
Youth Theatre Leader/Director (maternity cover)
Job Summary
The Witham is looking for a skilled and inspirational Youth Theatre Leader/Director to work with Turrets Youth Theatre on Wednesday evenings from January to July 2024.
Job Description
Turrets Youth Theatre provides weekly drama sessions and regular performance opportunities for children and young people in Barnard Castle and the surrounding area. Workshops are full of play and creativity, with a focus on building confidence alongside developing drama skills. There are two groups of 15-20 members and these meet on a Wednesday evening at The Witham Community Arts Centre:
Juniors (ages 8-12) 4-5:30pm
Seniors (ages 13+) 5:45-7:15pm
They are looking for a skilled Youth Theatre Director who is passionate about script to lead their Turrets groups in Spring/Summer, working towards an informal sharing of script extracts (Senior group) in May 2024 and a larger scale scripted performance (Junior group) in June 2024. All sessions are supported by Turrets' Assistant Youth Theatre Leader.
The role will include:
A period of shadowing/handover with the current Youth Theatre Leader in November 2023 (1 meeting and 4 youth theatre sessions)
Weekly sessions from January 10th to July 3rd 2024 (including two half term dates and tech/dress/show week) - a total of 27 sessions
6 days of meetings spread across the 6 months.
Fee
£5755, inclusive of planning and travel.
(For a full breakdown of dates, or more detail, please see our website or get in touch).
Job Requirements
Skills and experience
At least 2 years' experience delivering high quality youth theatre sessions that build drama skills and develop confidence.
Experience working with children and young people aged 8-18 from a range of backgrounds.
Demonstrable skills in exploring text and supporting others to grow in their understanding of scripted work.
A track record of directing scripted pieces with children and young people.
Ability to lead workshops that are fun, safe and nurturing.
Good knowledge of youth theatre practice.
Strong communication and organisation skills.
Ability to work well with an assistant.
All applicants must have Public Liability Insurance and a current DBS certificate.
Job Responsibilities
You will
plan, lead and deliver weekly youth theatre sessions for Turrets Juniors (8-12s) & Seniors (13+) building drama skills and confidence.
maintain a fun, inclusive and professional environment, ensuring everyone feels safe and supported.
deliver an informal sharing of script extracts in May 2024 (Seniors) and a larger scale production of a scripted piece in June 2024 (Juniors).
ensure artistic quality and provide all participants with an opportunity to shine.
lead creative team meetings, oversee design volunteers and liaise with technicians when working towards production.
work alongside the Assistant Youth Theatre Leader to deliver activities and realise artistic vision.
liaise with staff/volunteers at The Witham to ensure the sessions and performances run smoothly.
participate in handover, shadowing, meetings, check ins and evaluation as agreed.
adhere to The Witham's policies - specifically Safeguarding, GDPR and Code of Conduct.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and the names of two referees to [email protected]. Please also include a paragraph (no more than 300 words) about why you would be excited to work with Turrets Youth Theatre and what skills/experience you would bring to the role. Application deadline is 5pm on Mon 25 Sept. We look forward to hearing from you!
Online interviews: likely to be 9th or 10th October
In person interview (including meeting Youth Theatre members): likely to be 18th Oct.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch informally at [email protected].
Contact name: Hazel Spencer
Contact email: [email protected]