DISNEY'S HERCULES ON STAGE - Head of Puppets

Disney is recruiting staff across all departments for the UK (United Kingdom) premiere of Hercules, opening in London Summer 2025. Having opened in Hamburg, Germany, to rave reviews, we are proud to bring Hercules to the home of British Theatre.

Job Title: Head of Puppets
Position Type: Fixed-Term Contract
Reports to: Company Management, Production Management, General Management
Location: West End, London

Overview of Role:

This upcoming role is an opportunity for a keen and motivated individual to lead the Puppets and Props department on Disney's Hercules on a fixed-term basis. Working with the Production Manager, General Managers, and Company Management, this department lead will be a main point of contact between the Disney office and the show, leading on Health and Safety in their department and maintaining the excellence of the production.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Liaise between the Company Manager, Technical departments, Resident Creative Team, Production and General Management Teams to ensure the smooth running of all rehearsals and performances.
• Communicate promptly with the Company Manager, Production, General Management and the Resident Creative Team on any day-to-day changes that might impact the running of the Production.
• Manage, supervise and schedule members of the Puppets and Props team.
• Take an active role in teaching new members of staff to ensure the smooth running of the production and safe handling of props.
• Perform daily setup, oversee Puppets and Props pre-sets and provide clear communication within the team.
• Ensure awareness of understudy and swing performances ahead of each show and make necessary adjustments.
• Attend rehearsal, technical, dress and understudy rehearsals as required.
• Responsible for maintaining, repairing Puppets and Props as instructed and maintaining the quality of the show as dictated by the artistic requirements and under the direction of the Production Manager and Resident Creative Team.
• Report and feedback show and staff-related issues in a timely manner.
• Create accurate production paperwork and ensure the efficient flow of information as necessary for the smooth running of the show.
• Acquire familiarity with all plots/tracks within the Puppets and Props department to provide holiday or absence cover for other members of the department as required
• Attend weekly Head of Department meetings.
• Work in accordance with the Health And Safety Policy and maintain an excellent working knowledge of all relevant health and safety legislation and good working practices, liaising closely with Disney's Health and Safety Manager to ensure that the Health And Safety Policy is followed.

Skills Required:

• Experience in a similar role within a large-scale musical production working with an international cast is highly desirable.
• Clear, confident communication and decision making essential.
• Handle any problems that occur during performances with an ability to remain focused and calm when under pressure.
• Excellent relationship and interpersonal skills with the cast, creative and production team essential.
• Transparent and open approach, be able to work well under pressure, enjoy leading from the front, and by example.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and use of own initiative.
• A full awareness of the need for integrity and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of maintaining stage Puppets, Props and scenic painting.
• Confident with power tools and basic carpentry.
• Knowledge and understanding of H&S legislation.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
• A strong team player.
• Ability to follow instructions and department rules.
• A motivated individual who is driven to learn new skills and understand what is required to maintain a consistent high production standard.
• Discretion and ability to work closely with others.
• Well organised across all work.

Additional Information:

• Fixed Term Contract - Spring 2025 start, opening summer 2025.
• 48 hours per week.
• Weekend and evening work integral (Monday to Saturday show schedule).
• This role will require the candidate to understand and follow the Health and safety rules & regulations at the production.

Please make sure to reference The British Blacklist in your application.

Closing date for applications: 18th October 2024