Job Description
Job Title:
Responsible To:
Let’s Play Project Manager
(24 Months FTC – 4 days per week)
Primary Programme Manager
National Theatre
Upper Ground, South Bank
London SE1 9PX
Tel +44(0)20 7452 3333
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
[email protected]
Responsible For: Freelance Practitioners
The National Theatre
The National Theatre is dedicated to making the very best theatre and sharing it with as
many people as possible.
We stage up to 30 productions at our South Bank home each year, ranging from re-imagined
classics – such as Greek tragedy and Shakespeare – to modern masterpieces and new work
by contemporary writers and theatre-makers. The work we make strives to be as open, as
diverse, as collaborative and as national as possible. We want to inspire artists and
audiences to think in new ways, to constantly re-imagine the act of making theatre. Much of
that new work is researched and developed at the NT Studio: we are committed to nurturing
innovative work from new writers, directors, creative artists and performers.
The National’s work is also seen on tour throughout the UK and internationally, and in
collaborations and co-productions with regional theatres. Popular shows transfer to the
West End and occasionally to Broadway; and through the National Theatre Live programme
we broadcast to 2,000 cinemas in 52 countries around the world. Our extensive Learning
programme offers talks, events and workshops for people of all ages in the new Clore
Learning Centre, and reaches nationwide through programmes such as Connections, our
annual festival of new plays for schools and youth theatres. National Theatre: On Demand In
Schools offers six acclaimed, curriculum-linked productions free to stream on demand in
every secondary school in the country. Online, you’ll find a rich variety of innovative digital
content on every aspect of theatre.
We do all we can to keep ticket prices affordable and to reach a wide audience, and use our
public funding to maintain artistic risk-taking, accessibility and diversity. Whether you’ve
been to the National many times or are making your first visit, we hope you will be
entertained, challenged or inspired.
Learning at the NT
Learning is central to the NT’s vision for the future. At the NT, the Clore Learning Centre
welcomes participants of all ages and offers opportunities to experience all aspects of
theatre-making. With National Theatre Live, our digital learning resources, touring
productions and programmes such as Connections and New Views, NT Learning reaches
across the UK and beyond.
Further information on our current programme is at www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learning
Purpose of the Job
The Let’s Play Project Manager will lead on the detailed planning, delivery and coordination of the national rollout of Let’s Play, an exciting theatre-making programme for
Primary Schools and, working closely with the Primary Programme Manager, will
contribute to the strategic and creative development of the project.
Let’s Play is an ambitious national project which has been piloted in London over the last
4-5 years. The national expansion of the project has the potential to transform theatremaking in primary schools through commissioning new plays for children to perform and
supporting teachers to lead a theatre-making process which will inspire learning across
the curriculum and involve children in all aspects of creating a production.
Let’s Play is generously funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Charlotte and Simon
Warshaw.
Duties and Responsibilities
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To develop the Let’s Play project for primary school teachers and children in line with
the strategic direction for the programme agreed with the Primary Programme
Manager and Deputy Director of Learning.
To plan, administrate and implement all aspects of the project to a high standard,
working to agreed targets and KPIs.
To identify and recruit schools nationally to take part in the project, working with
Bridge organisations, Local Cultural Education Partnerships and other partners and
stakeholders as required.
To work with the Primary Programme Manager to support and contribute to the
commissioning of plays for the project, including liaising with dramaturgs, writers,
composers and the NT New Work department.
To plan and support the research and development of the commissioned plays both
at the NT and in schools.
To take a lead on the commissioning, development and evaluation of excellent
theatre-making and curriculum related resources to support teachers and schools.
To work closely with the NT’s Digital Content Producer to design content for films
and digital resources to support the project.
To lead on the planning of content and on the delivery of high-quality professional
development events nationally for teachers taking part in Let’s Play.
To contribute to the development of a web presence for the Let’s Play project.
In consultation with the Primary Programme Manager, identify and manage any
freelance practitioners or artists required for the delivery of the project.
To work collaboratively with NT Learning’s existing network of partnerships across
the education and theatre sectors to fulfil the objectives and build the reach and
impact of the project.
Work collaboratively with the General Manager, Learning, and NT’s Marketing and
Press Departments to implement a press and marketing strategy for the project
Work closely with NT Development and the Primary Programme Manager to prepare
any written materials as required for funding reports.
In collaboration with the Primary Programme Manager and Deputy Director of
Learning, to work closely with the external evaluation and research team to develop
and deliver the evaluation plan.
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To maintain and report on accurate data from the project, including participation
statistics, using the relevant NT systems and procedures.
To manage the project finances and budget ensuring effective use of resources in
collaboration with the Primary Programme Manager and the General Manager,
Learning.
To lead on contractual negotiations with agents for freelance artists and practitioners
and draw up and issue contracts in liaison with the General Manager, Learning and
the Literary Contracts Manager.
To deputise for the Primary Programme Manager when necessary, representing the
Let’s Play programme at internal and external events.
As a member of the wider Learning team, contribute to an open, creative and
collaborative team culture.
Person Specification
Essential:
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Substantial and demonstrable experience of developing and managing theatre
and/or performing arts projects for a diverse range of schools, including primary
schools
A thorough knowledge of all aspects of theatre-making, including contemporary
writing, design and technical theatre and an understanding of creating theatre in a
schools context or with primary age children.
Excellent project management and organisational skills with delivery to budget and
deadlines.
Experience of managing freelance staff and knowledge of artists working
professionally in the field of theatre and education.
An extensive knowledge of school culture and the education system, and an
understanding of the National Curriculum at KS1 and KS2.
Experience of working with children, teachers and Head Teachers in schools.
Some experience of developing education resources, including digital resources.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to use digital technology and social
media and to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders in writing and in
person.
Self-motivated and the ability to work in a self-directed way.
Willingness to work flexibly and to travel across the UK as necessary.
Desirable:
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Some experience of working in a national context.
Some knowledge of educational research and evaluation.
A degree in drama or experience of working in a producing theatre.
DBS Check
The successful applicant will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Enhanced Disclosure and appointment to this post is subject to the NT being in receipt of a
satisfactory DBS Disclosure, under section 115 of the Police Act 1997.
Outline of Terms and Conditions
Contract Type:
24 months Fixed Term
Hours:
28 per week, although the post holder will be required to
work flexibly and additional hours may necessary in order to
fulfill the post’s requirements
Salary:
£27,500 per annum, pro rata, paid by credit transfer on the
15th of each month.
Annual Leave:
28 days in the first year, pro rata, including bank holidays,
increasing with length of service thereafter
Probationary Period:
3 months
Notice Period:
3 months (1 month during probationary period)
Pension:
The National Theatre operates a Stakeholder Pension scheme
with Legal & General. If you wish to become a member, you
may opt to contribute 4.5%, 6% or 7.5% of basic pay and the
National will make a matching contribution. The National also
operates an alternative pension scheme with NEST
Other Benefits
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Complimentary tickets for performances, subject to availability and the National’s
staff ticket policy
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Complimentary tickets for platforms, subject to availability and policy
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Interest-free season ticket loan, cycle-scheme and childcare vouchers
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Staff canteen and bar
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Discount on meals in the National’s bars and restaurants
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Discount on the books, play texts, DVDs and other items in the National’s bookshop
Appointment Procedure
Please note that applications can only be considered if they are submitted through the
National’s Online Recruitment System, and returned by the closing date.
To apply for this vacancy please follow the link:
https://candidate.nationaltheatre.org.uk/58633RNT
The closing date for the receipt of completed application forms is: Thursday 22nd June 2017
First Round Interviews will be happening: 29th June 2017
Second Round Interviews will be happening: 5th and 6th July 2017
For any queries, please contact the HR Department by emailing:
[email protected]
We encourage applications from all sections of the community and in particular those
which are currently under-represented at the NT including BAME & disabled candidates.