The Court Theatre is seeking a skilled set builder to join our team in our busy, dynamic and well-appointed scenic workshop in central Christchurch. This is a permanent full-time position, 40 hours per week, although some flexibility will be required.

Purpose of the Role

To assist in the construction and maintenance of all scenic aspects of The Court Theatre’s productions.

The Court Theatre 

The Court Theatre has been creating and sharing live theatre with audiences from across Ōtautahi and Waitaha for more than 54 years. Each season typically features 15 – 20 productions including commissioned works, New Zealand and Australasian premieres, contemporary through to classic drama as well as comedies, improvised comedy and musicals and a recent addition, the Rainbow Theatre Weekend. This year more than 80,000 patrons are expected to attend a Court Theatre performance.

As a producing Theatre Company, The Court Theatre is supported by a team of 40 permanent staff plus many artists and artisans dedicated to creating and staging theatre experiences of the highest quality. It is the proud home of The Jesters as well as the Youth Company and Jesters Youth Company.

The Court Theatre delivers an annual Education, Learning and Engagement programme which offers training and performance opportunities to people of all ages. The Court is committed to theatre as a platform to enhance wider social outcomes and for providing opportunities for voices to be celebrated and uplifted that otherwise may be overlooked.

In 2025 The Court Theatre moved into our permanent new home in the heart of the city. This brand-new, purpose-built facility is opening up new possibilities for The Court Theatre both in the way it works and the way it engages with the communities of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Our Vision & Values     

Vision:

Building community together with the people of Waitaha/Canterbury through the creation, discovery and experience of live theatre.

Goals:

• Building Community through Theatre
• Growing Knowledge, Skills and Capacity
• Creating and Sharing Live Theatre Experiences
• Building a Strong and Sustainable Organisation

Values:

Maiatanga – Courageous: We work fiercely and bravely, knowing that reward requires risk. We are not afraid to push into the unknown

Manaakitanga – Welcoming: We make all who come to The Court Theatre welcome. The Court Theatre is an inclusive place to gather. We are respectful

Whanaungatanaga – Belonging: We are whanau. We celebrate diversity. We share experiences

Kotahitanga – One Team: We work together as one team for The Court Theatre

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the construction of sets to a provided design brief, which may be in the form of working drawings, a set model or written or verbal instructions from the appropriate designer or the Construction Manager
• Work collaboratively with Directors, Designers and team members.
• Assist with set design as required.
• Maintain the set of the productions in performance.
• Adhere to and implement best practices with regards to all health and safety laws and by-laws with regards to the construction of set and all other tasks; in consultation with the Workshop Manager and according to policies.
• Ensure adherence to all policies and procedures of The Court Theatre.
• Ensure adherence to Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
• Any other duties as required by the Workshop Manager or Production Manager
• Work in line with The Court Theatre values outlined above.

Core Competencies

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Possesses skills and knowledge to perform the job competently, and has the service skills, technical and operational abilities to contribute to results.
• Works at keeping up to date with the trends and ideas for the business within the functional discipline and industry.
• Looks for ways to permanently optimise work.
• Builds networks with other professionals in their field.
• Demonstrates an openness to examine new methods and technologies.

TEAMWORK:

• Works on projects as part of a team, exchanging ideas and contributing skills that complement those of the other team members.
• Fulfils commitments to team members.
• Is willing to change ideas or work practices if it helps the team achieve its goals.
• Can quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all.
• Creates strong morale and spirit in the organisation.

DRIVE FOR RESULTS:

• Continually looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Has an ability to focus on getting things done to ensure the organised and effective execution of activities, plans and strategies.
• Actively monitors and communicates standards and goals.
• Delivers results on time and to budget.
• Can prioritise to deliver highest impact outputs.
• Perseveres to attain results.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• Organises and expresses ideas and information clearly, using appropriate and efficient methods of conveying information.
• Has an ability to communicate with others in an effective, respectful, open and collaborative way. Relates well to all kinds of people.
• Listens attentively and uses questions to check for understanding and elicit all relevant information.
• Proactive approach to health and safety communications.

Skills, Experience & Education

Essential Skills/Qualifications

• Carpentry experience.
• Knowledge of building materials.
• Experience of workshop tools (from hand tools to panel saws).
• Theatre experience.
• Full New Zealand driver's license.

Desirable Skills/Qualifications

• Knowledge of metal materials.
• Suitable welding tickets for structural welding such as 2980 or 9606 and an ability to weld in all positions.
• Knowledge of metal materials
• IT skills including ability to use Microsoft 365 applications as a minimum.
• Working at heights certification
• EWP/Scissor lift experience.
• Engineering background.
• First Aid Certificate.

Applications close 12 January 2026. 

Download a copy of the job description here. 

All enquiries to: 

Andrew Malmo

Production Manager

andrew.malmo@courttheatre.org.nz