Youth Theatre Director & Education Practitioner Information Document

April 2011

Riding Lights Theatre Company

is an artistic community drawn together around a common vision - to explore all aspects of life through theatre created from a broad christian perspective. The company’s work is informed by christian faith and values which are shared by many of those who work for it. Staff of the company, whether administrative or performing, need, at the very least, to be in sympathy with what lies at the core of the company. Its work is directed and evaluated in a way that acknowledges the reality of christian faith within the company, for the majority of its nationwide group of supporting Members and for some of the organisations who help to promote our work across the country. The focus which Riding Lights maintains provides a hub for a whole range of theatre-related activities. Far from being a limitation on the content of our work, it is the springboard for the broadest and most inclusive engagement with the whole spectrum of human endeavour; it provides a basis from which to tackle any subject. The value of the theatre we produce can be assessed in various ways: •

It seeks to build a strong awareness of community through shared experiences of life and entertainment.

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It is staged to serve the needs of theatres, schools, prisons and local groups - often in places where performance is rare.

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It is a creative response to the hopes and fears of our audiences as we commission new plays and re-interpret the classics or any play which gives us wisdom and insight into the human condition.

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It seeks to be a forum for social conscience, addressing any issue where justice, peace or the well-being of one person might be threatened by the actions of another.

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It tries to develop the talents of others through workshops and training in aspects of theatrecraft.

There is no hidden agenda behind Riding Lights Theatre Company. Our aim is to allow the public process of engaging in theatre to open ‘windows’ through which anyone might gain a little more light on the journey which we believe God walks with us.

Artistic Director

JOB DESCRIPTION:

YOUTH THEATRE DIRECTOR & EDUCATION PRACTITIONER

RIDING LIGHTS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AIMS TO: ENABLE

people to discover the value of theatre

ENGAGE

people with the practices and personality of Riding Lights Theatre Company

EQUIP

people with theatre and communication skills (personal and social)

EXPLORE

the educational possibilities of the Riding Lights output

EXTEND

relationships with the Company’s audiences (building community locally and globally)

1. CONTEXT Riding Lights Theatre Company is an independent charitable theatre company with a christian ethos founded in York in 1977. The Company’s aim is to reach a broad audience by producing high-quality, innovative theatre productions with a spiritual heart and to reawaken a strong dramatic tradition within the christian community. Most of the Company’s output is designed for national (and occasional international) touring. Some educational projects are specifically mounted for the Company’s own studio performance space – Friargate Theatre in York. Riding Lights moved into Friargate Theatre in 1999. This building comprises performance, rehearsal, administrative and technical spaces. From this ‘factory base’, Riding Lights creates a variety of touring product at community (Roughshod), regional and mainstream levels. This work appears in a whole range of venues from prisons, schools, churches, arts centres to some of the major theatres in the UK. In addition, the Company runs an annual Summer Theatre School with an attendance of over 100 adults and young people. Friargate Theatre has given the Company a platform for interaction with the local community in Yorkshire and it has also enabled it to develop specific expertise within the educational field. The Riding Lights Youth Theatre has been established with up to 100 members in two groups drawn from the academic years 7-9 and 10-13. and a third youth theatre for those with significant additional needs or disabilities, called ‘Acting Up!’ for ages 13-18. These groups meet on separate evenings each week in term time, working on a range of projects based around acquiring theatre skills and presenting performances. Excellent working relations have been established with local York secondary schools, including some regular teaching commitments and projects have been run with the practical and financial support of the York Council’s Performing Arts Service. The Company’s work is supported by a network of Members (about 1800) across the UK. These people champion the Company’s work in their local communities and contribute financially according to their means.

The nature of the Company’s work means that while the staff team have specific roles and responsibilities, they are also expected to undertake other tasks as may be required from time to time in support of the general output of the Company. 2. AIM OF THE JOB: 2.1. To deliver a variety of education and youth projects, including Riding Lights Youth Theatres and schools work. 2.2. To assist in identifying and developing educational potential within the project output of Riding Lights Theatre Company. 2.3. To assist in seeking funding for education and youth initiatives. 3. ORGANISATION: 3.1. The Youth Theatre Director & Education Practitioner reports to the Associate Director: Education and Community of Riding Lights Theatre Company. 4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 4.1. To plan and run the weekly programmes for the Youth Theatre companies. 4.2. To direct Youth Theatre productions and projects. 4.3. To manage the Youth Theatre team of freelance practitioners and volunteers. 4.4. To deliver the Company's regular term-time drama teaching commitments. 4.5. To deliver regular educational input, and liaise with local schools. 4.6. To run, or assist in running (either administratively or creatively) a range of theatre based projects which will be attractive to both young people and adults in ‘holiday’ periods outside school terms. 4.7. To assist in the planning and running of the Riding Lights Summer Theatre School. 4.8. To participate actively in the wider work of Riding Lights Theatre Company. 5. PERSON SPECIFICATION: 5.1. Riding Lights is a professional theatre company with a broad and distinctive Christian approach to life and faith. It is helpful if staff are in sympathy with the Company’s mission and ethos. 5.2. Specific qualities, both essential and desirable, and how they will be assessed SKILLS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL • Educated to degree level. • Experience of theatrical production as a director. • Enthusiasm for and experience of working with young people. • Proven track record of good teamworking skills. • Relevant experience in a position/ positions where the majority of skills and abilities outlined have been essential (including freelance work, voluntary work, student work

HOW THIS WILL BE ASSESSED

Application form Application form/References Application form/Interview Application form/Interview/References Application form/ References

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placements and degree course work where relevant) The ability to manage day to day administration including record keeping, implementing and maintaining effective systems of communication, dealing with enquiries, and other associated administrative duties. The ability to implement and maintain basic financial systems & records. The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people; face to face, in writing and on the telephone. The ability to work alone and to be an effective team member. Good level of computer literacy (Windows/ Microsoft Office) The ability to co-ordinate groups of volunteers and to encourage and motivate individuals and groups. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral High level of accuracy and methodical approach to working The ability to work on own initiative Ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines The ability to negotiate and resolve problems and involve others in implementing solutions. The ability to handle many projects at once Willingness to work irregular & unsociable hours including evenings, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank / Public Holidays. Willingness to be flexible about working hours Willingness to comply with current health & safety legislation. Willingness to undertake routine tasks Willingness to undergo training in appropriate skills as required. Willingness to represent Riding Lights at local, regional and national levels as appropriate.

Application Form/Interview

Application Form/Interview Interview/ References/Assessment Task Application Form/Interview Application form/Interview Application Form/Interview

Application form/ Interview Application form Interview/ References References Application Form/Interview/Assessment Task Application Form/Interview Application Form/Interview

Application Form/Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview/Assessment Task

DESIRABLE • Experience of working with people with additional needs and disabilities • An appreciation of potential sources of funding for education and youth projects. • Basic stage-management experience • A knowledge and understanding of the structure of drama education within the UK. • Full clean driving licence

Application form/Interview Application form/Interview

Application form/Interview Application form

Application form

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES •

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Commitment to theatre and young people Drive and persistence to realise and complete objectives Creativity and imagination

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Ability to lead and inspire others

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Self confidence and assertiveness

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Application form/Interview Application form/Interview/References Application form/Interview/References Application form/Interview/References Interview

6. SALARY 6.1. Up to £15,000 per year. Salaries are reviewed annually in April. Payment is made calendar monthly on the last Thursday of the month by direct transfer into a bank account. 7. CONTRACT 7.1. This post is offered on a fixed term contract to be reviewed after 1 year subject to an initial probationary period of 3 months. The starting date will be in August 2011. 7.2. Hours per week: 40 hours including breaks. Some evening and weekend work may be required. Normal office hours are 9.30am – 5.30pm. 7.3. Holiday entitlement: 20 days per year for every complete year of service plus statutory/ public holidays. 7.4. Notice period: A notice period of 4 weeks will apply within the 3 months probationary period; thereafter a notice period of 8 weeks will apply. 7.5. Pension: You may choose to make contributions into a Stakeholder Pension through the company’s pension provider after you have completed 3 months continuous service. If the contract is extended and two year’s continuous service is completed then Riding Lights will contribute an amount equivalent to 5% of your salary to a pension scheme provided that you also make a contribution of 5%. 7.6. There is NO SMOKING allowed anywhere in Friargate Theatre. 7.7. Regrettably there is currently limited level access to Friargate Theatre and the offices are not accessible for wheelchair users. The Company is in the process of

fundraising to be able to provide greater access for both staff and public. 7.8. Riding Lights is striving to be an equal opportunities employer. 8. APPLICATIONS 8.1. Applications should be made on the form provided and sent to Jonathan Brown, General Manager, Riding Lights, Friargate Theatre, York, YO1 9SL. Completed applications should be submitted by Thursday 5 May 2011. 8.2. Those selected for interview will be asked to attend an interview at Friargate Theatre on 11th or 12th May and will be notified whether they have been selected for interview earlier that week. Travel expenses will be paid by the Company where relevant. 8.3. If possible, an appointment will be made soon after this date and the person selected will be expected to join the Company at a date to be agreed with the selected candidate. If it is not possible to make an appointment then the job will be re-advertised.