National Theatre Wales _ Artistic Director
National Theatre Wales Artistic Director Candidate Brief
Thank you for your interest in National Theatre Wales (NTW). This pack includes information about the company, the role of Artistic Director and person specification as well as a summary of terms. More information about NTW can be found on our website www.nationaltheatrewales.org. _
Introduction _ Artistic Director
Following Kully Thiarai’s appointment as Creative Director for Leeds 2023, National Theatre Wales (NTW) is seeking to appoint her successor.
NTW has presented 63 powerful productions that are nationally significant, ranging from the intimate to the epic. The company has created work that is of lasting significance and global reputation, garnering critical acclaim and opening up new possibilities for theatre and for theatre-makers in Wales. NTW has experimented with multi-media theatre‑making platforms, collaborated creatively across artistic disciplines and shared its resources generously with others. It has surprised, delighted and acted as a catalyst for debate and for action.
We are looking for a theatre practitioner with an innovative vision and collaborative approach who will lead this newest of national theatres on the next step of its journey.
The Artistic Director could act as sole Chief Executive Officer (CEO). NTW recently conducted an organisational review, and the Board would also be interested to hear from candidates who may prefer to be the Artistic Director with shared CEO responsibility, either with a senior member of the team or through a joint application.
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“Since its inception, National Theatre Wales have never been afraid to ask what theatre is and what it might be.”
_ The Guardian UK
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The Company _ Background
Our audiences have followed us and Michael Sheen around his hometown, Port Talbot, to watch The Passion, and returned to the town in 2017 for We’re Still Here, a new production tackling the global steel crisis. Some partied with Neon Neon (Gruff Rhys & Boom Bip) in Cardiff, learning the extraordinary story of Italian publisher Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, in Praxis Makes Perfect. Hundreds climbed the foothills of Snowdon to hear poems by the National Poet of Wales, Gillian Clarke and witness first-hand the annual sheep-gathering, atThe Gathering/Yr Helfa. Many watched a marathon, overnight performance of Iliad in Llanelli. People donned boots to experience Mametz, written by poet Owen Sheers and staged in farmland near Usk – the show offered a chilling glimpse of life and death in a WWI trench. More than 140,000 were in Cardiff to witness Roald Dahl’s City of the Unexpected, Wales’ biggest ever arts event, staged to commemorate the writer’s centenary on the streets of his hometown. And thousands joined us online for Tim Price’s award-winning The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning, learning about a teenager in Pembrokeshire who grew to be one of the world’s most influential and divisive political figures. Others watched across the globe our live online broadcast of Tide Whisperer in Tenby, tackling the global phenomenon of displacement and mass movement.
These are just some of the many productions we’ve staged on trains, military training grounds, beaches and mountains, in warehouses, nightclubs, cricket schools, tents, village halls, schools, aircraft hangars and libraries, all over towns like Barmouth, Laugharne, Rhyl and Aberystwyth, online and in apps, and in cities from Swansea to Tokyo.
Theatre is a force for change in people’s lives. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to make and experience theatre that challenges, entertains and inspires them.
The Company _ Vision We are committed to Making Theatre Matter.
The Company _ Mission The nation of Wales is our stage.
We collaborate with people and places to make extraordinary theatre that inspires change. From the intimate to the epic, our work is powerful, brave and unexpected.
Created in Wales, with a global outlook, we are the English-language national theatre of Wales.
Collaborate. Make. Inspire. Continued… (4 of 21) National Theatre Wales _ Artistic Director
The Company _ Values
_ Brave We are brave in the work we make, how we make it and how we present it. _ Open We are open-minded, accessible, and curious, being quick to adapt in a rapidly shifting world. _ Enabling We enable people to realise their own ambitions, acting as a catalyst for change. _ Inclusive We include our community in decision-making and stand firm in our belief that everyone has the right to make and experience theatre.
The Company _ NTW TEAM
TEAM is National Theatre Wales’s pioneering model of engagement. It is a diverse, worldwide network of people who create work in their communities, give feedback about NTW’s work and inform all its decisions. There are hundreds of TEAM members throughout Wales and across the globe.
TEAM is a catalyst for change, building long-term relationships with a focus on empowerment, leadership and creative activism. TEAM International encourages exchange with overseas participant-led networks, who share the spirit and methodologies of TEAM. nationaltheatrewales.org/collaboration
The Company _ Creative Development
Our mission is to enable artists to work more collaboratively and be braver in their artistic risks and ambitions.
NTW’s Creative Development is a leading model for the support and development of artists and new work. Our raft of opportunities for directors, writers, designers, producers and more, invites artists to test their ideas, evolve their practice and up their game. Our programme is designed to feed a dynamic and ambitious independent arts sector in Wales and offers international connection and exchange.
Across Wales and across art forms, we’re developing exciting talent and new ideas for performance. nationaltheatrewales.org/creative-development Continued… (5 of 21) National Theatre Wales _ Artistic Director
The Company _ Finances
The company has an annual budget of approximately £2.7m, in the current financial year. 60% of the funding is our core grant from the Arts Council of Wales, at around £1.6m. The company is in its penultimate year of its current funding agreement with Arts Council of Wales, and will be submitting a new application in Spring 2020 to cover the period 2021-2024
One of the company’s strategic objectives is to fund at least 40% of its expenditure annually from sources other than its core grant. We have been highly successful in generating funds from trusts, foundations and other third party partners (including co-producers and grant-making bodies) over a number of years. Income from these sources regularly exceeds £300k and is budgeted to approach £500k in the current financial year. Other income includes Theatre Tax Relief credits and Box office income, which forms a relatively small proportion of the total, reflecting the company’s audience development objectives. NTW always endeavours to keep overheads to a minimum and prides itself on devoting around three quarters of its funding towards artistic, creative and participatory activities.
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Strategic Priorities _ 2020 – 2023
The company recently undertook an extensive strategic planning process, involving the whole organisation and a diverse range of stakeholders, to help shape NTW’s future aims and ambitions. These are some of the headlines from the draft plan:
As we enter our 10th year, we will align our focus on people and place with our ambitions for pioneering artistic practice, underpinned by our commitment to sustainability. We recognise that sustainability goes beyond environmental concerns and embraces our roles as cultural leaders to play our part in supporting the well-being of artists, communities, and our collective futures.
_ Place NTW has celebrated and showcased the extraordinary diversity of the landscape and social settings of Wales as well as exploring the place that theatre and the arts might play in the cultural life of the nation. Place will remain central to our strategy as we deepen our roots in Wales and build our capacity to reach more people nationally and internationally.
_ People The people of Wales are our most valued asset and an essential part of our DNA – artists, TEAM members, audiences, and those who enable us to tell their stories. A major priority for NTW is to diversify and grow its audience.
Our pioneering artistic practice is questioning: What is theatre? Who is it for? How and where is it made? Who makes it? We will continue to explore this in the context of our vision of Making Theatre Matter. We are creating opportunities for a diverse mix of people to make theatre and helping to build sustainable careers for Welsh and Wales based artists. We will continue to support the creative impulse of artists to make their best work, engaging the public in a dynamic conversation, and also extend our reach and impact at home and abroad.
We will listen and tell the stories that need to be told. Through TEAM we will continue to change the way a theatre works with, and embeds itself, within different communities. We will reimagine the role that a national theatre can and should play in the world by creating extraordinary, surprising experiences in Wales for the world.
We are looking for an artistic leader who can embrace and be inspired by these aims and objectives, whose artistic vision will complement, advance and shape the company’s next ten years.
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Working for NTW _
Every member of staff at NTW has a significant role to play in achieving the Company’s goals. We are all advocates for the Company’s work and ethos and Company Members are encouraged to go and see work, develop networks and connections, introduce new artists and community members to NTW and help develop ideas for the future. Attendance at Company meetings and Ideas meetings, and active involvement with NTW TEAM – our engagement programme – is a valued part of everyone’s job. Beyond the specific tasks of each job description, these Company-wide activities are a key part of each staff member’s contribution and achievement.
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Role Profile and Person Specification_
Please read carefully the role profile and person specification. You should ensure that you meet the essential criteria before submitting your application. Only pertinent information will be considered when short-listing applicants for interview.
Role Profile_
The Artistic Director is responsible for leading National Theatre Wales (NTW) artistically and organisationally: creating, communicating and delivering an ambitious and innovative artistic strategy that extends the Company’s reach and reputation in Wales and beyond. The Artistic Director will build successful and effective partnerships with the many stakeholders, artistic, public and political, who are involved in NTW’s success. A key requirement of the post is to broaden the theatre audience in Wales, collaborating with existing theatres and using unconventional spaces to create work that connects with Welsh audiences and reaches those who do not currently attend mainstream theatre.
The Artistic Director could act as the sole Chief Executive or share these responsibilities with a senior member of their team or joint application. They will report directly to the Board, with regular contact with the Chairman as required. NTW is a continually developing organisation, therefore, in addition to the responsibilities listed below, the post holder will be expected to contribute to any or all aspects of the organisation’s future activities as and when appropriate and in consultation with the Chairman.
Reports to _
Chair of the Board
Line Management Responsibilities _
They will be expected to line manage a number of key, senior posts. The current staff list can be found on our website. nationaltheatrewales.org/about-us/our-staff
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Key Responsibilities _
_ Artistic Vision To create, communicate and deliver an ambitious and innovative artistic strategy and programme of activity.
_ Leadership To lead and develop the NTW team, promoting best practice and equality of opportunity.
_ Communications To be a leading spokesperson for the company and its values.
_ Partnerships To work with senior colleagues in developing effective partnerships with a wide range of companies, artists, venues and other arts organisations in Wales, the UK and internationally with the goal of furthering NTW’s aims and its wider aspirations for the arts in Wales.
_ Fundraising To work with senior colleagues in initiating and developing new income generation streams and participate in revenue earning activities.
Artistic Vision _ In More Detail
To create, communicate and deliver an ambitious and innovative artistic strategy and programme of activity.
_ Create new and high impact theatre projects, in collaboration with a wide range of artists, companies and communities, especially from Wales, leading as Director where appropriate.
_ Support and promote culture and talent development in Wales.
_ Work collaboratively, drawing on the skills available within the current theatre community in Wales, and taking into account the geographic diversity of the country and its different cultural needs.
_ Maintain excellent relationships with and commission work from a wide range of individual artists, writers and groups, nationally and internationally.
_ Seek to expand the theatre audience in Wales through innovative choice of productions, always ensuring a high quality of work and dedication to excellence. Continued… (12 of 21) National Theatre Wales _ Artistic Director
_ Explore ways in which NTW can maximise its international reputation and profile as a national flagship company for Wales.
_ Develop multi-platform theatre work, utilising a range of media and new technologies to position Welsh theatre at the forefront of digital performance.
Leadership _ In More Detail
To lead and develop the NTW team, promoting best practice and equality of opportunity.
_ Monitor the financial management and budgeting processes, taking responsibility for the financial stability and long-term future of NTW.
_ Work with key members of the staff to develop NTW’s brand and communications in a way that embodies and progresses the company’s values and ambitions.
_ Take a leadership role in Welsh arts and society, advocating for the principles of innovation, artist development, and community engagement that are at the heart of NTW.
_ Engage with a wide range of artists and communities – exemplifying NTW’s principles of artist development (Creative Development) and community collaboration (TEAM).
Communications _ In More Detail
To be a leading spokesperson for the company and its values.
_ Develop good, productive relations with the press and other media.
_ Operate at the highest political levels as the chief spokesperson for NTW.
_ Promote and advocate for NTW in Wales, the UK, and internationally.
_ Uphold NTW’s brand identity and values.
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Partnerships _ In More Detail
Work with senior colleagues in developing effective partnerships with a wide range of companies, artists, venues and other arts organisations in Wales, the UK and internationally with the goal of furthering NTW’s aims and its wider aspirations for the arts in Wales.
_ Develop creative relations with UK and international theatres, venues, groups or individuals who can help further the aims of NTW.
Fundraising _ In More Detail
Work with the Board and senior colleagues in initiating and developing new income generation streams and participate in revenue earning activities.
_ Seek and develop good relations with potential sponsors for NTW.
_ Build effective relations and maintain regular dialogue with funding partners, including The Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Assembly and Local Authorities.
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Person Specification_
The ideal candidate should be a theatre-maker with a strong interest in and experience of a range of theatre practice, including site‑located work. They will have an excellent track record and a vision for making theatre, which is bold, innovative and international in its outlook and ambition. It is very important they demonstrate an interest in the theatre ecology in Wales. They will be committed to the deep engagement with communities across Wales, which NTW has established as a key dimension of its artistic presence in the nation. As both Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer (either on a sole basis or jointly), the successful candidate must also have a demonstrable understanding of artistic and organisational leadership and experience of budgeting and financial responsibility.
Person Specification_ Essential
Experience
_ A strong reputation for creating high quality, innovative new performance which engages audiences.
_ Significant experience of artistic and organisational leadership, with an understanding of programming, strategy and management.
_ Proven ability to create a shared vision, empowering others and collaborating with artists and partners of the highest calibre.
_ Experience of transformative community engagement.
_ Experience of working internationally .
_ Experience of effectively managing an organisation with a budget of similar scale or above.
_ Demonstrable experience of successful fundraising and diversifying income.
Knowledge and Skills
_ Excellent presentation and networking skills, including public speaking, with the ability to inspire and influence.
_ Knowledge and understanding of the potential of digital innovation in theatre, communications and organisations. Continued… (15 of 21) National Theatre Wales _ Artistic Director
_ Strong skills in management and team leadership.
_ Wide understanding and knowledge of theatre and performance, nationally and internationally.
Personal Attributes
_ Ambition to make powerful theatre that is created in Wales and inspires change.
_ Commitment to team working and a flexible approach to working practices.
_ Commitment to access and engagement by the widest possible range of communities.
_ Resilience, with the ability to cope with pressure and high expectations.
_ Commitment to embracing digital technology within creative practice and audience development.
Person Specification_ Desirable
Experience
_ Proven ability to programme and commission new plays combined with an ability to provide dramaturgical support to writers.
Knowledge and Skills
_ Knowledge of the theatre ecology in Wales.
_ Welsh language skills.
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Terms and Conditions _
This is a five-year fixed-term, full-time contract with a review to extend at the end of the first term.
_ Salary At an appropriate level for this senior role, according to experience.
_ Hours Full Time. The hours of work for senior staff are not fixed but you are expected to work the hours necessary for the proper performance of the duties that come within the scope of the post (subject always to the Working Time Directive).
_ Holidays 25 days per year (excluding statutory Bank Holidays).
_ Term After a satisfactory six-month probationary period this is a permanent position.
_ Notice Following completion of a successful probationary period, the notice period is six months on either side.
_ Pension After completion of a satisfactory probationary period the Company offers a stakeholder pension scheme with Royal London, where contributions are deducted from salary. You will be automatically joined to this scheme, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria. (You do have the option of subsequently serving an opt out notice within six weeks of joining, if you do not wish to be a member of the scheme. In the event of exercising this option your contributions will be returned to you). At present there is a 5% contribution from the Employer into this scheme. The employee contribution is currently set at a minimum 3% in accordance with the Government’s pension auto enrolment requirements, as it presently stands.
_ Relocation A relocation package will be negotiated where appropriate.
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How to Apply _
The recruitment is being led by members of the NTW board.
Step One _
If you would like to arrange a confidential, informal discussion about this exciting position, please contact our recruitment advisers, Sue Hoyle and Shreela Ghosh at [email protected]. Once a meeting has been arranged, our advisers will let you know the best number to call them on.
Step Two _
To apply for the post, please provide a covering letter (a maximum of three pages) addressed to Sir Clive Jones, Chairman of NTW, outlining your suitability to lead the next chapter in NTW’s artistic development, with reference to the role and person specification described in this pack.
Please e-mail your application together with your CV (a maximum of three pages), details of two referees and a completed Equal Opportunities Form to:
If you would like to submit your application in a different form (for example by post), please contact Sue Hoyle on 07846 164700 to discuss arrangements to do so.
Referees will not be contacted in advance of the interviews.
Schedule _
Applications must be received by 1800hrs on Sunday 8th September 2019.
Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place in Cardiff on Wednesday 25th and Friday 27th September. If you foresee any difficulties with attending an interview on these dates, please tell us in your covering letter.
Sir Clive Jones, the NTW Chairman, will chair the interview panel, which will include Board members, an independent arts professional and a representative of the Arts Council of Wales as an Observer.
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Data Protection _
The information given will be used to create a short-list for interview. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the recruitment process.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form _
NTW aims to promote equality and diversity as an employer and to ensure that no applicant receives less favourable treatment or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements that cannot be shown to be justifiable within the context of this policy.
To help us monitor our equal opportunities policy at NTW we would be grateful if you could complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. When your application is received, this form is removed and is not used during the short- listing process. The information submitted is kept in the strictest confidence, following Data Protection requirements and will only be used to monitor and analyse NTW’s policies.
National Theatre Wales 30 Castle Arcade Cardiff CF10 1BW
+44 (0)29 2035 3070
nationaltheatrewales.org
community.nationaltheatrewales.org
@NTWTweets
National Theatre Wales Continued… (20 of 21) National Theatre Wales _ Artistic Director
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