77-85 Newington Causeway SE1 6BD +44 (0)20 7407 0234 [email protected] www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Job Title: Assistant Director, Playhouse Young Company (10 – 13 Company)

Responsible to: David Workman, Youth & Community Director

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.

Our theatre programme aims to facilitate and showcase the work of some of the UK’s best up and coming talent with a focus on reinterpreting classic plays and contemporary plays of note. Our two atmospheric theatre spaces enable us to offer theatre artists and companies the opportunity to present their first fully realised productions. Over the past 25 years we have produced and presented early productions by many aspiring theatre practitioners many of whom are now enjoying flourishing careers.

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

During lockdown we continued primarily with Young Company activity online, with some meeting in person at the end of 2020 in a socially distanced model when allowed.

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. This includes the launch of a brand-new Young Company for young people aged 10 – 13 who live in our local community.

This role will initially be for three months, to the end of July 2021, to be extended for longer- term subject to mutual agreement between Southwark Playhouse and the applicant.

Main Purpose

Southwark Playhouse Young Company is a weekly drama group for young people living in Southwark and Lambeth aged 10 - 25 and aims to provide: • A series of weekly drama workshops at the theatre. Led by a professional director/facilitator, these develop participants’ skills, confidence and abilities, and provide them with an opportunity to meet others with similar interests. • The development of a number of pieces of theatre performed by the group at Southwark Playhouse and, where appropriate, at others venues in the local community.

The 10 – 13 Young Company will meet every Saturday from 10.30am – 12.00pm at Southwark Playhouse.

From May 2021 we are seeking an Assistant Director for the new 10 – 13 Young Company, to support the lead Young Company Directors. This role is specifically aimed at individuals at an early stage of their career as an arts/drama facilitator looking to develop their skills in a supportive environment.

The Young Company runs concurrent with school terms. The role has plenty of opportunity for someone to put their own stamp on it.

Southwark Company Ltd Registered in England no. 02994954 Registered charity no. 1042870 Chair: Tim Wood Trustees: Sarah Hickson; Rodney Pearson; Giles Semper; Kath Serkis; Glenn Wellman, Helen Whitehouse Key Responsibilities

• To support in the delivery of weekly workshops at Southwark Playhouse alongside the lead Company Directors. • To support in the development and rehearsal of performances and productions alongside the lead Company Directors. • To work closely with the Youth and Community Director to plan Young Company activity. • To act as the main link between participants, the Young Company Directors and the Youth and Community Director during workshops.

Person Specification

Essential skills, attributes and experience: • Drama workshop facilitation experience (no specific amount required). • Experience of working with young people or non-professional participants in drama/arts contexts. • Knowledge of, and commitment to, inclusive arts practice. • Excellent verbal communication skills. • 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. • Proven ability to work with freelance artists and collaborate on creative projects. • 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. • Passion for drama and the arts.

Desirable skills, attributes and experience: • An arts-based qualification. • First aid certificate.

Fee The fee is £60 per session, paid on a monthly basis on the presentation of invoices. Additional meetings, rehearsals and performances will incur additional fees, in consultation with the Youth and Community Director.

To Apply Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability based on the key responsibilities and person specification outlined here, to David Workman, Youth and Community Director on [email protected].

All shortlisted candidates will have an informal meeting with the Youth and Community Director and Young Company Directors.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 6th April, 6pm

Meetings will be held in the week beginning 19th April, either online or in person.

The first workshop will take place on Saturday 1st May.

Southwark Playhouse is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer. Southwark Playhouse Theatre Company is a registered charity no 1042870.

Southwark Playhouse Theatre Company Ltd Registered in England no. 02994954 Registered charity no. 1042870