Orchestra Pit Assistants

Assisting the Pit Manager with the day to day requirements of the Orchestra pit. The main focus will be on changeovers of orchestra layout between rehearsals and performances, whilst facilitating a comfortable and safe working environment for musicians. You will also be required to move orchestral instruments for, and during, rehearsals and performances.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assist in setting orchestra pit for rehearsals and performances, moving chairs, music stands and instruments
• Assisting with moving pianos and other keyboard instruments
• Assisting in assuring a safe working environment for visiting orchestras
• Working with the Manager on show duty when required

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• The ability to lift and move heavy items
• To follow instructions swiftly and accurately
• An understanding of of musical instruments and their roles within an orchestra
• Able to provide quick, simple and safe solutions to problems that arise
• Ability to react quickly to situations, to be reliable and resilient, to perform consistently under pressure, and to respond positively to changing circumstances

• Due to the variable shift patterns your own transport will be required
• An understanding of noise at work regulations
• A basic understanding of power tools and hand tools
• Enthusiasm for theatre and live performance

Hours of Work 

The contractual hours of work are 35 hours per week with varying shifts between 8:00 and 22:30, over 5 days. A schedule of shifts will be available in advance.

Salary and Benefits 

We can offer a rate of pay of £501.39 per week, this is inclusive of overtime for additional hours worked during busier periods.

We offer 6.6 weeks (33 days) holiday inclusive of bank holidays per annum pro rata.

We can offer a beautiful working environment, and the chance to see world-class opera.  For those without their own transport we have a free minibus service to and from Lewes railway station. 

We also offer: 

• Free Pilates and Zumba classes, once a week
• Corporate Gym memberships
• An onsite Physiotherapist 
• Subsidised electric car charging
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants
• Free tea and coffee
• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop
• Free on-site parking 
• Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies, including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

To help us monitor the effectiveness of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and our supporting policies and procedures, we ask all job applicants to complete our anonymized and confidential Equal Opportunities monitoring form .

Please then apply by e-mail, sending your CV and covering letter to Martyn Bennett- Head of Music Library & Resources, martyn.bennett@glyndebourne.com  Please note, candidates must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

Applications will be reviewed as they arrive but are to be received no later than Friday 28th February 2025. Interviews will take place w/c Monday 18 March.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this or if you would like this advert sent to you in a larger or dyslexia friendly font then please contact a member of the HR team at recruitment@glyndebourne.com.

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