Greater Manchester Arts Centre Ltd
Greater Manchester Arts Centre Ltd.
SENIOR PRODUCER – THEATRE
Application Pack
GMAC is funded by
OVERVIEW
“A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body” – Benjamin Franklin
In March 2015, a new purpose-built centre for international contemporary art, theatre, film and books will open its doors for the first time in Manchester, as part of the vibrant new First Street development. It will be called HOME.
From gallery to screen via café bar and bookshop, HOME will redefine the contemporary arts centre, creating a space where ideas, hopes and moments of wonder ricochet off walls and lodge themselves in the headspace of audiences old and new.
Formed by the merger of two of Manchester’s best-loved arts organisations, Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company, see appendix 1, the new organisation aims to make a HOME for curiosity seekers, for lovers of the dramatic, the digital and the deeply engaging; for radicals and reciprocators.
HOME’s two new theatres - a 500 seat theatre and 150 seat flexible studio space - will be a playful platform for new, commissioned work. The five cinema screens will light up with challenging, independent film work. The 500m² 4m high gallery space will be home to the very best in contemporary art. The café bar and restaurant will offer delicious food and inviting spaces to relax and discuss in.
This will be more than stage and screen, however. HOME will be a centre for co-production, artistic creation and sharing. It will be dedicated to learning, for people of all ages. A place for new work and playful ideas; of festivals and commissions; of artists and of audience engagement.
Manchester City Council has already committed £19 million to fund the creation of HOME. The overall budget for the project has been confirmed at £25 million with the remaining £6 million being met by external partners - £1m through fundraising and a further £5 million, subject to final approval, of Arts Council England funding.
HOME will be located at First Street, just off Whitworth Street in a vibrant new development. It will include a public square that is ideal for events, activities and performances. HOME will anchor the development of a dynamic creative quarter for Manchester, drawing together the creative energy emerging from Knott Mill to the west and the Palace Theatre to the east. It will change the cultural landscape in the city and the region, with positive impacts nationally and beyond. HOME will be an important addition to Manchester’s flourishing cultural tourism offer, cementing the city’s position as a key short break destination.
“Our promise is that risks will be taken and that minds will be opened. We will create a dynamic new centre for the arts but more than the space or the menu, or the sign above the door, it will be the work that astounds and that continues to put this company of curators, and the city of Manchester, at the forefront of Britain’s cultural scene. Relevant and revolutionary, critical and contemporary, this is HOME.” comments Dave Moutrey, Chief Executive of HOME.
HOME is the trading name of Greater Manchester Art Centre Ltd (GMAC). GMAC currently also trades under the two legacy brands of Library Theatre Company and Cornerhouse. Both legacy brands will cease to be used once HOME is open.
Creative Vision for HOME
The vision is a ‘work in progress’ that will be refined in the months ahead. We are an organisation that:
i. makes art which is compelling, questioning and ambitious
ii. makes art differently
iii. deepens relationships between artists and audiences
iv. nurtures and celebrates artists
v. is rooted in Manchester with global ambitions
vi. has a responsible business model that supports creative risk
HOME’s Values
HOME is: creative, adventurous, collaborative, provoking, stimulating, curious, and welcoming
HOME’s Operating Principles
During this period of transition and beyond, there are certain key operating principles vital to the success of the HOME project, which capture the mind-set and behaviours required for HOME to secure its creative vision. These principles are necessarily provisional and will adapt and evolve as HOME takes shape and strives to deliver on its ambitions:
· Welcoming and open to everybody
· Imaginative in the way we use our building
· Valuing the skills, craft and creativity of our workforce and volunteers
· A digital innovator
· A catalyst for cultural connection and collaboration
· Building on our shared legacy of work with local communities
· Placing participation and learning at the core of our activity
· Seeking strong partnerships with higher education providers in the city
· Aspiring to be environmentally sustainable
· Active in the public sphere, triggering and hosting debate
· Valued by Manchester’s many communities
In the period before we move into the new venue we will continue to present work under the Cornerhouse and Library Theatre brands.
Job Title - SENIOR PRODUCER - THEATRE
This opportunity
GMAC is in a unique situation. The merger of Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company to create a new mutli-artform production focused organisation is in itself not something that has been done before. Adding to this the creation of a new purpose built venue to facilitate this work sets out the level of ambition which the constituent organisations and their stakeholders have for this project. With such amibition comes great opportunity and risk.
GMAC has many challenges ahead and we aim to approach them with creativity, vigour and enthusiasm but to help us do this we need an experienced and dedicated individual to help mould and deliver a new strategy for the new venue. This is an opportunity to be part of something very significant from a very early stage in the process.
The Producer will work closely with the Artistic Director, Walter Meierjohann and a Dramaturge in delivering the artistic aims of the organisation through the theatre programme of produced, co-produced and received work. You will also contribute to the development of the organisation’s strategic priorities and lead on key aspects where appropriate. You will be key to ensuring our theatre team and programme works effectively with finance, marketing, development and learning.
You will be part of an exciting forward-looking organisation working with a wide range of artists, partners and stakeholders. Our team is enthusiastic, motivated and engaged so expect to be challenged. If you can share our ambition and have the skills, knowledge and experience to do the job this is a great and unique opportunity.
Our Ideal Candidate
Will be a self-starter used to making decisions and thinking creatively. They will have prior experience of producing theatre at middle and small scale, a knowledge of the range of current theatre practice, be well connected within the industry and have a proven track record of good budget management. They will be an experienced leader used to managing diverse teams through an open and inclusive approach. Candidates will also have experience of co-producing with UK and international partners, curating and contracting seasons of received work. They will be experienced in constructive critiquing and able to engage on a par with current and potential creative teams.
This is an exciting and challenging new role and the post holder will be playing a major part in shaping the creative future of this company!
Application Procedure
Please complete the application form telling us how you meet the Person Specification for this role and return with a completed Equal Opportunities questionnaire.
The deadline for applications is 12.00noon Tuesday 28 May
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Friday 7 June
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 12 June
A hard copy of the completed application form should be sent to:
Siobhan Ward, Cornerhouse, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5NH.
HOME strives to be an equality of opportunity employer
Job Description for SENIOR PRODUCER - THEATRE
Purpose
To work closely with, and support, the Artistic Director Theatre in delivering the artistic aims of the organisation. To contribute to the overall creative strategy for the organisation and to lead on key strategic priorities as appropriate. To work closely with the organisations Production, Finance, Development and Marketing teams to ensure that agreed artistic and business outcomes are achieved. Please note that the post does not involve any directing.
Responsible to Artistic Director Theatre
Main Duties
Producing
1. Managing negotiations in relation to royalty agreements
2. Managing negotiations and contracting of creative teams
3. Working with the Production Manager and the organisation’s Finance team on the creation and management of production budgets
4. Working with the Development Team to maximise fundraising opportunities
5. Working with the Commercial Director to maximise earned revenue
6. Producing all HOME and Library Theatre Company (while the brand is maintained) productions and taking overall budget responsibility
7. Managing negotiations on any external venue agreements (including non-theatre venues)
8. Producing special projects including tours and transfers
Artistic Planning
9. Development and management of co-productions.
10. Putting together ideas for productions and projects in conjunction with the Artistic Director Theatre and Dramaturge
11. Advising on the make up of creative teams
12. Researching and reporting on performances of contemporary companies in a regional, national and international context
13. Working closely with the Artistic Director Theatre to curate seasons of small and middle scale received work
14. Working with the Artistic Director Theatre to identify and develop emerging artists
15. Supporting visiting directors and providing feedback if required
General
16. Liaising with other teams on artistic issues, such as marketing, box-office, development, and education.
17. Working closely with the Operations team to ensure the smooth working of our buildings, human resource procedures and policies.
18. Deputising for the Artistic Director Theatre on occasion as necessary
19. Being an advocate and ambassador for the organisation
20. Performing all tasks in line with HOME's commitment to providing the widest audience access.
21. To implement GMAC policies, in particular those around diversity and access.
22. To carry out duties as deemed appropriate by the Artistic Director Theatre and in conjunction with the Chief Executive
23. To work evenings and weekends as appropriate.
Person Specification for SENIOR PRODUCER: THEATRE
Essential / DesirableQUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING / Educated to degree level or with comparable life experience / Training in sponsorship and development
Training in project management
SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE / Excellent knowledge of contemporary theatre – writers, directors, and designers
Understanding of the theatre-making process
Working knowledge of UK theatre contract practice / Knowledge of film and contemporary visual arts
EXPERIENCE / Minimum of 3 years experience producing and co-producing in theatre
Curating and contracting seasons of theatre productions by visiting companies
Project management
Collaborating with creative people
Negotiating with agents (literary, actors etc.)
Devising and managing income and expenditure budgets for theatre projects and seasons / Negotiating international co-production deals
PRACTICAL & INTELLECTUAL SKILLS / The ability to communicate and negotiate with artists and professional people
The ability to generate creative ideas and turn them into reality
The ability to write reports
Proven project management and organisation skills
The ability to use diplomatic and social skills in a wide range of environments and to use these to develop productive fundraising relationships.
An eye for detail
Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise and organise workload
Ability to work under pressure, remain calm and meet deadlines
Computer literate including Microsoft Office WP and spread sheet applications to a high standard
Skilled in the use of web and internet communications / A good standard second European language
DISPOSITION & ATTITUDE
PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES / Flexible, creative and innovative approach to working in a variety of contexts both formal and informal
A good inclusive team leader who motivates and generates enthusiasm in others
Committed to creating great experiences artists and audiences
Confident in building relationships and collaborating with a diverse range of people
A problem solver
An informed interest in the type of work presented by GMAC
Understanding of Equal Opportunities and commitment to creating a diverse programme, workforce and audience.
Willing and able to work irregular hours – evenings, weekends and bank holidays
This post is based in Manchester
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
GMAC Ltd has a Staff Manual that provides full details of all terms and conditions of employment as well as staff benefits. The following are the main terms of employment.
Salary Range: £30,000 - £35,000 depending on experience.
Hours of work GMAC Ltd has a standard working week of 40 hours inclusive of meal breaks.
Exact hours of work as required by demands of the post.
Overtime payments will not be made, however time off in lieu, with the agreement of the Artistic Director, will be available to cover any additional hours worked.
Contract Period This post is offered initially on a three year contract
Probationary period 3 months
Period of notice 6 month will apply to both employer and employee
Holidays 25 days p.a. plus statutory holidays
Pensions GMAC Ltd operates a company pension scheme that is available to all staff
Appendix 1
About the Library Theatre Company
The Library Theatre Company was founded in 1952 and is the major producer of contemporary drama in the North West. Since its inception it has been directly managed by Manchester City Council but this changed after the merger with Cornerhouse in April 2012.
LTC has:
· Produced numerous U.K. and world premieres
· Championed contemporary playwrights
· Co-produced with national and regional companies such as Out of Joint, Rasa, and Lip Service
· Driven an innovatory participation programme engaging neglected and disadvantaged communities
· Nurtured emerging regional theatre companies through the Re:Play festival
· Presented significant international work particularly from Australasia and North America.
· Won or been nominated for over thirty Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards in the last seven years.