The Lime Tree Theatre is a leading performing arts venue in Limerick, located on the campus of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Opened in 2012, it is one of the largest theatres in the midwest region, with a 510-seat auditorium that hosts a diverse programme of theatre, music, dance, comedy, and children’s performances. Since 2016, it programmes and manages the iconic 220 seat Belltable, situated on Limerick’s O’Connell Street.
The Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable is a key player in Limerick’s cultural scene, regularly showcasing productions from local, national, and international theatre companies. It is also a home for amateur dramatic groups, schools, and community events, making it an essential hub for both professional and grassroots arts in the region. The organisation has a specific focus in the support of theatre artists, providing development and commissioning support and, when funding allows, supporting theatre production.
Both venues are known for their modern facilities, high-quality technical setup, and strong commitment to accessibility, ensuring a welcoming space for artists and audiences alike.
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced and motivated individual for the role of Technical & Production Manager for the Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable. This is a key position within the organisation, responsible for overseeing all technical operations, ensuring the smooth delivery of performances and events, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and safety in both venues.
The Technical & Production Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and Creative Producer, as well as incoming artists and companies, to facilitate their technical needs. They will be responsible for the technical and maintenance departments. In doing so they will manage a team of technical staff and be responsible for financial control and effective operation of those departments as well as both venues equipment maintenance, health and safety compliance, and ensuring a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for all users of the space. Where appropriate they will be responsible for the production management of all in house productions. Â
This is a full-time position with varied hours, including evenings and weekends, and reports to the Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical & Production Duties:
• Act as the main technical point of contact for all incoming productions, and events to advise on and support their engagement.
• Hire and roster staff to provide technical support during get-ins, performances, and get-outs.
• Liaise with artists, companies, and event organisers regarding their technical requirements ensuring deadlines are met and efficient communications between all relevant departments.
• Plan, set up, and execute all technical elements, including lighting, sound, AV, and staging.
• Supervise and manage technical teams, including casual staff and volunteers.
• Oversee the configuration and rigging of lighting, sound, and seating systems.
• Ensure all visiting artists and companies work within the organisation’s health and safety regulations.
• Produce contra accounts for any incoming companies.
• Ensure that the needs of the venues are met effectively and efficiently ensuring that any resource issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
Equipment & Building Maintenance:
• Work effectively within the constraints of the annual technical and programming budgets as supplied by the Executive Director and / or Creative Producer.
• Maintain an inventory of technical equipment and supplies, ensuring all are in working order.
• Suggest upgrades and new equipment with costings where appropriate and ensure service records and manuals are retained and updated.
• Carry out preventive maintenance and necessary repairs of technical equipment.
• Keep up to date with changing technology and advise on potential technical developments .
• Liaise with external contractors on technical repairs, servicing, and upgrades.
• Assist in the upkeep and maintenance of the venues, liaising with contractors for necessary works.
• Ensure all areas of the venues are safe, functional, and well-maintained.
Health & Safety:
• Act as both venues Health & Safety lead, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Implement and enforce safety procedures, including risk assessments and method statements for day to day running of the venues as well as in house productions.
• Keep records of fire safety and other regulatory checks.
• Train and inform all technical staff and visiting artists on health and safety policies.
• Develop both venues Health and safety Policies, ensuring that all necessary members of staff are trained and comply with emergency and safety procedures.
Administration & Budgeting:
• Manage technical budgets, including equipment purchases, repairs, and crew costs and oversee crew hires and contracting including that of freelance crew and production hires.
• Plan and allocate technical resources efficiently to meet production requirements.
• Ensure proper documentation of equipment use, maintenance, and venue risk assessments.
• Identify training needs for technical staff and facilitate professional development opportunities.
• Attend staff meetings and report on day to day technical notes.
• To undertake any such other relevant duties as may be requested from time to time by the Executive Director.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a technical theatre or arts venue environment.
• Experience managing technical teams and working with visiting productions.
• Recent production management experience.
• Strong knowledge of lighting, sound, AV, and stage equipment.
• Proficiency with ETC lighting desks, digital and analogue sound desks, and QLab.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or similar design software.
• A solid understanding of current industry standards, best practices, and safety regulations.
• Ability to work well under pressure and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative skills with proven ability and experience of working with creative teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, administrative and organisational skills.
• Relevant professional qualifications and training (e.g., MEWP Licence, Manual Handling, First Aid, Fire Safety Training).
Desirable:
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary arts centre.
• Experience with event production
• A full, clean driving licence.
• Understanding of equal opportunity and cultural diversity issues in the delivery of our services.
• Holidays: 21 days per year, plus 9 statutory bank holidays.
• Working Hours: Varied, including evenings and weekends, with a TOIL (Time Off in Lieu) system for overtime.
How to Apply:
Please submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and a cover letter outlining:
• Why you are applying for this role.
• How your skills and experience match the requirements.
• Contact details for two recent referees.
Applications should be sent to recruitment@limetreetheatre.ie before close of business on Friday, May 2nd 2025. Please use “Application: Technical & Production Manager” in the subject line.
The successful candidate will be expected to be in a position to commence work in the summer of 2025, ideally from early July.
We encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities. If you would like an informal chat about the role before applying, please contact Louise Donlon at louise@limetreetheatre.ie
