About us
Geelong Arts Centre is one of eleven Victorian State Government owned creative organisations under the umbrella of Creative Victoria. Since opening in 1981, Geelong Arts Centre has made significant artistic and cultural contributions to Geelong and the surrounding regions.
Geelong Arts Centre is currently undergoing a period of exciting and dynamic change. To meet the cultural needs of a growing population and help secure Geelong’s position as a global city, the Victorian State Government, through Creative Victoria, has committed funding for three stages of capital development. Stage One - the refurbishment of The Playhouse Theatre was completed in 2010. Stage Two - the Ryrie Street Redevelopment ($38.5m) was completed November 2019 and opened to the public on 7th November 2019. Stage Three - The Little Malop Street Redevelopment ($140m) commenced in 2019 and is planned for completion in 2023. This investment will result in a world-class arts facility becoming the cultural heart of Geelong and the G21 region.
Led by a dynamic CEO and Leadership Team, your contribution and expertise will be highly valued. We offer a great working environment in the creative heart of Geelong, working alongside passionate people who are committed to community and the Arts.
About the role
The Head of Staging provides leadership and specialist technical expertise in the delivery of staging services across all Geelong Arts Centre venues and performance spaces.
The role is responsible for the operational leadership of the staging team and the safe, efficient and high-quality delivery of staging, rigging and automation systems in support of live performances and events. The position oversees the planning, coordination and continuous improvement of staging operations, including rostering, training and capability development of the staging team. It also ensures staging systems, equipment and infrastructure are maintained, serviced and operationally ready, in alignment with organizational requirements and production demands.
A key component of the role is the stewardship of staging assets, including contributing to lifecycle planning, maintenance scheduling, compliance requirements, and the accuracy of asset data within the Centre’s asset management systems to support operational reporting and financial planning.
The Head of Staging works collaboratively with other Heads of Departments, Senior Manager Technical Operations and internal stakeholders to support the successful delivery of events, while ensuring safe systems of work are embedded across all staging activities.
This role also provides high level technical advice to presenters and production teams and contributes to the ongoing development of staging practices, systems and standards across the organisation.
Essential qualifications and experience
To be successful in this position, you will have:
• Extensive experience working in staging or technical operations within a large-scale theatre or live entertainment environment, including demonstrated progression into leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in counterweight flying systems, staging operations and live performance technical delivery and applying this knowledge to successfully achieve and create specific staging and artistic effects.
• Demonstrated leadership in safe systems of work within a live performance or technical environment, including the ability to identify, assess and manage operational risks, and to consult, communicate and contribute to the resolution of health and safety issues.
• Experience supervising technical staff, presenters / hirers during production activities, including bump-ins, performances and bump-outs.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise and develop technical teams in a high-pressure, production-focused environment
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including visiting companies, artists and production personnel. Demonstrated ability to interpret technical production requirements and translate them into safe, practical and effective staging solutions across a range of performance contexts.
Desirable qualifications and experience
● Tertiary qualification in Live Production, Technical Theatre Performance or a related field.
● Experience with automation and power flying systems in a professional performance environment.
● High Risk Work Licence – Intermediate Rigger or higher.
Other requirements
• Flexibility in working hours to support daytime, evening, and some weekend work will be required as part of the normal hours of duty for this position.
• The following checks, licences and certifications are required for this role:
o Current and valid Working with Children’s Check (employee)
The employee must provide evidence that they hold current certifications prior to commencing employment with Geelong Arts Centre. The employee must maintain currency of these checks, licences and certifications for the duration of their employment with Geelong Arts Centre.
Position Description
Geelong Arts Centre Enterprise Agreement
Applications close Midnight Tuesday 14 July 2026
Sound like you? Then we want to hear from you!
To apply for this opportunity please click the Apply Now button and provide a cover letter including your ability to meet the key requirements outlined in the position description, and a current CV.
Applicants will be required to undergo police and identity screening. First round interviews will be conducted either face-to-face or online. Geelong Arts Centre is an equal opportunity employer and values the contribution that diversity brings to the workplace.
Geelong Arts Centre is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of all children that interact with our organisation. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.
Geelong Arts Centre encourages and welcomes applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders People.
Applications are open to those with full-working rights in Australia.