Technician - Performing Arts Set Designer

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is currently seeking a Design & Technology Technician. This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group. 

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi sits at the entrance to Saadiyat’s emerging Cultural District in keeping with the school’s motto, ‘Ex Cultu Robur’ – ‘From Culture Comes Strength’. Built over seven hectares, the bespoke campus is situated within minutes of New York University Abu Dhabi and the beautiful Saadiyat Beach, as well as the magnificent Louvre Abu Dhabi and the vibrant Berklee College of Music.

In addition to the broad academic curriculum, our daily routine offers a wealth of opportunities that allow pupils to explore their full range of talents in fine arts, performing arts, music, sport and other activities such as gymnastics, golf, horse riding and debating to name but a few. We are looking for first-class educators to join our vibrant team and work with us in our pursuit of excellence.

Responsibilities

Role Summary:

The Technician - Performing Arts Set Designer is a vital member of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s Performing Arts department, responsible for the creative and technical aspects of set and lighting design for school performances, events, and practical exams. This role requires hands-on design work, proactive support, and collaboration with staff, students, and various departments to create immersive and engaging environments for the Cranleigh community.

Key Responsibilities:

Set & Lighting Design

• Lead set and lighting design for all in-house performances, productions, concerts, and occasional external events.
• Collaborate with the Director of Performing Arts, Theatre Technician, and event leaders to bring creative visions to life, ensuring high-quality production standards.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Social Media teams to ensure cohesive design elements for school-wide and Performing Arts events.
• Design and operate the lighting desk as needed to support event production.

School and Event Support

• Partner with school teams to design visually impactful environments for special school days (e.g., WOW Days, Sports Days, National/International Day).
• Offer creative assistance to departments for displays and classroom decorations that enhance the learning environment.

Resource and Facility Management

• Maintain organized and safe storage of set, costume, and prop resources, managing a borrowing system and inventory of all materials.
• Work with IT staff for any software needs and ensure equipment and spaces are up-to-date.

Student and Staff Engagement

• Lead student and staff training in set and prop handling for performances, including a props-making CCA and safe set movement training.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Conduct risk assessments for all Performing Arts activities and maintain compliance with health and safety standards.
• Ensure regular health and safety updates for all users of Performing Arts spaces and equipment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications   

• Bachelor’s degree

Minimum Experience    

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in set design and construction
• Experience working within a school setting, such as art workshops
• Skilled in creating designs that enhance both performances and learning environments

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Fluent in English Communications skills, written, and oral
• Excellent office management skills
• A high level of professionalism and consideration of the well-being of children
• Respect for all members of a school community.
• A positive and solution-focused attitude to working life.
• A clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check or police check

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.