Head of Production

Recruitment Pack

October 2017 9 October 2017

Head of Production

Thank you for your interest in the Octagon Theatre Bolton and the role of Head of Production.

The Octagon is a highly regarded producing theatre with a strong local connection and a national reputation. Our work on stage includes classic and new plays, musicals and productions with and for young people. We also make and present work in our studio theatre, outside in our town and communities, and online. The Head of Production is responsible for realising our work to high standards, on time, and on budget.

The role combines leadership of our busy production department, management of the production process, and the planning and financial control of all productions. The post holder is expected to directly production manage most Octagon productions, but may also be supported by additional production managers from time to time. The successful candidate will bring an understanding of theatre production, the ability to work collaboratively with creative teams, and the management skills to achieve the best out of people and resources.

This is an extraordinary time for the Octagon: it’s our 50th anniversary and in 2018 we will vacate our building and work site-specifically whilst we undertake a £9.8m capital redevelopment that will modernise the theatre including the auditorium and backstage spaces. The Head of Production will make a major contribution to the success of this exciting period.

In this pack you will find the job description and person specification, as well as guidance on the process, terms and conditions, and background information. You can also get further information about the Octagon on our website www.octagonbolton.co.uk and a copy of our most recent annual report www.octagonbolton.co.uk/annual-report

I hope that you enjoy finding out more about this opportunity. The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 30 October. Good luck with your application.

Kind regards,

Roddy Gauld Chief Executive

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Head of Production Job Description and Person Specification

Responsible to: Chief Executive (to July 2019) Artistic Director (from July 2019)

Responsible for: Company Stage Manager, Chief Electrician, Wardrobe Supervisor, Construction Supervisor, Production Technician, Production and Artistic Administrator

Purpose of position:

• To plan and manage the delivery of the Octagon’s productions to the highest standards. • To control the production budget for Octagon productions. • To lead and manage the Production Department, its staff and resources. • To contribute to the efficient management of the organisation and its buildings.

Organisational structure:

The role works closely with the Chief Executive and Artistic Director to plan and deliver the organisation’s programme of work. The Head of Production leads the production department, including line management of team managers, a production technician and an administrator. Collaboration with creative teams is essential, as well as co-producers and for the Octagon’s off-site programme, the Projects Manager who is responsible for coordinating locations.

The role is part of the management group and is expected to contribute to the wider leadership and management of the organisation.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Plan all Octagon productions and co-productions, working closely with the Artistic Director and Chief Executive.

• Act as the budget holder for Octagon productions and designated projects, including: - Responsibility for cast, creative, physical production and all other direct costs. - Drafting of budgets with the Artistic Director, co-producers and Head of Finance. - Ensuring accurate budgets are approved by the Chief Executive and board. - Issuing budget instructions and limits for all sub-budget holders. - Monitoring and authorisation of expenditure. - Working with the finance department to provide accurate accounts of each production.

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• Work with the Artistic Director to set and maintain the production and craft standards for the artistic work.

• Act as Production Manager for Octagon productions and artistic events, which may include work on-site, off-site, creative engagement, and co-productions: - Facilitating and overseeing the requirements of each production with the creative team. - Working with any incoming teams to implement production requirements to the highest possible standards. - Working with teams in other theatres to successfully transfer or tour productions. - Leading production meetings, attending rehearsals as appropriate, overseeing technical rehearsals, get-ins, get-outs and performances as required. - Communicating relevant production information between internal colleagues and external partners. - Ensuring that productions are realised as required, on budget and on schedule.

• As necessary, appoint and support freelance Production Managers to deputise in delivering productions and events on the Head of Production’s behalf.

• Ensure the production department effectively facilitates touring-in productions and hires.

• Work with the Chief Executive, Head of Business Operations and others in preparing agreements, budgets and schedules with co-producers and other partners as necessary.

• Manage production department budgets, including equipment maintenance and petty cash, in addition to production budget control.

• Work with the Head of Creative Engagement to ensure their production and project needs are fully planned for and incorporated into the Production Department’s work.

• Contribute to strategic and business planning along with other senior managers, to identify opportunities and manage resources to realise the Octagon’s vision.

• Act as the Health and Safety Officer for the organisation, including chairing the Health and Safety Committee, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, completion of risk assessments, and maintaining an appropriate Health and Safety Policy.

• Contribute to the Operations Group and take delegated responsibility for operational management of our buildings such as: operational procedures, business continuity, evacuation procedures, security and maintenance.

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• Contribute to capital developments through identifying organisational needs and requirements; managing equipment procurement and renewal; and managing agreed projects of work.

• Ensure that productions are staged in compliance with the relevant licence conditions, liaise internally with the theatre’s licensee, and liaise as appropriate with external bodies including the local authority and fire service.

• Line manage the Company Stage Manager, Chief Technician, Wardrobe Supervisor, Construction Supervisor, Production and Artistic Administrator and Production Technician, and other staff as appropriate, taking responsibility for their performance, professional development and other HR tasks.

• Ensure that appropriate staffing arrangements are in place for the scheduled programme, including recruitment of casual staff such as technicians and chaperones.

• Keep informed of best practice and developments in theatre production and take a proactive approach to own professional development, as well as that of the department.

• Work in the best interests of the Octagon and in accordance with company policies including health and safety, safeguarding and IT.

• Be an effective representative of the Octagon in all situations and demonstrate the highest level of customer care and service.

The main duties and responsibilities are indicative and not exhaustive. Other duties may be necessary to fulfil the purpose of the post. This job description may be periodically reviewed and revised in consultation with the post holder.

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Person Specification

Essential experience Desirable experience

• At least five years’ experience in theatre • Experience of working with students, production comparable to the Octagon’s community and young companies in work. productions. • At least two years’ experience of managing • Experience of transferring and touring staff and managing budgets. productions. • A professional expertise in one of the fields • Experience of site-specific theatre of: stage management, technical theatre or production. theatre construction. • Experience of the Production Manager role. • Experience of risk assessments and Health • Experience of estimating production costs and Safety compliance. and setting budgets. • Experience of working in an office • Experience of a theatre capital project. environment and completing administrative tasks.

Essential skills and abilities

• Ability to work with creative teams and to pragmatically realise artistic aspirations. • Ability to lead, manage and motivate teams of people. • Ability to problem solve, apply creative solutions and be resourceful. • Ability to work on own initiative, prioritise and organise workload, and meet deadlines. • Attention to detail. • Team working, listening and collaborative skills. • Numeracy skills including the ability to set and monitor budgets. • IT literacy including the ability to use Microsoft Office. • Personal communication skills.

Essential knowledge and understanding Desirable knowledge and understanding

• Understanding of theatre production and • A relevant qualification in Health and Safety technical processes. and training in any of: First Aid, Manual • Understanding of Health and Safety best Handling, and Working at Height. practice and legislation. • Understanding of Union agreements and theatre employment issues. • Understanding of budgets relating to theatre production. • Knowledge of theatre licensing and statutory requirements. • A current driving license.

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Head of Production Terms and Conditions

This is a summary of the terms and conditions.

Salary: Starting salary between £30k and £35k depending on experience.

Pension: The company operates an auto-enrolment pension scheme through NOW:Pensions in line with current government legislation.

Contract: Permanent.

Hours: 40 hours per week on average, which will require flexibility including regular working at evenings and weekends, and travel away from the Octagon.

Holiday Entitlement: 28 days per annum (inclusive of Public Holidays), increasing 1 day per year to a maximum of 33 days per annum

Place of work: Mainly at the Octagon Theatre Bolton, but this post will require some regional and national travel.

The Octagon offers a range of other employment benefits including: • A commitment to flexible working where possible • Child care vouchers • Loans for season tickets, bicycles and parking costs • Complimentary tickets • Staff café discount

There will be a six month probationary period. Any offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of: • References are that satisfactory to the Octagon • Evidence of the right to work in the UK as defined by the Home Office • A valid DBS check when working with young people

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Head of Production Application Guidance

Applications should be submitted to [email protected] no later than 9am on Monday 30 October. Applications should be made using the application form provided. CVs will not be accepted. We would be grateful if you would also return the Equal Opportunities monitoring form. We cannot accept applications received after the deadline.

If you require the application materials in a different format or have any other access requirements, please contact [email protected].

Interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place on Thursday 9 November at the Octagon Theatre Bolton.

If you have not heard from us by Tuesday 7 November, then regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion.

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Head of Production Background information

The Octagon Story We are theatre situated in the heart of Bolton and believe in reaching out to all of the communities that surround us and are striving to bring wonderful theatrical experiences to the people of Bolton and beyond.

We lovingly bring stories to life on our stages designed to make you laugh, cry and sit on the edge of your seat. Over the course of a year you might see a comedy or 2, a brand new play, a musical, thought provoking drama, a historical retelling and more. Off our stages we help nurture and develop stories of others – through our work in the communities from our storytelling sessions for under 5s to our drama group for over 50s – we believe everyone should have the opportunity to be creative.

At nearly 50 years old we were the first theatre to be built in the North West since World War One. Beginning as brainchild of a university lecturer and group of students to build a theatre for the people of Bolton, the Octagon was going to be a little but different form the usual. With amazing support from the local government, and the people of Bolton who helped raise funds brick by brick - our building was officially opened on 27 November 1967 by HRH Princess Margret and we opened our doors for the very first time to begin our long journey of telling wonderful stories to the people of Bolton and beyond.

The first story on our stage was Annie And Fanny by Bolton playwright Bill Naughton. A new play written by a local playwright – this was an exciting start to the proud tradition we have held strong for 50 years of supporting new and local writing. New writing has always been an important part of the Octagon story as well as producing plays from some of the greatest playwrights throughout history. The heart of our theatre from the day it was built right up to the present is our intimate and flexible Main Auditorium theatre space. Seating between 300 and 390 and unlike most theatres not only does the set change production to production but the seating develops and changes. Usually seen in 3 main configurations of in-the-round, end-on and thrust stage every time you come and see a show you will enjoy a totally different experience.

Throughout the years many changes have happened to the building and the work we do, from the creation of our Studio Theatre in 1987 to the inception of our participation programme which seeks to engage with communities across Bolton. We are continually looking to evolve and develop the work we create and most recently have announced funding for a major capital development of our building, where we will be seeking to not only improve our visitor experience but also the accessibility of our backstage areas and an improved provision for the young people we work with.

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We believe in world class theatre: made in Bolton. Most of our production work is delivered on- site and to facilitate this we have a large workshop where sets are constructed, a small sound engineering studio, a wardrobe department where all costumes are cut, fitted and sewn, and a prop store where furniture and smaller items are stored. The Octagon’s rehearsal space, The Lab, is where actors work under direction for about four weeks before transferring to our Main Auditorium, when the production is ready for its opening performance.

We believe that everyone has a story to tell. Our community, participatory and education work is recognised as a benchmark both regionally and nationally. From a popular Youth Theatre programme to our work with young people with learning disabilities and groups within the communities of our partner Bolton at Home we believe everyone has their own story and theatre can be an amazing tool in empowering and building the confidence in people to tell theirs.

Our vision and values Our community will be enriched and inspired by quality, entertaining and thought-theatre productions, and opportunities for people to realise their potential, express themselves and fly.

Values:

Creativity We are an organisation that creates theatre and inspires others to be creative too.

Inclusion We want the entire community to be part of the Octagon and for them to be able to access our work, to feel welcome and safe.

Learning We encourage people to grow their abilities and their ideas; and for us to grow and stretch our own too.

Quality We seek to ensure that everything we do, especially the work we create and the service we offer, aspires to the highest possible quality.

Pride We take pride in our work, our theatre and our town; and we strive to make Bolton proud of us.

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Recent and future main auditorium productions 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 Rita, Sue and Bob Too by Andrea To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper The Family Way by Bill Naughton, Dunbar, directed by Max Stafford- Lee, adapted for the stage by directed by Elizabeth Newman Clark and Kate Wasserberg Christopher Sergel, directed by Elizabeth Newman An Enemy of the People by The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Henrik Ibsen, adapted by Arthur Brecht, directed by David Thacker The Winter’s Tale by William Miller, directed by David Thacker Shakespeare, directed by David A Christmas Carol by Charles Thacker The BFG by Roald Dhal, adapted Dickens, adapted for the stage by by David Wood, directed by Neil Duffield, directed by Ben Cinderella by Mike Kenny, directed Elizabeth Newman Occhipinti by Ben Occhipinti Two by Jim Cartwright, directed by Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, (with Derby David Thacker adapted for the stage by Lorna Theatre) by Willy Russell, directed French and Janys Chambers, by Elizabeth Newman Two 2 by Jim Cartwright, directed directed by Elizabeth Newman David Thacker Ashes by , directed Hamlet by William Shakespeare, by David Thacker Martha, Josie and the Chinese directed by David Thacker Elvis (with Hull Truck Theatre) by The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (with Charlotte Jones, directed by Mark East is East by , York Theatre Royal) by Anne Babych directed by Ben Occhipinti Brontë, adapted by Deborah McAndrew, directed by Elizabeth Look Back in Anger (with Derby The Big Corner, adapted from the Newman Theatre) by John Osborne, directed short stories of Bill Naughton by by Sarah Brigham Lawrence Till, directed by Elizabeth I Capture the Castle (with Watford Newman Palace Theatre, Kevin Wallace Ltd Singin’ in the Rain (with Salisbury and Deborah Ward) by Dodie Playhouse and New Vic Theatre) Summer Holiday (off-site), Smith, adapted by Teresa Howard by Betty Comden and Adolph adapted for the stage by Michael and Steven Edis, directed by Brigid Green, songs by Nacio Herb Brown Gyngell and Mark Haddigan, Larmour and Arthur Freed, directed by directed by Elizabeth Newman and Elizabeth Newman Ben Occhipinti Winter Hill by Timberlake Wertenbaker, directed by Elizabeth Gulliver’s Travels (off-site) Newman by Jonathan Swift, adapted for the stage by Satinder Chohan and Mike Talking Heads by Alan Bennett, Kenny directed by Ben Occhipinti

In addition to these plays, our annual programme includes: • Productions by and for young people such as The Railway Children (2017) and The Secret Garden (2016); • Community open day events and performances such as Platform 50 (2017) and Pleasure Beach (2016); • REVEAL, our annual showcase of new work, performed in locations across Bolton; and • The Academy, our project for young people to produce and tour their own production.

Capital project and fundraising

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We are working towards a £9.8m capital project to reimagine the Octagon. This sum includes the cost of transition and working off-site for a period of 15 months. On re-opening, the theatre will have improved accessibility, backstage facilities and audience comfort. We will have increased capacity for working with groups, young people and the community, as well as being more financially and environmentally sustainable. Whilst construction work is underway, we are producing six productions off-site in a range of non-theatre spaces.

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