GENERAL MANAGER APPLICATION PACK
KILN THEATRE
Kiln Theatre views the world through a variety of lenses, bringing unheard voices into the mainstream. We present high quality and innovative work, which provokes debate and emotionally engages. Located in Brent, the most culturally diverse borough in London, we are a local venue with an international vision.
Converted from a music and dance hall, the Tricycle Theatre opened in 1980 as the permanent home of the Wakefield Tricycle Company. In April 2018 the Tricycle officially rebranded and changed its name to Kiln Theatre as part of the vision for its renovated building, locating it ever more closely with Kilburn and building on the Tricycle’s artistic legacy through an exciting programme of new work.
Today, with Indhu Rubasingham as Artistic Director and Daisy Heath as Executive Director (who joined in January 2019 following 7 years as Lead Producer at the Young Vic), Kiln Theatre continues its reputation for world-class British and international work, reflecting the exceptional diversity of its local community.
“The new theatre’s a hit” The Telegraph
Our building refurbishment project was completed in September 2018, when Kiln Theatre reopened with a 292 seat theatre alongside a 300 seat cinema, a beautiful bar and café, plus three rehearsal spaces which are used for our productions, workshops and Creative Learning projects.
We want everyone to experience the power of theatre.
OUR VISION
Uncover Our Shared Humanity
Based in Kilburn, we create internationally renowned, high-quality, engaging and innovative work which presents the world through a variety of different lenses, amplifying unheard voices into the mainstream.
Registered Charity Number 276892
OUR PROPOSITION
Communicate Universal Truths
Our building is in an area where today 84% of young people have English as their second language. We make theatre that crosses continents and tells big stories about human connections across cultures, race and languages. The bolder our vision and its delivery, the bigger the impact this programming can have on the cultural landscape.
OUR MISSION
Make Theatre for Everyone
Our doors are open for all. We produce world-class theatre that provokes, entertains and appeals to our exceptionally diverse society in Brent and beyond. For the first season after re-opening our building, we have over 10,000 tickets at £12.50 or less and we commit to offer 2,000 free tickets to people and communities who may not otherwise access theatre.
Kiln Theatre encourages artists of all ages and backgrounds. Our ambitious Creative Learning programme aims to champion the imagination, aspiration and potential of the Brent community young and old. We invest in creating meaningful relationships with young people to inspire and encourage their creativity, their confidence and self-esteem. We work with older people to create a thriving community around our theatre.
Kiln Theatre
Kiln Theatre presents around six productions per year, many of these are commissioned and written specifically for this theatre, or are programmed in collaboration with national or international companies.
Recent productions include Handbagged by Moira Buffini, which won an Oliver and transferred to London’s West End, Red Velvet by Lolita Chakrabarti (Critics’ Circle Award, Evening Standard Award), which transferred to St Ann’s Warehouse and the West End, The Great Wave by Francis Turnly, in a co-production with the National Theatre, White Teeth, Zadie Smith’s Kilburn epic in a musical adaptation for the stage by Stephen Sharkey and Paul Englishby, and Florian Zeller’s The Son “A devastating visceral impact” Telegraph, Feb 2019.
Kiln Cinema
Our 300-seat cinema shows the best art-house and mainstream films alongside festivals and special Q&A screenings. Recent partners have included: NT Live; Globe on Screen; BFI London Film Festival; Images of Black Women Film Festival; DocHouse; Kilburn Film Festival.
FUNDING
Our annual turnover is approximately £3.5 million. Kiln Theatre receives funding from the Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation. Other income comes from box office ticket sales and other revenue streams, with a final sum generated through fundraising.
Registered Charity Number 276892 THE ROLE
Role Title: General Manager
Reporting to: Executive Director & Artistic Director
Location: 269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JR
Contract: Permanent. Full-time.
Purpose
At this significant moment for Kiln Theatre, we are seeking to appoint an experienced general manager / producer to join our Senior Team to work with the Executive Director and Artistic Director to produce and general manage all productions, co-productions, visiting companies and other projects as required.
A key role in the organisation and a member of our Senior Team (General Manager, Finance Director, Head of Production, Creative Learning Director, Head of Marketing & Communications, Operations Manager and Director of Fundraising), this new post will be central to Kiln Theatre’s output and will work closely with all departments.
Key Responsibilities
Productions
To support the Artistic Director and the Executive Director in the planning and delivery of the artistic programme, and lead on the overall administration of productions.
To drive each production through the production process, ensuring that each meets its milestones and is achieved to the highest possible standards and in line with our mission and vision.
To lead on the drafting, negotiation and completion of all necessary production contracts (company and creative team). To work with Executive Director to ensure Kiln Theatre contract templates are regularly reviewed and updated.
To manage, maintain and reconcile all production costs and highlight variations from budget. At all times, working to make the best use of resources in achieving the delivery of the artistic programme. To draft production budgets and support the annual budgeting process as and when required.
To work closely with the Head of Production and Production Manager in the development of the physical aspects of each production, including facilitating the production management role where appropriate. To attend all production meetings, and with Head of Production to ensure that resources and parameters are clearly defined.
To support the Executive Director in negotiating and securing any co-producing and/or partnership arrangements required at all times working to ensure the best possible outcome for the theatre. And then to lead on the delivery of all co-productions and visiting productions within agreed terms, including being main point of contact.
To work with Executive Director to ensure that all rights arrangements are securely in place in good time, and then to administrate those arrangements including preparing and issuing royalty statements and working with colleagues in Marketing to ensure all materials are compliant with agreed terms.
Registered Charity Number 276892
To support the Artistic Director and Executive Director in negotiating and completing commission agreements and monitoring the progress thereafter in line with agreed terms. To work with artistic team on organisation of readings and script development when required.
To work with Artistic Director and Executive Director to identify future life opportunities for productions, including national and international touring. To general manage and produce those future lives once confirmed and where required.
To co-ordinate and manage other projects, including comedy, cabaret and other one-off events when required.
To support the delivery of Creative Learning productions and festivals as required.
To work to improve and, where required, create systems and administrative processes to enhance the efficiency of the producing and presentation of the artistic programme. Including working with Finance Director on finance processes.
To support the Executive Director in planning and scheduling, including overseeing the day-by-day master schedule.
To oversee that the Contract Log and Information Chart are accurate and up-to-date.
To manage press nights in conjunction with Head of Marketing & Communications. To ensure colleagues in Operations, Box office and FOH have all production-specific information that they need in order to fulfil their roles.
To collaborate with Operations Manager on Kiln Theatre policies and staff handbook.
With Head of Production, to manage pastoral and personnel matters for all those engaged on fixed term or freelance production contracts. And to lead on the fulfilment of Kiln Theatre’s Code of Conduct and Dignity at Work policy.
General
Promote, maintain and work to deliver the mission and values of Kiln Theatre.
Contribute to the operation and development of the theatre as part of the Senior Team.
Attend first day of rehearsals, run-throughs, technical rehearsals, previews, press nights, Creative Learning activities, other performances and events including fundraising events, internal and external meetings as appropriate.
Represent Kiln Theatre to industry bodies including Equity, MU and UK Theatre.
Be an active and supportive member of Kiln Theatre’s staff team.
Comply with all statutory requirements, including but not limited to Safeguarding, Equalities Act 2010 and Health & Safety regulations.
Keep abreast of current thinking and best practice in theatre and help to maintain the Kiln Theatre’s profile as a centre of excellence.
Carry out such other duties as may reasonably be required by the Executive Director & Artistic Director.
Registered Charity Number 276892
Person specification Essential
Proven track record in producing and delivering productions
Experience of negotiating with agents and completing contractual arrangements for creative teams, actors, stage management and musicians
Strong production budget creation and management skills and experience
A collaborative and empowering management style, with the ability to bring out the best in people and teams
Good understanding of production process and scheduling, with excellent attention to detail
Experience of rights negotiation and delivery
Working knowledge of artist/creative contractual agreements and of the UK Theatre/Equity Agreement for Subsidised Managers
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage and prioritise tasks in situations of conflicting and ever-changing demands
A calm and positive approach with a demonstrable ability to work both rigorously and flexibly under pressure
Deep commitment to and understanding of theatre
Ability to make an exceptional contribution to the vision and leadership of Kiln Theatre as a member of the senior team
An understanding of and commitment to the artistic mission and ambition of Kiln Theatre; and a demonstrable commitment to the broadening of inclusion and access within and to the theatre industry.
Desirable
Experience of union (Equity, MU) and UK Theatre relations
Experience of co-production negotiations and management
Understanding of venue management
Understanding of the national arts and theatre scene, and knowledge of the major social, financial and political issues facing subsidised theatre
This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of the General Manager and does not form part of the contract of employment.
Registered Charity Number 276892
Terms and Conditions:
Hours: Full-time, with an average of 45 hours per week (normal office hours are 10am-6pm). Some evening and weekend work will be required. Salary: £35,000-£40,000 per annum Annual Leave: 20 days per year plus standard bank holidays increasing to 25 days per year after 2 years’ continuous employment. Probationary period: 3 months Pension: Kiln Theatre operates a contributory pension scheme for all permanent employees. Kiln’s contribution is capped at 3% of basic salary although the employee may contribute more. Other Benefits: Complimentary tickets for preview performances, subject to availability £2 cinema tickets for all standard screenings
How to apply
Application forms can be downloaded at https://kilntheatre.com/about-us/jobs/
Once the Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Forms are completed please return, by the closing date, to:
Email: [email protected] using the heading General Manager Application
By Post: James Foran, Operations Manager, Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR
Closing Date: Midday, Thursday 21st March 2019
Interviews: w/c 1 April and w/c 8 April
What happens next?
We will invite some applicants for an interview at Kiln Theatre in Kilburn. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we will only be able to contact you if we can offer you an interview.
Standard class travel expenses will be reimbursed for candidates travelling to an interview from outside London, up to a maximum of £50. These should be agreed in advance. Please bring receipts for travel expenditure.
Registered Charity Number 276892