Stage Machinery Volunteer

Over the last 12 months Tyne Theatre & Opera House has been restoring its Victorian stage machinery as part of a National Lottery funded project.

We are looking for individuals to join a team of volunteers who are being trained to maintain and operate both our under-stage and fly-floor machinery, which includes our demon/grave traps, Thunder Run and the ‘bridges’ and ‘sloats’ that moved the scenery onto stage. More information on the machinery can be found at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/historic-stage-machinery/

This is a unique opportunity to work with what is one of the only surviving Victorian stage machinery systems in the UK which, in time, we hope to be able to use for demonstrations and potentially for historic performances.

Volunteers will be able to offer as much time as they are able. Practical sessions are likely to be held monthly in the evening (timetable dependant on the theatre programme). Session tasks may include cleaning, repairing, greasing and re-roping parts of the machinery, as well as training in the operation of the traps, sloats and bridges.

The theatre Master Carpenter will support volunteers and be a point of contact for them within the theatre.

Skills

Volunteers should have an interest in learning about heritage and be able to work in a team environment. Please note that this role is fairly physical.