Nottingham Playhouse Trust Ltd

NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE TRUST LTD

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible to: Chief Executive, Board of Trustees

Responsible for:

·  Associate Director

·  Creative Teams.

·  Casting

·  Associate Artists (shared with Associate Director)

·  Production Manager (shared with Chief Executive)

Purpose of post:

Nottingham is an exciting, vibrant and diverse city with a passion for culture and with all the challenges and opportunities of a 21st Century City. Nottingham Playhouse is a producing theatre with a strong commitment to its many and various communities.

The Artistic Director is the artistic leader of Nottingham Playhouse and, with the Chief Executive, is accountable for the overall success and growth of Nottingham Playhouse. The Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse will play an essential role that will encompass not just exceptional artistic flair and choices but advocacy for the Playhouse and the sector, building strong relationships with artists, funders, business leaders, our diverse communities and the media.

The Artistic Director will play a critical role in defining the Playhouse’s future by developing an ambitious artistic vision that is committed to excellence, creativity and collaboration and that will enthuse and inspire audiences.

Duties

·  To lead the artistic programme of Nottingham Playhouse creating a strong, clear vision that reflects the needs of its audiences and is bold and forward-looking

·  To play a key role in discovering and developing artists including emerging artists and to ensure that creative opportunities are diverse

·  To attract a wide range of artists of a very high calibre to work at Nottingham Playhouse

·  With the Chief Executive to represent Nottingham as a Creative City in local, national and international fora and to advocate the key role of Nottingham Playhouse in the city.

·  To combine artistic flair with pragmatism to create work that is locally relevant and has national impact.

·  To direct a minimum of three main stage productions per annum

·  To prepare, in consultation with the Chief Executive and Associate Director, the annual programme of main house and Neville Studio work to serve the artistic and cultural policies of Nottingham Playhouse.

·  To take responsibility for the development and implementation of the cultural and artistic policies of the Trust as they relate to produced work in particular.

·  To take responsibility for the research and development of main house productions including new writing

·  To input to the choice of visiting artistic work

·  To take responsibility for other artistic projects including festivals, community projects, advocating co productions and exchanges.

·  To work closely with the Board, Chief Executive and Senior Management team to formulate and realise the cultural and artistic policies of Nottingham Playhouse

·  To programme Nottingham Playhouse productions and to oversee their effective delivery

·  To be the artistic face of Nottingham Playhouse

·  To play a key role in the Senior Management team

·  To oversee the production of all in-house work and to support the Production facility of Nottingham Playhouse in its creative delivery.

·  To initiate meaningful collaborations with co-producers.

·  To play a key role as part of the Executive of the Playhouse in respect of all areas of operation and planning

·  To create and implement with the Senior Management team a rolling three year artistic plan

·  To take responsibility with the Production Manager for all artistic aspects of in-house and co production design and production

·  Alongside the Chief Executive to act as an ambassador for Nottingham Playhouse. To promote and advocate for the work of the Trust within the greater local, national and international arts and business framework.

·  To be first point of contact for all visiting directors and other creative team members as appropriate.

·  To identify emerging talent and ensure that meaningful creative opportunities and support are provided for artists at all stages of their career.

Managerial

·  With the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, create and implement the theatre’s business plan, within which the artistic vision is articulated and the theatres’ resources are utilised to maximum effect.

·  Attend and report to Board meetings and, as required, those of any sub-committees of the Board.

External Relations

·  Act as the artistic spokesperson for Nottingham Playhouse with key stakeholders, press and media and represent the company at appropriate regional, national and international fora.

·  With the Chief Executive and Head of Marketing, develop a clear message and brand identity for Nottingham Playhouse and, with the Chief Executive, embody this as a spokesperson and public face of the organisation.

·  Work alongside the Chief Executive in developing productive and strategic relationships with all funders.

·  Work with the Chief Executive and Board members in maximising development and fundraising opportunities.

·  Keep abreast of developments and best practice in British and World theatre

General

·  To act always in the best interests of Nottingham Playhouse Trust Ltd

·  To take positive action to promote Equal Opportunities in all aspects of the work of Nottingham Playhouse

·  To agree to abide by Nottingham Playhouse policies, such as health and safety, child protection etc

·  To maintain confidentiality in all areas relating to Nottingham Playhouse where appropriate

·  To maximise income and minimise expenditure wherever possible

·  To carry out such other duties as may be reasonably expected of the post

·  To use best endeavours to reduce negative environmental impact by the Trust

July 2016