student is known and supported. Tutors meet with students daily, fostering strong relationships and guiding personal development.

Our six Houses—Aldworth, Hall, Malthus, Rich, Norwood, and West—promote values-based activities and community spirit. Students also benefit from a responsive Wellbeing and Futures curriculum, a newly renovated Wellbeing Centre, and a robust Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme.

Co-Curricular Life

We offer a vibrant co-curricular programme that includes Performing Arts, Sport, Activities, Adventure Education, Clubs, and Enrichment. All academic staff are expected to contribute meaningfully to this provision.

Performing Arts
Drama, dance, music, and public speaking are highly valued. Our music department runs over 14 weekly ensembles and numerous concerts. Recent productions include Oliver, Billy Elliot, and The Crucible, with cast sizes ranging from 20 to 100. Pupils also enjoy LAMDA lessons, technical theatre, and dance clubs, with opportunities to compete externally.

Sport
Sport is integral to student life. Our focus sports include rugby, football, netball, hockey, rowing, cricket, and athletics. We field 63 competitive teams, with 80% of students representing the School annually. We also offer swimming, basketball, tennis, cross-country, and more. Several teams have achieved national success, and alumni have gone on to professional careers.

Activities and Adventure Education

Our unique Activities programme runs weekly for all year groups. Younger students enjoy sailing, bouldering, and ropes courses, while older students choose from six strands: Adventure, Creative Arts, Leadership & Social Action, Sport & Wellbeing, Service, and Super Curriculum. We also run a thriving Duke of Edinburgh programme and annual expeditions, including a trip to Eswatini.

Our Combined Cadet Force (Army, Navy, RAF) is popular, with over 170 students enrolled.

Clubs and Enrichment

With over 100 weekly sessions, our clubs range from Dungeons & Dragons to Photography and Craft Club—many initiated by student interest. Most activities are included in school fees, and students are encouraged to participate widely.

Foundationers and Community Engagement

Our commitment to diversity is reflected in our Foundation Awards—100% bursaries (including extras) for two students annually from Reading borough. We aim to expand this programme through fundraising.

The Aldworth Partnership leads our community engagement, with students supporting local charities and primary schools through clubs, choirs, and educational events. Staff also contribute to these initiatives.

Our alumni network, supported by the Foundation Office, keeps Old Blues connected through events, mentoring, and talks. The Reading Blue Coat Connect platform fosters networking among parents, alumni, and staff.

Join Us

Reading Blue Coat is a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking school. We are proud of our heritage and excited about our future. If you share our values and passion for education, we warmly invite you to explore opportunities to join our team.

For more information, visit http://www.rbcs.org.uk