Job Description

About Glyndebourne

Glyndebourne is one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world, delivering performances to some 150,000 people across a summer Festival and autumn season, and a year-round programme of Learning & Engagement activity.

About The Team

The Stage and Automation department is responsible for the building, setting, moving and maintaining of the scenery for the Festival. At the height of the Festival we have around 28 day staff and 18 night staff and operate more or less 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Placement

Work experience placements in the Stage department are designed to provide an exciting opportunity for those interested in a career in theatre stage and/or automation. They will provide you with an exciting and enriching opportunity and insight into working in a theatre.


Placements are for 2 weeks and are usually in April for Stage and June for Automation.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

To assist in fit ups, get- ins, maintenance and all technical aspects of show production. To be part of a show team and carry out performance duties as necessary To maintain all backstage areas to the highest standard and keep all storage units in order. To work alongside others in a safe and efficient manner. To undertake, if required, all manner of set refurbishment, painting, cleaning etc, and to assist in the maintenance of productions throughout their run. To follow instructions and complete all instructed tasks within the given time frame

During this placement you will;

Participate in fitting up and taking down shows Spend time with the Stage or Automation department learning about maintenance and inspection of relevant equipment Learn about and partake in installation of rigging of Stage and automation equipment Shadow senior members of the team in more skilled roles. Spend time with team members to understand their background and routes into this profession Perform other reasonable job-related or ad-hoc duties as assigned by your line manager

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

An aspiration for a career in technical theatre, specifically in relation to stage or automation technician roles Ability to work calmly under pressure Approachable and reliable. Enthusiastic and proactive, willing to learn.

Applications are open to all people 18+ who must have the right to work in the UK, however are highly encouraged from those currently studying for a degree in technical theatre, or undertaking a Creative Venue Technician apprenticeship.

Hours

A maximum of 40 hours per week over 5 days, Monday - Sunday.


You will be expected to work across 7 days including unsocial hours.

Rates of Pay

Those joining our work experience programme learn and work on a voluntary, unpaid and temporary basis. As such, you will not be entitled to participate in Glyndebourne employee benefits or pension plans, nor will you receive a bonus or other remuneration in connection with your time on site. We will however reimburse you for your travel to and from Glyndebourne at the start and end of your placement.


You will also receive a daily lunch voucher for the value of 5.00 which can be used at the Courtyard (staff catering area) and a 250 weekly contribution to your living expenses for the duration of your work placement. You will be responsible for any income or other tax that may be due in connection with such payments.

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies, including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Please apply by clicking 'Apply Now;' to submit your application.

Candidates must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.


Glyndebourne commits to protecting your privacy. We will only use information about you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation and regulations. Please see more information in our Company Privacy Notice on our website.


The closing date for applications is

Sunday 15th February 2026

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this or if you would like this advert sent to you in a larger or dyslexia friendly font then please contact a member of the HR team at

recruitment@glyndebourne.com

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The Glyndebourne Festival (running from May to August), features a programme of six operas in its 1,200-seat opera house, attracting audiences from around the world. The Autumn Season (October to December) extends Glyndebourne's reach, offering audiences the opportunity to experience fresh perspectives and new works in a dynamic and exploratory setting. Together, the Festival and Autumn Season welcome over 125,000 attendees annually, with many more engaging through online streaming and other digital platforms.



Remaining financially independent since its inception, Glyndebourne is a registered charity that relies on box office income, memberships, and donations to fund its operations. Committed to artistic excellence, audience development, and accessibility, Glyndebourne continues to expand the reach and appreciation of opera for all.


New Road, Ringmer, BN8 5UU


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