Technical Theatre Apprenticeship
LW Theatres
London (6 available locations)
Closes in 7 days (Monday 9 March 2026)
Posted on 27 February 2026
Contents
Summary
As an apprentice at LW Theatres, you’ll work towards a Level 3 Creative Venue Technician Apprenticeship while gaining valuable skills working on some of the biggest shows in the world!
You’ll gain hands-on experience across a range of technical departments, including stage flying, scenery, lighting, sound, and automation.
- Wage
-
£26,511.94 a year
- Training course
- Creative industries production technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Sunday, 5-days a week, working a combination of day and evening shifts. Working hours TBC.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
At LW Theatres, we exist to bring magical moments to all our customers.
If you’re curious about what it takes to create extraordinary experiences night after night in London’s West End, this is your chance to step behind the curtain.
Have you ever wondered how the lights, sound, and technical effects come together to make each moment unforgettable?
Start your story with us today - and help us stage the extraordinary!
What is a theatre technician?...
A theatre technician works backstage in a theatre. They help to install, operate, and remove technical equipment including stage flying systems, stage props, stage scenery, lighting, sound, and automation.
About the Apprenticeship...
As an Apprentice at LW Theatres, you’ll work towards a Level 3 Creative Venue Technician Apprenticeship while gaining valuable skills working on some of the biggest shows in the world!
You’ll gain hands-on experience across a wide range of technical departments, including stage flying systems, props, scenery, lighting, sound, and automation. As you progress through the apprenticeship, you’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in the area that interests you most.
You’ll learn how live theatre is produced and maintained at scale with the largest operator of musical theatres in London—gaining skills, confidence, and a place within a team that champions your growth.
The apprenticeship is designed to run over a two‑year period, allowing you to steadily build knowledge, experience, and professional capability.
Six Hours per week will be allocated to college work. This day will be scheduled flexibly to fit with college and department requirements.
This apprenticeship will provide a fantastic springboard for your future career, giving you the skills, confidence, and experience to shape an exciting future in live theatre.
What you’ll be doing…
- Work on a wide variety of shows and technical rehearsals as part of the Stage and Electrics Department. You’ll help set, operate, and manage scenery, props, followspots, and lighting or sound desks
- Support the Production Technician team by preparing the show each day, carrying out pre‑show checks, and ensuring all equipment is ready and safe to use
- Collaborate closely with your team, visiting companies, and Stage Management to ensure every performance runs smoothly and safely. The wellbeing of everyone backstage, on stage, and in the audience is always our top priority
- Develop strong problem-solving skills by responding to challenges that arise during live performances
- Carry out maintenance on set pieces, lighting equipment, video systems, special effects rigs, and other technical elements to keep the show looking its absolute best
- Take part in ad‑hoc project work as directed by the Heads of Department, giving you exposure to a broader range of technical theatre tasks
- Extensive, industry‑specific training will be provided throughout the apprenticeship. This includes but is not limited to Working at Height Training, Harness User & Rescue Training, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) training, Pyrotechnic Safety Awareness Training and City & Guilds Electrical Installation Training
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
- Adelphi Theatre, 409 412 Strand, London, WC2R 0NS
- Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU
- Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW
- His Majesty S Theatre, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL
- London Palladium, Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF
- Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ACCESS FURTHER EDUCATION LIMITED
Training course
Creative industries production technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Interpret system specifications and drawings such as sound, lighting or video.
- Prepare system specifications and drawings.
- Use specialist software systems such as computer aided design and asset management to extract information and input basic information.
- Assemble systems to support production, live performance or events from component parts using correct tools.
- Troubleshoot and fault find issues in discrete pieces of equipment.
- Deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment and tools.
- Prepare, test, repair and maintain lighting, sound or video equipment and systems.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and adapt communication appropriately to suit the audience.
- Use digital collaboration tools to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Direct team members taking into consideration their level of experience.
- Interpret and apply method statements in response to dynamic risk assessment to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes.
- Use safety and access equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions or to an alternative safe scheme of use.
- Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification.
- Disassemble structures and systems, storing component parts and equipment safely.
- Prepare written information and reports.
- Comply with creative venue budgetary and financial management protocols.
- Undertake set and change scenes in live performance – setting and striking scenic elements under show conditions.
- Operate suspension systems.
- Undertake stage crafts such as basic scenic construction, carpentry, metalwork, stage machinery, props, scene changes, knots and terminations.
- Trouble shoot, fault find and carry out basic repairs to creative venue and production systems.
- As directed, inspect, test and maintain creative venue systems and production systems.
- Program and operate production control consoles. Undertake cueing and operation during the live performance or event.
- Trouble shoot, fault find and repair at sub assembly and component level.
- Calibrate equipment and systems to meet production requirements.
- Identify, specify and use components, systems and products applicable for the environment.
- Identify and undertake servicing requirements in line with manufacturer recommendations.
- Achieve effective network connectivity across live event systems.
- Identify required packing space for equipment and for truck packs.
- Prepare and operate lifting and ground rigging equipment.
- Program and operate lighting control systems.
- Assess and monitor power supply systems, installing wiring for practicals and equipment as required.
- Prepare, set and operate lighting equipment to create the desired effect.
- Manipulate and modify lighting, using diffusion materials, filters or reflectors to create the desired effect.
- Adapt lighting to meet short notice creative changes in the production design or script.
- Prepare and operate extra low voltage lighting equipment and systems.
- Identify the dangers and restrictions in the use of battery supplies including charging and mitigate for these.
- Interpret system specifications and drawings such as sound, lighting or video.
- Prepare system specifications and drawings.
- Use specialist software systems such as computer aided design and asset management to extract information and input basic information.
- Assemble systems to support production, live performance or events from component parts using correct tools.
- Troubleshoot and fault find issues in discrete pieces of equipment.
- Deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment and tools.
- Prepare, test, repair and maintain lighting, sound or video equipment and systems.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and adapt communication appropriately to suit the audience.
- Use digital collaboration tools to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Direct team members taking into consideration their level of experience.
- Interpret and apply method statements in response to dynamic risk assessment to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes.
- Use safety and access equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions or to an alternative safe scheme of use.
- Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification.
- Disassemble structures and systems, storing component parts and equipment safely.
- Prepare written information and reports.
Training schedule
- Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician - Creative Venue pathway
- Blended training - Onsite at LW Theatres West End Venues & Workshops, in Access Industry's London Centre and online
- 6-hours of off the job training per week
- GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and maths is preferred. However, if this isn’t the case, successful candidates will have the opportunity to study these subjects with the college alongside their apprenticeship
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade C/4 and above)
- Maths (grade C/4 and above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
Open to working evenings and weekends. You must be 16 years old or over on 1st September 2026.
About this employer
Owned by theatrical visionary Andrew Lloyd Webber – who has created some of the world’s most popular and timeless musical productions – we know a thing or two about staging the spectacular. With one in three audience members at a London musical walking through the doors of our West End theatres, chances are, if you’ve seen a musical in the capital, you’ve been to visit us.
After this apprenticeship
You will have the opportunity to work as a full-time technician.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ACCESS FURTHER EDUCATION LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000012238.
Apply now
Closes in 7 days (Monday 9 March 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.