Job Description West Yorkshire Playhouse

REGIONAL APPRENTICESHIP 2015 – 2016

Job Description – West Yorkshire Playhouse

Job Title: Apprentice Producer

Who you report to: Mimi Poskitt (Senior Producer)

Robin Hawkes (Executive Director & Joint Chief Executive)

Probation Period: 3 months

Name of Mentor: Mimi Poskitt / Robin Hawkes

Ideal start date for an Apprentice: 2016

Background:

West Yorkshire Playhouse opened in 1990 and is one of the largest, most exciting and active producing theatres in the UK. It successfully balances a firm commitment to serving the communities in its region alongside maintaining a national profile for the quality of its work. The Playhouse has two theatres, The Quarry with 750 seats and the smaller, more flexible Courtyard with 350 seats, plus a temporary studio space. At present the Playhouse produces around 10 of its own shows each year, including a number of co-productions, in addition to presenting a broad touring program. These performances are supported by readings, workshops and community events. Alongside its work onstage, The Playhouse continues to lead the theatre industry in the ambition and scope of its education and community work. These activities ensure that, in total, over 250,000 people engage with the Playhouse and its participatory programmes each year.

The Apprentice Producer is a new role created to offer insight and experience of the Producing office at The Playhouse. This department is pivotal to the successful planning, delivery and development of the WYP programme; providing critical support to the theatre’s artistic leadership (Artistic Director, Associate Director and Executive Director), taking ideas and projects through initial shaping and feasibility stages. Following up- creative collaborations an turning creative ideas into concrete proposals.

Main duties & responsibilities:

·  Support the Artistic Director and Senior Producer in planning all future productions for WYP contributing to programme planning through scoping out and testing the viability of programming options and their potential artistic, financial and audience impact.

·  With the support of Senior Producer, develop a network of contacts in the industry.

·  To assist in the development and model building of potential productions/creative projects: with a focus on our larger Quarry commercial projects.

·  Liaise with the Technical Director to scope production logistics, resourcing and scheduling

·  Liaise with the Director of Marketing & Communications regarding audience development and income potential of programming options.

·  Liaise with the Finance Director in respect of overall budget parameters and income targets

·  Participate in the budget and parameters setting process with the Technical Director, Finance Director, Artistic Director and Chief Executive.

·  To work across projects attending all meetings relevant to the project liaising with all creative teams, casting directors, marketing and press, production and technical.

Project Development

·  Contribute to work on the Development Slate, progressing and following through initial ideas to concrete proposals, attending meetings with potential creative collaborators and co-producers alongside the Senior Producer.

·  To join in and make an active contribution to casting process. Attending casting sessions and working alongside our Casting Associate to identify casting opportunities.

·  To assist in the producing of all readings, sharings and development workshops, of commercial offerings including development of new musicals and revivals.

·  Identify investment and fundraising opportunities to support projects, or contribute to, project fundraising supported by the Development Manager.

Delivery/ Project Management

·  Assist in the delivery of all individual productions/creative projects, contribution to reporting on budgets and on the progress of live projects and productions throughout their delivery.

·  To assist with production management being responsible for booking rehearsal rooms, meetings, and provide general admin support to the artistic planning office.

·  Support the Senior Producer in negotiation of co-production deals and touring productions - gaining insight on contracting and becoming a liaison point between parties. Manage the effective delivery of co-productions and transfers.

·  Participate in the setting up and delivery of Community Tours and WYP national tours

·  Assist in the information flow between departments ensuring it is timely, up to date and accurate.

·  Feed production/project information to the Marketing and Communications Department enabling informed and impactful marketing campaigns to be shaped for each show or project.

Management

·  Ensure effective communications between the artistic planning team and all internal departments, and communication with artists and external production partners.

·  Assist in maintaining strong relationships with co-producing partners and touring venues and ensure excellent communication between WYP and external co-producing/touring partners.

·  Provide information and input to the Creative Engagement team to support greater engagement between community, education and wraparound programmes and the main stage produced programme.

·  Work with the Directors of Finance and Marketing & Communications inputting to ticket pricing strategies that reflect WYP’s commitment to increase access whilst recognising the need to generate box office income

·  Maintain a high level of awareness of the work of the Fundraising and Development Team, being alive to opportunities for fundraising and supporting delivery of sponsors or patrons benefits as required.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

·  Adhere to and implement the guidelines, procedures and policies of the company as detailed in the staff policies.

·  Attend a weekly one to one with the Producer and a monthly one to one with the Artistic Director/Chief Executive for mentoring.

·  Play a role in the life of the company and to work across departments to develop a positive and engaged organisational culture

·  Work with Arts Development to open up the theatre’s producing processes to a wider range of people including people engaged in learning.

·  Be aware of, and comply with, rules and legislation pertaining to Health and Safety at work and to abide by the procedures as set out in the Health and Safety Policy of West Yorkshire Playhouse.

·  Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the Senior Management Team

PERSON SPECIFICATION (Desirable)

·  At least 1 years producing experience with a demonstrable track record of successful project/production delivery.

·  Experience of working on and facilitating artistic processes, project management skills and experience.

·  Proven experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously

·  Experience of successful production and project budgeting and management

·  Excellent communication skills and the ability to develop relationships

·  Experience of contract negotiation

·  Experience of partnership working such as co-productions, touring and transfers

·  Ability to work as part of team, to work fast and effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines

·  Excellent IT and computer skills, specifically Excel

·  An informed interest in the work of the West Yorkshire Playhouse and a commitment to our vision and core values

·  Experience of the subsidized and commercial theatre sector

·  Experience in a producing theatre

·  Experience of working with marketing teams and understanding of marketing and audience development issues.

·  Interest in developing talent and creating opportunities for new projects and new artists

TERMS & CONDITIONS

·  One Year contract as per Stage One Apprenticeship

·  Salary: £19000 pa As suggested by Stage One

·  Full time, 40 hours per week. Some evening and weekend work will be required. West Yorkshire Playhouse operates Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) system.

·  Holidays 20 days per annum plus Statutory Holidays

SAFEGUARDING: West Yorkshire Playhouse is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. We take this responsibility seriously and support our practice with regular staff training and our Safeguarding Policy.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES: West Yorkshire Playhouse is committed to promoting equality of opportunity in its employment practices. In particular, the Company aims to ensure that no potential or actual employee receives more or less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, marital or civil partner status, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age, disability or religious beliefs.