Purpose of the Role

To collaborate with the Artistic Director and Executive Director to realise the creative potential of Theatr Clwyd’s work. To lead the Producing & Production Department. This role is also a member of the Senior Management Team.

About Us

Theatr Clwyd is a cultural hub, producing world-class theatre in the hills of North Wales. Since 1976 we have been serving our communities and delivering the highest quality theatre and arts experience for the people of North Wales and beyond.

Our mission is increasingly important to us in all that we do.

To make the world a happier place, one moment at a time.

We are fortunate enough to be one of very few theatres in the UK to build sets, make costumes, paint scenery and create props inhouse. These essential theatre making skills ensure that we can push theatrical boundaries to create stunning shows from the seed of a writer’s imagination. Since 2018 this has been recognised by the theatre industry with awards from UK Theatre, The Stage and the Olivier’s.

The development of theatre makers in our community is key to sustaining Wales and the UK’s cultural sector. We have spaces for writers and companies dovetailed with technical apprenticeships and trainee directors to create a building which supports emerging creatives in developing artistic excellence.

We use our skills to underpin social transformation in our communities. We creatively address social and educational challenges such as youth justice while bridging social and economic divides. We recognise the immediate impact and long term benefits the arts can provide to aid psychological and physical wellbeing. We collaborate with Wales’ largest NHS health board and local social services to meet the challenges facing health and social care by supporting our communities.

We have a recent annual turnover of around £7m and are funded by a combination of Arts Council Wales, Flintshire County Council, box office ticket sales, commercial income and fundraising from individuals, trusts and foundations and corporate sponsorship.

Job Description

Hours: 37 hours per week
Grade: SLT1
Starting Salary: £51,005
Team: Programming & Producing
Responsible to: Artistic Director, Executive Director
Responsible for: Head of Production, Producer
Closing Date: Wednesday 18th May 2022, 5pm

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the producing and programming function of Theatr Clwyd to ensure they produce the desired results and are consistent with the overall strategy and mission
• Supporting the Artistic Director and Executive Director in ensuring that all work is produced and presented with high quality production values and in the best possible circumstances.
• To provide leadership for direct reports and, by active participation in the Senior Management Team, to the organisation as a whole.
• To lead, plan and ensure delivery of all Theatr Clwyd’s work across all stages, including co-productions, visiting companies and tours.
• To explore and develop opportunities for the future life of our productions.
• To lead the Producing & Production department, driving positive change and innovation, ensuring efficient and sustainable capacity to support the programme within the resources available.
• To produce Theatr Clwyd’s productions (including Creative Engagement projects) and ensure productions are delivered efficiently, safely, and to the highest production values. This involves planning, contracting, managing creative teams and leading on relationships with co-producers.
• To develop effective working relationships with artists and their agents, producers and other theatre companies.
• To manage and control all budgets relevant to the work of the Producing and Production department, contributing to fundraising and development initiatives and applications where required.
• To take a key role in researching, developing and delivering the future-life potential of projects.
• To assess the technical capacity and commercial aspects of each proposed season of work with the Artistic Director and Senior Management Team. To oversee and develop plans for professional development of theatre makers at all levels.
• To be creative in the identification, evaluation, implementation and review of new ways of working (structure, systems, processes and methods) to increase efficiency and efficacy within the Department.
• To oversee performance management and development of the Department, ensuring excellence and a positive culture is consistently achieved.
• To ensure all working practices comply with Health and Safety legislation including policies and procedures emanating from Theatr Clwyd’s Health and Safety Policy.
• To train and develop managers to achieve the highest standards of staff engagement, safety, efficiency and operation.

Person Specification

Essential

• Extensive knowledge and experience of producing work, including developing and managing co-productions
• Significant experience of general/production management and departmental leadership in a theatre, or in a freelance capacity.
• An entrepreneurial and self-motivated approach
• Proven track record of delivering significant measurable improvements.
• Proven negotiation skills (e.g. with agents, producers and promoters).
• A team-player who is personable, diplomatic and has the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels both internally and externally.
• Committed, self motivated with excellent team leadership and management skills.
• Previous experience of setting and managing budgets.
• Experience of maintaining high standards of producing through awareness of best practice including Health and Safety and implementing effective procedures.
• Excellent problem solving and decision making skills.
• Passion and empathy for the arts, with a broad knowledge of theatre artists and companies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good ICT skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Excellent organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail and ability to effectively manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to work effectively within a busy environment including periods of intense pressure to meet non-negotiable deadlines.
• An understanding of and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm and calmness – to lead by example.

Desirable

• A good knowledge of the Welsh theatre landscape
• A good knowledge of theatre technology.
• Previous experience of working in a receiving house or touring.
• Previous experience of a senior role in a producing theatre.

Your Team

The purpose of the Production Department is to create and run to the highest standards, all aspects of Theatr Clwyd’s productions and related projects, in partnership with directors, designers and project leaders. The department is responsible for ensuring creative teams achieve their artistic vision within agreed timescales and budgets.