Job Title: Lead Facilitator, Drama Project for Young Adults with Learning Disabilities/ASD

Responsible to: David Workman, Youth & Community Director

About Us

Southwark Playhouse is all about telling stories and inspiring the next generation of storytellers and theatre makers. It aims to facilitate the work of new and emerging theatre practitioners from early in their creative lives to the start of their professional careers.

Southwark Playhouse also exists to engage its local community by offering a range of drama related activities that promote learning and social cohesion.

Over the next year Southwark Playhouse will be relocating to a new purpose-built venue in which will expand the scope of the theatre’s operations.

Orchard Hill College is a specialist college committed to offering social and vocational opportunities for students in the heart of their communities. Their programmes are designed for students over the age of 16 with a range of special needs.

They have centres across and Surrey that provide a learning environment that is inspiring, educational, creative and individualised, offering a range of exciting vocational programmes from animal care and catering to digital media and many more.

Orchard Hill College exists to support, enable and champion the talents, skills and rights of the most complex and vulnerable people in our society in order that they can release their potential, promote their wellbeing and transform their lives.

The Project

Southwark Playhouse are partnering with Lomond House, Orchard Hill’s college centre in , to develop and deliver a brand-new year-long drama programme.

Meeting weekly from September - July, a group of students at the college will take part in drama workshops, leading to termly performances at Southwark Playhouse, the College and potentially elsewhere in the community.

We will also look to provide practical opportunities for design, technical aspects of theatre and any other aspects that the group show interest in exploring.

Alongside developing students’ performing arts skills, the primary aims of this project are to develop students’ confidence, their peer-to-peer engagement and friendships, skills in collaborating, listening to and following instructions, as well as maintaining and building their mental health and wellbeing.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and flexible drama facilitator to work collaboratively with Southwark Playhouse and Orchard Hill College staff to develop and deliver a year-long programme of work to achieve the project’s stated aims.

You will have specific experience of working with students and young adults who have severe/profound and multiple learning disabilities as well as ASD. You will have experience of planning and delivering long-term arts/drama-based projects, with an ability to share projected aims and outcomes with a range of audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Planning and delivering weekly and termly workshops and projects with the participating students. • Directing performances, productions and sharings with the group at the end of every term. • Sharing plans with Southwark Playhouse and Orchard Hill College staff in advance of each term to ensure activity is meeting our stated aims. • To monitor, evaluate and modify the programme as required in order to ensure its ongoing effectiveness. • Managing the involvement of other freelance staff in the delivery of the project, e.g. prop and costume makers. • Undertaking training where required.

Other essential skills, attributes and experience: • Knowledge of, and commitment to, inclusive arts practice. • Proven experience of directing and devising theatre with non-professional groups. • Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with a range of individuals, organizations, and professionals. • Strong people skills and an ability to work flexibly and creatively to meet people’s needs and potential. • Ability to respond positively to unexpected challenges. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • A current enhanced DBS or willingness to apply. • Awareness and understanding of equal opportunities, confidentiality, health and safety issues and the safeguarding of young people.

Further Information

The project will run to school terms, starting on Wednesday 29th September 2021 and finishing in July 2022. Sessions will take place at Southwark Playhouse each week from 10.00am – 2.00pm.

The fee will be £3,000, to be paid in instalments across the year.

To Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter to David Workman, Youth and Community Director on [email protected]. All shortlisted candidates will be invited to a meeting (in person or online, depending on the situation regarding coronavirus).

Closing date for applications: Friday 23rd July, 6pm. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 2nd August.

Southwark Playhouse is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer. We will reply to all applications.