Performing Arts Technician - Yasmina British Academy

Yasmina British Academy is an outstanding English Curriculum school in the beautiful city of Abu Dhabi. With our globally recognized and admired curriculum, dedicated and passionate practitioners and outstanding teaching and learning, Yasmina British Academy is an exceptional place to work. With the transition to its multi-billion-dirham new campus now complete, Yasmina British Academy is leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities to redefine digital learning. This new multi-building campus is designed to foster a future-focused educational experience, providing students and teachers with cutting-edge technology, sustainable learning environments, and unparalleled opportunities for innovation and digital excellence. 

This incredible facility is more than just a school, acting as a social, sporting and performance hub for both the local and international communities of the city. The new campus enables us to add even more value to our currently outstanding educational provision, whilst utilising the reputation of Aldar Academies’ brand to positively impact the lives of our learning community in the UAE. 

It has an exciting, diverse, and progressive learning community that annually produces some of the very best I/GCSE and A Level results in the UAE. Yasmina’s learning culture is underpinned by the core values of excellence, respect, passion, collaboration, and creativity, allowing all students to thrive. Furthermore, the Academy is extremely proud of its recent ADEK inspection, which rated Yasmina British Academy as ‘Outstanding’ in all six performance standards, placing it among the top schools in the UAE and Middle East. 
The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.
 

Responsibilities

Performing Arts Technical Support

• Provide practical and technical support for Music, Drama and Dance lessons, rehearsals, workshops, examinations and performances across Primary and Secondary.
• Set up, operate and maintain sound, lighting, projection and playback equipment required for lessons, rehearsals and performances.
• Support school productions, concerts, showcases, festivals, competitions and other Creative Arts events.
• Assist with stage management, backstage operations, props, microphones, sound cues, lighting cues and other production requirements.
• Work closely with teaching staff to understand creative and technical requirements and support the effective delivery of lessons and performances.
• Assist students in developing their understanding of sound, lighting, recording and performance technology where appropriate.
• Ensure rehearsal rooms, music studios and other Performing Arts spaces are appropriately equipped, organised and ready for use.
• Prepare and manage technical resources for practical Drama and Dance work, including recorded material, sound effects, backing tracks and multimedia elements.

Music Technology and Recording Studio

• Maintain and operate music technology equipment, including digital audio workstations (DAWs), MIDI controllers, microphones, audio interfaces, mixing desks, studio monitors and associated software.
• Support Music lessons, composition projects, music production, recording, editing, mixing and playback.
• Manage the day-to-day readiness and organisation of the recording studio, ensuring equipment is functional, secure and available for teaching and student use.
• Assist staff and students with recording vocals, instruments, ensembles, podcasts, backing tracks and other audio projects.
• Prepare, edit and organise audio files and backing tracks for lessons, examinations, concerts and productions.
• Maintain organised digital audio files and shared resources in accordance with school procedures.
• Troubleshoot basic hardware and software issues and report faults requiring specialist support.
• Support the effective integration of music technology into teaching, learning and student creativity.

Podcasting and Audio Production

• Support the planning, recording, editing and production of student and staff podcasts, including microphone setup, sound recording, editing and final production.
• Set up and maintain podcasting equipment, including microphones, headphones, audio interfaces, recording software and associated equipment.
• Support the production of interviews, student discussions, school broadcasts, audio presentations and other digital audio content.
• Assist students and teachers with audio editing, sound mixing and the use of recording software.
• Organise and store audio recordings securely, following school procedures for student privacy, consent and data protection.
• Support the development of high-quality audio content for curriculum projects, enrichment activities and wider school initiatives.

Video Production and Digital Drama

• Support the filming and production of Drama work, including scripted performances, monologues, devised pieces, practical assessments and student portfolios.
• Assist with video recording, camera setup, lighting, sound capture and editing for Drama lessons, coursework, examinations and student creative projects.
• Support the recording of rehearsals and performances for educational purposes, reflection, assessment and student progress.
• Assist with the production of digital performance content, promotional videos, rehearsal footage, multimedia presentations and other school projects.
• Support teachers and students in using video editing and audio-visual software to develop high-quality digital outcomes.
• Prepare and operate cameras, microphones, lighting and recording equipment to meet the requirements of different filming environments.
• Organise, label and manage digital video files securely, ensuring appropriate access, storage and retention in accordance with school policies.
• Troubleshoot recording, filming and editing equipment and software, ensuring resources are ready for use.
• Collaborate with Music, Drama, Dance and other curriculum teams to identify opportunities to integrate filming, podcasting and digital production into teaching, learning and enrichment activities.

Audio-Visual Support for School Events

• Provide AV support for assemblies, presentations, conferences, parent events, award ceremonies, open days, school celebrations and other whole-school activities.
• Set up, test and operate microphones, speakers, mixing desks, projectors, displays, laptops, presentation systems and other relevant equipment.
• Support sound playback, presentations, video content, recording and livestreaming where required and technically feasible.
• Assist staff and visiting presenters with technical requirements before and during events.
• Conduct pre-event checks and troubleshoot technical issues promptly.
• Liaise with the designated auditorium technician, IT and Operations teams to coordinate technical requirements for events taking place in shared school facilities.
• Ensure responsibilities are clearly coordinated, with the designated auditorium technician retaining responsibility for auditorium management and its designated technical provision.
• Support the preparation and operation of portable AV equipment for events in classrooms, meeting rooms and other school spaces.

Productions, Performances and Extracurricular Activities

• Provide technical support for school productions, musical theatre, concerts, dance showcases, student performances, competitions and other Creative Arts initiatives.
• Support extracurricular activities (ECAs), clubs, rehearsals, enrichment opportunities and student-led performances.
• Assist with technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, backstage arrangements, sound cues, lighting states and the preparation of performance spaces.
• Work collaboratively with staff and students to ensure the smooth and safe running of performances and events.
• Support visiting artists, workshop leaders, theatre companies and external production teams where required.
• Assist with technical equipment for off-site performances and school events where appropriate.
• Contribute to an inclusive and creative environment that enables students to participate confidently in Performing Arts activities.
• Support the recording and documentation of school productions and performances where required and where appropriate permissions have been obtained.

Equipment and Facilities Management

• Maintain and organise sound, lighting, music technology, recording, filming and portable AV equipment used by the Performing Arts department.
• Carry out routine equipment checks, cleaning and basic maintenance.
• Maintain accurate equipment inventories and report faults, damage or maintenance requirements to the appropriate line manager.
• Ensure equipment is stored securely, labelled appropriately and handled in accordance with manufacturer guidance and school procedures.
• Manage the preparation, movement, setup and dismantling of technical equipment, including safe cable management.
• Monitor technical supplies, cables, batteries, microphones and other consumables, requesting replacements when required.
• Support the organisation of equipment bookings and technical resources for lessons, rehearsals, productions and events.
• Follow school health and safety procedures and relevant risk assessments when handling and operating technical equipment.

Organisation and Communication

• Maintain records of equipment, maintenance, technical requirements and reported faults.
• Liaise effectively with Creative Arts staff, school leadership, the designated auditorium technician, IT, Operations and external providers.
• Communicate technical requirements and setup arrangements clearly and in advance.
• Help coordinate technical resources and schedules across lessons, rehearsals, productions and events.
• Prioritise competing demands and respond flexibly to changing requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to school policies, including safeguarding, student supervision, data protection and acceptable use of technology.
• Ensure that photographs, video footage and audio recordings of students are captured, stored and shared only in accordance with school consent and safeguarding procedures.
• Undertake relevant professional development to maintain and extend technical knowledge and skills.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Relevant qualification, training or demonstrable experience in Performing Arts technology, music technology, sound engineering, AV technology, digital media production or a related technical field.
• Practical experience operating audio equipment, microphones, mixing desks, speakers and playback systems.
• Experience setting up and troubleshooting AV equipment, including projectors, displays, laptops and presentation systems.
• Knowledge of music recording, audio editing and digital audio workstation software.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with teaching staff and technical colleagues.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• A proactive, reliable and solution-focused approach.
• Commitment to safeguarding, health and safety, and the responsible use of technical equipment.
• Flexibility to support scheduled school activities outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends.

Minimum Experience

• Experience working in a school, theatre, live performance or educational Performing Arts environment.
• Experience operating theatrical lighting desks, DMX lighting systems and stage lighting equipment.
• Experience with digital audio consoles, wireless microphone systems and live sound reinforcement.
• Experience using music production software such as Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, GarageBand or equivalent platforms.
• Knowledge of MIDI, multitrack recording, mixing and audio post-production.
• Experience recording and producing podcasts or other digital audio content.
• Experience filming and editing Drama performances, student projects or other educational video content.
• Experience using video editing software and digital media production tools.
• Experience supporting musical theatre, live concerts, dance performances and school productions.
• Experience with livestreaming, multimedia production and digital content creation.
• Relevant technical health and safety training.

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Reliable, adaptable and highly organised.
• Enthusiastic about supporting Music, Drama, Dance and the Performing Arts.
• Calm and resourceful under pressure, particularly during live events and performances.
• Professional and approachable when working with students, staff and external visitors.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of technical quality and equipment care.
• Proactive in anticipating technical needs and resolving problems.
• Creative and willing to support new approaches to digital production, recording and performance.
• Flexible and responsive to the demands of a busy school environment.

This job description is not all inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time.  We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.