Venue Support
Flexible, Skilled & Supportive
Every venue works differently, which is why our support is always tailored to your space, your team and the way you work.
Whether you need technical assistance for a production, extra support during a busy period or ongoing help with the day-to-day running of your venue, we provide practical, professional support across theatre, events and performance spaces. Working alongside your team, we help keep things running smoothly and give you the confidence to deliver at your best.
We work with venues as a technical partner, not just as a one-off hire. Whether you need someone to step in at short notice, cover a busy pantomime season, or provide a longer-term technical presence on an ongoing basis — we can help.
Who this is for
Receiving houses and producing venues
Arts centres with mixed programmes
Schools and colleges with performance spaces
Community venues with occasional productions
WHAT WE PROVIDE
Practical support, precisely when you need it.
When your in-house technician is on leave, ill, or you have a gap between appointments, we step in. We know how to work in an unfamiliar venue quickly and confidently — your shows don't need to wait for a permanent hire.
Pantomime season, summer productions, end-of-year showcases — the periods when your programme is at its busiest are exactly when you most need reliable additional technical support. We plan ahead with you so there are no gaps.
Coordinating technical teams, liaising with visiting companies, managing production riders and keeping your technical operations running smoothly. We can take on as much or as little of this as you need.
Regular equipment checks, fault reporting, PAT testing schedules and the routine maintenance that keeps your technical inventory in good working order and your venue compliant.
A visiting company's crew has called in sick. Your show is tonight. We maintain a network of experienced technicians who can respond quickly — we're the call you make when you need someone you can trust at short notice.
If you're planning an upgrade, reviewing your technical capacity, or simply want an honest assessment of what your current setup can and can't do, we'll give you a straight answer based on practical experience of venues like yours.
WHY FREELANCE CAN WORK FOR VENUES
A permanent technical team is a significant fixed cost.
For many venues — particularly those with variable programmes, seasonal peaks, or limited budgets — a flexible arrangement makes more sense. Our freelance network means you have access to qualified, experienced technicians whenever you need them, without the commitment of a full-time hire. We can scale up for a busy pantomime season and scale back for quieter months.
And because we're not a staffing agency, we're not just sending you warm bodies. We're responsible for the quality of the people we supply, and we stay involved to make sure the relationship works.
Always a pleasure to work with 1stintheatre — they fit into any situation and perform above and beyond for even the smallest event. Communication is quick and friendly, and you can relax knowing they'll deliver the highest quality technical support.