Be Boundless. Be Our New Chair

This is Boundless

Boundless creates exhilarating, relevant and shareable theatre with and for young people (15-25) and curious others. Our work responds to a vibrant and diverse global culture. We empower, inspire and invest in future audiences and artists now. We embrace experimentation and new ways of thinking to promote conversation and the exchange of ideas in every space young adults occupy.

The “theatre industry” has a major problem. Most young adults do not experience theatre as a part of their lives. The Covid-19 crisis compounds this. Boundless wants to be the change, disrupt and make a real difference led by the power of young people.

We believe in the unlimited potential of young people We celebrate the boundless spirit and power of a generation living in a volatile age, facing huge challenges but empowered to create opportunities We believe that young people will change the world for the better, and that with encouragement this change can be felt in the theatre that is made with, by and for them We aim to make theatre a vital cultural and social part of young people’s everyday lives

How Are We Boundless?

Young adults disrupt. Boundless puts young people at the centre of everything it does. We are driven by the disruptive energy of teenagers and young adults who we speak to and involve in our work every day.

The Boundless Advisers are at the heart of everything we do. They keep us in check and ensure we are being ambitious with our plans. The Boundless Advisory Group is made up of teenagers and young adults who are drawn from different backgrounds and interests: from digital media to theatre to parkour.

“It’s happening right in front of you, you can’t press pause, you can’t stop.”

Fin, Boundless Adviser

Our Advisers meet regularly to share with us what they think about the world and the work that we create. We talk about big ideas, attend events and discuss what excites them most about being young today. In return we offer mentoring, support for projects and resources that build resilience. We have a dedicated budget that is spent by the Advisory Group directly each year. We look for new ways to break down boundaries between arts organisations and young people. To keep things fresh (and fair) our Advisory Group evolves each year. The Boundless board recently recruited three young adults to the board. Our chair recruitment sub-committee includes two of those young adults. You will meet them and hear from them.

Boundless Theatre’s Accelerator programme is committed to discovering the best ideas from artists who might not be known to us and developing the extraordinary artists of the future, now. We look for bold, imaginative work for 15–25 year olds that aims to start a conversation with the world from diverse perspectives. We also champion work in translation and seek to commission bold and innovative new theatre that is relevant, contemporary and ambitious for young adult audiences.

Boundless Accelerator is our way of supporting young artists, from developing ideas through to artist support and talent development. Accelerator is a pipeline that we hope delivers new work to challenge and spark conversations with our audiences.

Disruptors require excellent information. Boundless recently invested significantly in industry leading research on young adults and their thoughts about and attitudes to theatre and the world. That research informs everything that we do and try to accomplish. Boundless does not play it safe. In our sell out production of “Confidence” and our vital 2017 production “Natives”, we took artistic risks that inspire a generation who are raring to go and desperate to rebuild the world in their own image. We are not led by fear of falling short. So long as the attempt is motivated by engaging more young people in meaningful ways, we will always be boundless. • We will discover, champion and produce the best new plays for a diverse generation across the UK and internationally

• We will respond to global concerns of young people through commissioning relevant new work and promoting shared experiences, dialogue and exchange.

• We invest in a diverse future, now.

• We will become a destination for adventurous audiences, artists and ideas

• We will produce the highest quality new theatre and empower a new generation of artists to be extraordinary

• Our work will be created with and inspired by an empowered, young and fearless audience.

Boundless will:

• Produce 2 new shows every 18 months across a range of scales and venues

• Commission 3 new works every 2 years – emerging writers creating new work for our audience

• Develop new plays for production and present work in development from diverse artists

• Discover and nurture emerging artists through bespoke talent development opportunities

• Lead or co-produce at least 1 international project for young adults to participate in

• Deliver at least 1 innovative project for young adults in a school environment

• Work with higher education partners to deliver training opportunities for students

• Create digital content and imaginative digital engagement opportunities for young adults

Who is Boundless?

Rob Drummer joined Boundless Theatre in July 2016 as Artistic Director and become sole CEO in 2019. Rob leads the organisation including commissioning new work and developing artists and projects as well as leading strategy for engaging young adults across the artistic programme. Currently working with Arts Council England on the strategic development of the Impacts & Insights Toolkit, Rob is passionate about new ways to innovate around more audiences engaging with theatre and better understanding the impact of the arts on young adults specifically.

For Boundless, Rob has directed NATIVES by Glenn Waldron (2017) CONFIDENCE by Judy Upton (2018) and RADIO ELUSIA by Nina Segal (2020). Before joining Boundless he was Associate Dramaturg at the where for three and a half years he ran the Literary Department and was responsible for all playwriting work including the commissioning and development of new plays for production. He has established partnerships with Playwrights of New York (PoNY), delivered projects with Kudos Film & Television and established a partnership with Drama Centre London and Oberon Books on the ‘Student Guide To Writing: Playwriting’.

Prior to joining the Bush Rob was the first Literary Manager for HighTide Festival Theatre where he supported the expansion of the festival, doubling the number of productions and before leaving the company directed Luke Barnes’ ‘Eisteddfod’ (Latitude), ‘Endless Poem’ (London 2012 Festival) and ‘Perish’ (HighTide & Public Theater, New York).

As a Dramaturg and Director Rob has worked with playwrights at theatres including The National Theatre, , Bristol Old Vic, Contact, York Theatre Royal and Theatre503. Rob was one of the first recipients of an Artists’ International Development Fund from the Arts Council and British Council and spent time working in South Africa with playwrights and theatre makers at the Baxter and Market Theatres. Rob is a Board Member for the Bermondsey Business Improvement District, where Boundless are proudly based.

Ine Van Riet, Executive Director, joined Boundless from the Bush Theatre where she was Development Manager and jointly responsible for creating and implementing their fundraising and talent development strategies. During her time, the Bush fundraised for and completed the largest capital project in the organisation’s history, reopening the venue’s refurbished Shepherd’s Bush home in 2017. The Bush Theatre was recently awarded London Theatre of the Year by The Stage.

Prior to this Ine was General Manager for Iris Theatre and Development Officer & Associate Producer at Tara Arts. As a freelance producer she has presented UK premières at , Theatre503 and the , and toured work both nationally and internationally.

Boundless Support

Boundless is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO). We are currently funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union for our project Extended Universe. We have a diversified funding strategy including successful trust and foundation support recently from, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Garfield Weston Foundation and the City Bridge Trust. We are planning to celebrate Boundless’s 20th birthday in 2021 with a special programme of artistic activity.

In a post BREXIT and Covid-19 world the charity continues to evolve a funding strategy that does not overly rely upon any single funding source.

Covid-19

Boundless is intelligent and fast moving. It moved to remote working quickly and seamlessly and maintains a low-cost base.

It is looking at multiple scenarios to ensure the robust health of the organisation and to ensure it can continue to deliver with and for its young adults.

Be Boundless Be Our New Chair

You are the type of person who shares many of the characteristics we are looking for in a new Chair. Can you be Boundless?

Even if this chance is not for you, can you pass this along to a friend or colleague who you think might be Boundless? Would you want to be considered as a potential new trustee or a supporter? Let us know.

Primary Objectives • To lead and inspire the trustees to ensure that they fulfil their responsibilities for overall governance and strategic direction • To work closely with the Chief Executive/Artistic Director and the Executive Director to ensure the organisation achieves its aims and objectives in accordance with the Boundless vision, values and strategic direction the governing documents, legal and regulatory guidelines as agreed by the Board • With support from the Board, to inspire, support and hold the Chief Executive to account for the implementation of the strategy, organisational plan, and achievement of budgets • To manage the Chief Executive’s performance and to be the line manager for the Executive Director for finance issues • To support the Chief Executive in representing Boundless supporting its vision, influencing stakeholders and fund-raising

Specific Responsibilities

To ensure the Board functions effectively, covering the following:

• Together with the Trustees and the Chief Executive, identify the skills and experience required on the Board • Source new Trustees and support effective succession and the strengthening of the Board • Chair meetings effectively to reach clear, consensual decisions in line with Boundless objectives and strategy • Liaise with the Chief Executive, Executive Director, Trustees, and organisation to prepare high-quality agendas and outputs for Board meetings • Encourage the effective and positive participation of all Trustees at Board meetings and on behalf of Boundless more generally, developing a strong sense of active engagement and shared responsibility • Work with the team to ensure effective Board development is in place including comprehensive Trustee and Independent Member induction and Board and Trustee appraisal • To ensure that Boundless operates strategically: • Support a commercial ethos in the organisation, both in terms of the insights and in terms of measurement of the impact we have • Support an entrepreneurial approach at Boundless, engaging commercial partnerships through their own networks and the networks of the board to amplify the reach and impact Boundless can have as an organisation • Encourage a mindset that brings funds to execute our vision • Understand the dynamics of the performing arts industry, the translation of industry sector disruption to performing arts (such as the digital sector) and the world(s) of young people • Anticipate disruptive potential for realising the commercial growth and impact of Boundless • Provide support and challenge to the Chief Executive, Executive Director and the Executive team to ensure that the organisation is run in accordance with the decisions of the Board and that resources are effectively deployed to enable these. • Ensure with the Board that the governance framework established to enable the Board to discharge its responsibilities effectively, including the management of the organisation’s people, resources, assurance, risk, safeguarding and stakeholder engagement, is maintained and enhanced. • To support the executive team when requested and appropriate, representing Boundless at meetings, events and functions, working with the CEO to develop Boundless external presence and recognition. • Lead the regular assessment of the Chief Executive’s performance. • Meeting with the Chief Executive and members of the organisation informally to provide support and constructive challenge.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• A clear ability to listen and facilitate commercial growth that is led by the perspectives of young people • Not easily shocked. Ability to listen and engage with radical ideas, and offer constructive challenge • Highly commercial, entrepreneurial, dynamic, and ambitious • Ambassadorial with emotional intelligence and great communicator skills that build brilliant relationships • Passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion, valuing differences to make better decisions and inclusive outcomes • A collaborative approach to organisational growth and development • The ability to lead and work as part of a high- performing team • Resilience and empathy to oversee purposeful strategic change • The ability to think differently while applying sensitive judgement on challenging matters • Strong influencing and facilitation skills, able to engage and inspire people • A willingness to devote time, energy and enthusiasm to the duties and responsibilities of the Board • Strong commitment to Boundless values and vision

Skills & Experience

• Experience of engaging 15 – 25-year audience • A visionary with proven commercial leadership experience in an innovative business • Entrepreneurial experience of growing a disruptive business and brand • Experience of developing high-performing teams and inclusive cultures • The ability and authority to enthusiastically represent the organisation to a wide range of critical audiences including supporters, commissioners, funders and investors • A proven track record of strategic analysis and high- quality decision-making • Experience of influential and sensitive leadership, dealing with complex issues and multiple stakeholders • Ability to influence debate within areas relevant to Boundless’s activities, including investors, industry, and funders • Understanding of governance and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship • Creative thinking on governance that is inclusive and engaging

Person Specification

Time Commitment

The Chair will need to:

• Chair up to five Board meetings, including one away day a year • Have a face-to-face or virtual 1-hour meeting with the Chief Executive and Executive Director every month • Participate in regular calls as required with the CEO and Trustees • Attend Boundless performances and workshops from time to time • This means a time commitment of around 1 to 2 days a month, although this may vary. The initial term is for 3 years.

• This is a voluntary post. Boundless will meet all reasonable expenses in connection with carrying out the duties of the Chair.

Great. What’s Next?

Boundless is working with Baljit Dhadda of BD Search. She really gets Boundless. For an informal and confidential chat, visit bd-search.co.uk or call her and you can schedule a time to speak:

Baljit Dhadda on 020 3906 7776

Rob Drummer, Artistic Director & CEO [email protected] and Charles Glanville, current Chair [email protected] are also glad to chat informally about the role, expectations, challenges and opportunities.

Are you ready to go?

Submit your application by email to [email protected].

So, we understand more about you, include your CV and a brief supporting statement evidencing the competencies outlined in the Person Specification. You’ve done this before!

To keep things moving and fair to all candidates, we presently intend to use the following timetable. It may be subject to change, but we will tell you if that happens.

Week 6th July – Begin search and post adverts

Week 31 August – Sift applications and consider short lists of recommended candidates

Week 14 September – Begin interviews of shortlisted candidates

Jan - March 2021 – new Boundless Chair in post

We will ask you to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (www.bd-search.co.uk). Boundless is absolutely committed not just to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and working patterns, but positively encourage as diverse a range of candidates as we can. All candidates with protected characteristics will be interviewed. The principles of merit, fairness and openness govern the process.

Boundless will reimburse reasonable, unavoidable travel expenses for attending interview(s).

Boundless and BD Search are required to process your confidential data as part of this. All data is stored on their secure databases and are fully compliant with General Data Protection Regulations.

The Board

We introduced you above to your executive team. You will also work with a great group of trustees.

Alistair Wilkinson (25) Trustee; Freelance Writer and Director for stage and screen. He is also currently the Head of Artist Development at Theatre.

Charles Glanville (63) Retiring Chair; New Chair Subcommittee. Former managing director of Oberon Books, the UK’s most exciting independent publisher of titles on theatre and drama

Claire Dikecoglu (40) Trustee; 21st Anniversary Subcommittee. Freelance Social Media Consultant. 13 years’ experience in digital and social media, specialising in entertainment.

Daniella Rodriguez (24) Trustee; Finance and Risk Subcommittee; New Chair Subcommittee. Development Coordinator at Punchdrunk. Punchdrunk create transformational theatre for children, adults and communities across the UK and beyond.

Michelle Matherson (57) Trustee; New Chair Subcommittee. TV Executive and Talent Development Executive Rafia Hussain (26) Trustee; New Chair Subcommittee. Independent Theatre Producer working with a diverse range of artists and companies including B Team theatre & Demi Nandhra.

Samuel Prudhoe-Zdzieblo (33) Trustee; 21st Anniversary Subcommittee. Head of Marketing Campaigns at the National Theatre with over 11years’ experience working across the commercial and subsidised theatre sectors.

Simon Gomes (38) Trustee, Finance and Risk subcommittee. Senior lawyer in the Government Legal Department with over 10 years’ experience specialising in human rights, employment and public law

Spencer Simmons (62) Trustee; Finance and Risk subcommittee. Retired Chartered Accountant - forensic and audit partner in practice for 30 years