Jenni Jackson has overseen the technical aspects of two arts venues, including a theatre, music venues, recording studio, and art gallery. She has skills in rigging, lighting, sound, AV systems, installations, and general technical theater work. As technical manager, she is responsible for maintaining equipment and facilities, coordinating events, supervising staff, and managing budgets. She has extensive experience designing and operating lighting for a variety of live performances.

1. Jenni Jackson – Skills and Abilities
In my current job and previous position I have been responsible for overseeing and executing all technical aspects of The
Hat Factory Arts Centre (which comprises a 90 seat studio theatre/digital cinema, two live music venues, recording studio,
conference facilities, an art gallery and arts related business accommodation) and The Library Theatre (a 238-seat
proscenium arch theatre, which also functions as a 35mm/digital cinema) with a diverse programme of live music, theatre,
dance, circus, arts events and film seasons. I am a key holder for both buildings.
In addition to my full time jobs I have also worked as a freelancer. All these jobs have given me skills and knowledge
covering rigging, lighting programming, lighting systems, sound systems, av systems, installation of technical equipment,
temporary installations, flying systems, building maintenance, basic plumbing, networking, and general carpentry and
construction.
When I worked on West End shows I operated a variety of lighting consoles and performed focussing and maintenance
tasks on large lighting rigs. I became accustomed to working at height on truss structures and large ladders. I have a
certificate in Work at Height and own my own PPE climbing equipment. My freelance jobs I undertake involve working at
height on stage structures, rigging lighting, focussing, programming, building stages, Crew Boss for local crew teams etc.
As Technical Manager for Luton Culture I have been part of the leadership team which produces and co-ordinates many
prestigious events including Luton International Carnival, Big Dance, Love Luton (incorporating the Olympic Torch Relay)
and Light Up East. In addition to this I was solely responsible for the technical and production management for Summer
Festival 2008.
In my current position and in previous jobs, I have worked extensively with small to medium scale touring shows and
producing shows. This involves interpreting rig plans, and realising them within the constraints of the venue; rigging
lighting and projection equipment; focussing rigs using ladders, work platforms and Work at Height; programming lighting
desks, and operating them according to cue sheets or on spoken cue. I have also worked freelance on larger productions.
In the venues I currently manage I personally work with companies and artists for their lighting and sound design, and
production matters. I regularly design lighting for shows producing in my current venues, and am accustomed to
adaptation for different venues. I have programmed lighting for shows using ETC, Strand, Avolites and Wholehog
consoles.
I am also responsible for ensuring that all the performance spaces are maintained, presented and operated in a
professional manner for all users, this includes such jobs as re-lamping building lighting, unblocking toilets, ensuring
heating or airconditioning is functioning and at a suitable temperature, keeping roof drains clear, cleaning and tidying as
necessary. I ensure the smooth technical operation of all spaces in each venue for staff and users in matters of artist
requirements, health and safety, technical and building issues and liaise with all hirers whilst on site. I work closely with
contractors as necessary in regard to building maintenance, repairs and installations.
Regular maintenance of equipment is vital to the smooth running of each venue. I ensure the annual PAT testing, annual
equipment and mandatory inspections take place in accordance with current legislation. This includes annual Rigging
Inspections and certification, and regular PPE inspections. I ensure that all inspections are recorded and filed with
relevant certification. I undertake all manner of troubleshooting, and maintenance on equipment in order to keep it in
working order. I am accustomed to performing maintenance and remedial repairs on a variety of generic lanterns, and
have cleaned and re-lamped moving light fixtures.
During production periods for visiting companies I make regular inspections to ensure all aspects meet Health and Safety
requirements. In addition to this, I work closely with the Local Authority Safety Advisory Group and Fire Officer to keep
them updated about events taking place in the venues. I have a full working knowledge of ladder safety, correct and safe
assembly of scaffold towers and working at height regulations. I also have a certificate in Work at Height for Riggers and
Stage Workers. I am fully aware of the need to assess the relevant hazards and select the most appropriate method of
access. I produce generic and specific risk assessments on a regular basis.
I have a good working knowledge of public entertainment licenses and licensing laws. I have an excellent working
knowledge of equalities legislation, having passed a Local Authority course on this subject, and am fully able to integrate
equality policies into my employment practices.
I have previously held a First Aid at Work Certificate for approximately 12 years and would willingly re-qualify. I have Fire
Warden training, and Local Authority certification in Fire Safety Awareness. I am familiar with building fire alarm systems,
CCTV, and intruder alarm systems. I have facilitated building evacuations, and have worked with Luton fire station to hold
training exercises for their crews in my current buildings. I have attended Local Authority training on Legionella and
Asbestos. I am accustomed to driving vehicles of all sizes (not including HGV).
A large part of my job is supervising and instructing the many casual staff used in my venues. I train casual staff on basic
operation of venue equipment. I brief them thoroughly in the technical requirements of the events they work. When staff
are working I am able to support them by going through any problems with them either in person or on the phone.
When briefing my technical staff it is crucial to ensure effective communication, including written specification and oral
instruction. I am aware of contractual obligations for my staff and ensure that these are fully adhered to. I complete and
submit timesheets to payroll, and record a breakdown of expenditure for departmental scrutiny. Our organisation took part
in the Creative Apprentice Scheme and I mentored and trained our technical apprentice. We also have many work
experience placements and a regular arrangement to take technical interns from the University of Bedfordshire.

2. It is my responsibility to source suitable equipment for all our events from venue stock, through hire companies and,
where necessary, purchase new equipment. I have built close relationships with local and national hire companies to
make sure that any equipment we use is both of a high quality and from a reliable source, whilst also being cost effective.
As a multiple budget holder I administrate all departmental spends, and ensure that the departmental budget is adhered
to, by forward planning in allocation of funds. This includes consumables, installation equipment, technical equipment
hires for specific events and staffing budgets. I keep budget records and liaise with the finance department.
Throughout my working life I have used Microsoft Office Suite including, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook, and am
familiar with different versions. I use various internet browsers, and have used many other software programs for diverse
tasks. I am quick at learning how to work with new software.
I find the entertainment sphere a fast moving and challenging environment where if a problem arises I have the
experience to deal with it competently, quickly, calmly and effectively. I thoroughly enjoy the many facets of this job that
utilizes all the skills I have acquired during my career. I am always seeking to further my specialist knowledge beyond the
remit of any contract and have thus acquired qualifications in rigging practices, lighting programming and pyrotechnics.
Having worked in an entertainment/theatre environment for my whole working life, I am completely at home with what
most people would term an erratic and unsociable work schedule. Working evenings and weekends has always been part
of my jobs.