Seeta Patel Dance is seeking an experienced and proactive Freelance Production Manager and Touring Lighting Technician to oversee the remount, production and tour of The Rite of Spring, supporting the company as it prepares for its 2027 tour.
Production: The Rite of Spring – Seeta Patel Dance
Contract period: February – June 2027
Fee: £11,000 plus travel, accommodation and per diems
About the role
Working closely with the Artistic Director, creative team and administrative colleagues, the successful candidate will take responsibility for the planning, coordination and delivery of the production, as well as its touring lighting requirements. This is a varied role requiring strong organisational, technical and financial management skills, alongside practical experience of lighting for live performance and an understanding of the particular demands of producing and touring dance work.
The successful candidate will help ensure that all aspects of the production and its lighting are delivered safely, efficiently and within budget, while supporting the creative vision of the work.
The role combines production management with the practical responsibilities of a Touring Lighting Technician. The successful candidate will provide continuity between production planning, lighting preparation, technical delivery and touring performances, working closely with receiving venues and their technical teams throughout the tour.
Key responsibilities
Production planning and management
- Create, manage and maintain production schedules, budgets and production plans, coordinating with creative, technical and administrative teams.
- Oversee production expenditure, monitor budgets and ensure the production remains within agreed financial parameters.
- Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers, venues, technical crew and other contractors.
- Source and appoint production staff, technical teams and contractors as required.
Rehearsals and production delivery
- Arrange and oversee remount rehearsals and technical rehearsals.
- Work closely with designers and technical teams to ensure the practical feasibility and delivery of lighting, sound and costume.
- Liaise with venues to coordinate technical specifications, get-ins, get-outs and touring requirements.
- Oversee production equipment and materials, ensuring appropriate maintenance, management and storage.
- Collect van, load van in North London, drive where required and unload equipment back at the storage base post performance, deliver van back.
Touring lighting and technical delivery
- Take responsibility for the lighting technical delivery of the production throughout the touring period.
- Preparing, maintaining and operating lighting equipment and systems throughout the touring period.
- Liaising with receiving venues and their technical teams regarding lighting specifications and equipment requirements.
- Overseeing lighting get-ins, focus, technical rehearsals and get-outs.
- Ensuring consistency of the lighting production across all venues and performances.
Health, safety and sustainability
- Ensure appropriate health and safety standards are met throughout the production process.
- Undertake and maintain relevant risk assessments, ensuring safe working practices are followed by all involved.
- Collect and report environmental data to Julie’s Bicycle, in line with the Theatre Green Book and the company’s sustainability commitments.
Evaluation and touring preparation
- Contribute to a post-production evaluation, identifying learning and recommendations for future performances.
- Prepare and collate production documentation, technical information and handover materials to support the 2027 tour.
- Ensure all relevant production information is organised, accessible and ready for the touring team.
Contract and key dates
The contract will run from 4th January to 29 May 2027, incorporating preparation, remote rehearsals, production and touring periods.
Key dates currently include:
| Dates | Activity |
| 15–19 February | Remount rehearsals – London |
| 22–26 February | Production week – London |
| 28 February – 7 March | Performance and touring period |
| 17–20 March | Touring period |
| 20–24 April | Touring period |
| 26 April – 9 May | Touring period |
| 10–12 May | Touring period |
| 25–29 May May 31st – 2 June | Final production period De-brief and evaluation |
The touring dates will include a combination of travel days, venue get-ins, technical rehearsals and performances. A detailed schedule, including specific calls and locations, will be shared as the production planning progresses.
The Production Manager will be required to undertake preparatory work in advance of the rehearsal and production periods, with further work continuing through to the end of the contract.
Fee and expenses
The total freelance fee for this contract is £11,000, covering all work undertaken between January and 29 May 2027. This includes all preparation and planning, remount rehearsals, production week and the agreed touring dates.
In addition to the fee, Seeta Patel Dance will cover travel and accommodation costs associated with the production and touring schedule.
Per diems
When the Production Manager is working away from their home base, or is staying in self-catering accommodation, a daily per diem will be provided to cover meals.
Per diems will be paid in accordance with the agreed touring schedule and accommodation arrangements.
Skills and experience
We are looking for someone who has:
- Proven experience in production management, ideally within dance, theatre or the performing arts.
- A full, valid driving licence and confidence driving a van.
- Experience of managing production budgets, schedules and resources.
- Strong technical knowledge across lighting, sound, scenic, costume and AV requirements, alongside practical experience of operating and maintaining lighting systems.
- Experience of coordinating creative teams, technical staff, venues and external suppliers.
- A good understanding of health and safety responsibilities within a live performance environment.
- Knowledge of sustainable production practices and environmental reporting, including Julie’s Bicycle and the Theatre Green Book, or a willingness to work with these frameworks.
- Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and respond positively to the changing demands of a production.
Experience of preparing productions for touring would be particularly valuable.
Proven experience as a Touring Lighting Technician, including the ability to operate, maintain and adapt lighting systems in different venues, is required.
How to apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your CV and a short covering statement outlining your relevant experience and availability to:
Adam Towndrow : adam@seetapateldance.org
Application deadline: December 1st 2026, midnight.
Seeta Patel Dance is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.