Operating the Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre Taunton, , TA1 1JL

JOB TITLE: LEARNING AND PARTICIPATORY MANAGER

GENERAL INFORMATION Taunton Theatre Association (TTA) emerged from the public’s emphatic response to the closure of the Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre in February 2013. TTA (now a registered charity) won the support of Borough Council and reopened the Brewhouse in April 2014. Since opening it has largely been operated by volunteers assisted by freelance specialists. In spring 2015 Vanessa Lefrancois was appointed Chief Executive and the organisation is now in the process of employing a small core team of staff who will lead the next stage of the Brewhouse’s development with continued support from its team of volunteers.

THE VENUE The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre is a multipurpose venue with 352 seat auditorium, studio theatre, meetings rooms, workshop spaces, gallery, a café/bar and outdoor area. The Brewhouse programmes a range of high quality professional touring work including live music, theatre, dance, stand-up comedy, children’s and family shows. In August 2015 professional orchestra Southern Sinfonia became the company in residence. The Brewhouse aspire to adopt more associate artists and companies in future. The arts centre also presents local community theatre companies and school productions, as well as hosting conferences and meetings. The centre aspires to deliver a multi-disciplinary learning and participatory programme alongside its theatre programme and re-establish cinema screenings as part of its cultural offer.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The role of the Learning and Participatory Manager is to actively encourage participation in the arts to enrich the lives of people in our local communities. The Learning and Participatory Manager will be responsible for the delivery of high-quality, accessible activities that will develop social, creative and technical skills, promoting self-confidence, artistry, social cohesion and the well-being. The programme will aim to reach people of all ages, arts interests and abilities with particular emphasis on young people, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, those in danger of social exclusion, individuals with long-term/critical illness and the elderly. Taunton and its surrounding areas have a high concentration of retirees and young families and these two groups will need to be well catered for within the Brewhouse’s provision. There is also a strong desire to create a Young People’s Theatre Company. It is envisaged that provision will include (but not exhaustively) regular classes and groups, alongside specialist courses, projects and one-off events.

The post-holder will report directly to the CE and work closely with colleagues to contribute to the artistic direction and business development of The Brewhouse, in order to realise the company’s artistic, social and educational aspirations. This will require exceptional communication and creative skills, as well as a resourceful mind-set and can-do attitude. The Learning and Participatory Manager will be expected to build partnerships with local educational establishments, Taunton Dean Borough Council, arts and cultural organisations, community groups and businesses to deliver its Learning and Participatory programme with the intention to cultivate and develop audiences and ensure a rich cultural offer for Somerset and beyond.

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MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Business and Artistic Development 1) Contribute to the artistic direction of the Brewhouse and implement Learning and Participatory programmes that meet the organisation’s aims and objectives. 2) Monitor achievements against Set KPI’s and SMART goals, in order to evaluate and improve the Learning and Participatory offer, develop audiences and increase revenue. 3) Work with colleagues to develop the Brewhouse’s business model and income streams with particular emphasis on devising “daytime use” and seasonal (school holidays) programmes.

2. Creative Programming The Learning and Participatory Manager will be responsible for devising and implementing an inclusive and diverse engagement programme to build the Brewhouse’s reputation as a high-quality community provider. The post holder will work closely with the CE, colleagues and consult with the local community to ensure that activities offer exceptional participant experiences, enhance the current arts and cultural offer in Taunton and broaden and grow the venues attendees. The programme is likely to contain a mix of programmed activities and external hires. 1) Work with the CE and Artistic Programmer to develop key objectives and a coherent strategy for the Learning and Participatory programme focussed on specific communities primarily within Somerset in order to fulfil the Brewhouse’s mission and complement its theatrical programme. 2) Plan activities, advise and support young people to successfully complete Arts Awards. 3) Ensure the Brewhouse has a strong presence in local festivals i.e. Taunton Live and Summer Fest!

3. Project Management 1) Programme and project manage all elements of the Learning and Participatory Programme including: project design, delivery plan, scheduling, logistics and administration. 2) Identify appropriate artists to lead elements of the programme and negotiate and prepare contracts for signature by CE. It is envisioned that the Learning and Participatory Manager will be responsible for the delivery of some of the regularly programmed activities i.e. dance class, youth theatre, choir or art club etc. (depending on skill set 3) Excellent communication, liaising with technical, FOH, facility staff, partner organisations, artists and participants, producing timely information so events are planned and delivered effectively. 4) Develop and implement evaluation procedures in order to continually innovate, improve participant experiences, broaden reach and increase revenue. 5) Ensure excellent customer relations with partners, artists and participants. 6) Be the main point of contact for incoming professional artists, schools, participants and companies delivering or participating in the engagement programme. 7) Work in conjunction with the Artistic Programmer and visiting companies to devise and produce learning materials and educational packs to deepen engagement and knowledge of participants. 8) The Brewhouse’s longer term aim is to take live performance into community settings. The Learning and Participatory Manager will work in collaboration with the Artistic Programmer and other partners to project manage performances in various locations i.e. hospitals, schools, libraries etc.

4. Producing The Brewhouse is a receiving house but wishes to develop smaller scale work focused on youth and community productions. With this in mind the L&P Manager will: 1) Present ideas and new initiatives to the management team, together with how projects can be resourced and managed without additional financial resources. 2) Work with the Chief Executive to develop strategic partnerships and co-produce projects that enable the Brewhouse to reach out creatively to its audience and offer performance opportunities within the context of professional work.

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5. Staff Management The Learning and Participatory Manager will manage free-lance artists contracted to deliver elements of the programme. In future there may also be work placement students and/or trainees that will be placed under the day-to-day management of the post-holder.

6. Partnerships 1) Broker new and develop existing partnerships with schools, artists, companies, arts and cultural organisations, targeted community groups and Taunton Deane Borough Council to enable more people to participate in and be inspired by the arts. 2) Develop creative partnerships with education establishments to help them develop their arts and cultural offer for young people and achieve Arts Mark status. Strive to ensure every young person in Taunton has the opportunity to experience live theatre. 3) Act as a broker between schools and visiting companies, as appropriate.

7. Marketing and Audience Development 1) Assist the Marketing Manager to identify target markets and develop media and marketing campaigns that maximise sales and grow and widen arts participation. 2) Work with colleagues to leverage cross-selling and promotional opportunities across the participation and theatre programmes. 3) Review sales figures with colleagues on a regular basis so remedial action can be taken and campaigns/promotions implemented in a timely manner 4) Actively engage in on-line and social media campaigns promoting the Brewhouse’s Learning and Participatory Programme.

8. Finance and Development 1) Manage work within a designated budget, ensuring cost efficiencies without undermining quality of services and output. 2) Achieve revenue against projected income figures, working in collaboration with the marketing team to ensure effective campaigns and sales. 3) Work with the CE and Marketing & Communications Manager to ensure the Brewhouse pricing strategy is optimal, increasing revue where achievable, without reducing accessibility. 4) Identify, write and assist the CE in the drafting of Learning and Participatory funding applications, reports and evaluations.

9. General 1) Actively advocate the Brewhouse, its work, values and ambition, representing its interests at arts and cultural events, meetings, in networks and the media as appropriate. 2) Keep up-to-date with best practice, current thinking and funding opportunities for Learning and Participatory work, to extend reach and diversify the Brewhouse’s demographic. 3) Contribute to the writing of policies and procedures, ensuring best practice is implemented and visiting artists are compliant with current legislation and Brewhouse policy. 4) Act as the lead on all matters pertaining to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults. 5) To attend training courses and conferences to develop professional skills and knowledge 6) To work in accordance with the Brewhouse’s polices and national legislation. 7) To minimise the impact on the environment wherever possible by implementing sustainable working practices.

10. Other 1. Any other responsibilities that may reasonably be required by the CE of the Learning and Participatory Manager. 3

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

Three or more years’ experience working in community or educational arts practice.

A degree or equivalent in an arts based subject.

A highly motivated individual, committed to the development of the Brewhouse, its values and objectives.

Entrepreneurial spirit, with ability to imagine, plan and implement Learning and Participatory activities that attract new audiences and increase revenue.

Experience in teaching or leading a broad range of Experience of producing educational resources, Arts people and groups in arts related activities. Award supervision and Arts Mark knowledge.

Excellent knowledge and network of artists and companies.

Experience of programming, negotiating and contracting artists.

Excellent communication and customer relationship Knowledge and experience of marketing. skills.

Proven track record of building innovative and productive partnerships with a variety of groups and organisations.

Experience of developing evaluation procedures and Experience of appraising staff and mentoring analysis skills in order to continuously improve artists/teachers. programmes.

People management experience and strong Experience of developing trainee/apprenticeship interpersonal skills with the ability to work programmes and/or developing volunteers. collaboratively with a wide variety of people.

High degree of self-awareness and sensitivity to interact effectively with a range of community groups.

Exceptional organisational and time management skills, to keep abreast of multiple work-streams, consistently meeting targets and deadlines.

Experience of managing budgets, to maximise value Experience of fundraising, developing income from limited funds. streams and writing funding applications.

Knowledge of best practice with regards to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Strong computer skills, including databases, social media and content management.

Willingness to work irregular hours including, evening, weekends and school holidays as the programme dictates.

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REPORTS TO: Chief Executive

HOURS: This is a full/part-time role, between 28-35 hours per week and an hour’s unpaid lunch break each working day. This role requires applicants to be able to work flexibly.

REMUNERATION This role is offered at £24,000-£26,000 pro rata, depending on experience, paid monthly in arrears. Holiday is 28 days per year (pro-rata) including the standard Bank Holidays for . However, the theatre is open daily including Bank Holidays when staff will be required to work with time off in lieu. The nature of this role will require a flexible working approach, evening and weekend work. The leave year is from April 1 to March 31. There is no pension provision at this time.

NOTICE: The notice period will be 3 months either side.

PRO BONO In keeping with the volunteer ethos of Taunton Theatre Association all employees are encouraged to donate time and/or activities beyond those contracted. This helps build rapport and good team spirit with colleagues, audiences and with the volunteers on whom the organisation depends. Managers are encouraged to train as Duty Managers and volunteer to act in this capacity approximately one evening a week.

HOW TO APPLY: Please complete application form (no CVs please) and send by email : [email protected] with Learning and Participatory Manager in the subject line. Or post to The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre, Coal Orchard, Taunton, TA1 1JL marking the envelope LPM-2016.

Completed forms must be received by 12.00 noon Friday 22 January 2016. Interviews will take place in the week commencing the 1 February 2016.

Operating Premises: Taunton Theatre Association Ltd, Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Coal Orchard, Taunton, TA1 1JL Telephone: 01823 283244 Website: www.thebrewhouse.net Company Registered in England & Wales No. 8658085 Registered Charity No. 1156472

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