Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Executive Team, the Director of Stiwdio Clwyd is responsible for planning and delivering Stiwdio Clwyd as a national studio for Wales to develop and support professional theatre makers at every stage of their career.

Stiwdio Clwyd will be a place for our theatre making communities to develop their skills, create pathways into the wider theatre sector, hone their craft and play. It will be a collaborative space that is inclusive, and time will be given freely without expectation of return. The Director of Stiwdio Clwyd will be responsible for establishing the studio and creating a curated programme based on the conversations with our freelance communities about their needs and what they feel would be most useful from a development studio for Wales.

The principal tasks of the role encompass strategic leadership, development and growth, and operational management with key focus on:

• Leading the creation of Stiwdio Clwyd from individual development programmes to a curated programme supporting our freelance communities
• Influence, negotiate and build a strong team as partnership working, and income generation are vital ingredients to the future success of the programme.
• Act as the spokesperson and ambassador for Stiwdio Clwyd, representing the studio at a local, regional, national, and international level.
• With the Head of Marketing and Communications to create a strong brand identity for Stiwdio Clwyd that stands out but is aligned to the work of Theatr Clwyd.
• Champion and develop Welsh and Wales-based artists and theatre makers.

About Us

Theatr Clwyd is a cultural hub, producing world-class theatre in the hills of North Wales. Since 1976 we have been serving our communities and delivering the highest quality theatre and arts experience for the people of North Wales and beyond.

Our mission is increasingly important to us in all that we do.

To make the world a happier place, one moment at a time.

We are fortunate enough to be one of very few theatres in the UK to build sets, make costumes, paint scenery and create props inhouse. These essential theatre making skills ensure that we can push theatrical boundaries to create stunning shows from the seed of a writer’s imagination. Since 2018 this has been recognised by the theatre industry with awards from UK Theatre, The Stage and the Olivier’s.

The development of theatre makers in our community is key to sustaining Wales and the UK’s cultural sector. We have spaces for writers and companies dovetailed with technical apprenticeships and trainee directors to create a building which supports emerging creatives in developing artistic excellence.

We use our skills to underpin social transformation in our communities. We creatively address social and educational challenges such as youth justice while bridging social and economic divides. We recognise the immediate impact and long term benefits the arts can provide to aid psychological and physical wellbeing. We collaborate with Wales’ largest NHS health board and local social services to meet the challenges facing health and social care by supporting our communities.

We have a recent annual turnover of around £7m and are funded by a combination of Arts Council Wales, Flintshire County Council, box office ticket sales, commercial income and fundraising from individuals, trusts and foundations and corporate sponsorship.

Job Description

This post is funded by the John Ellerman Foundation.

Contract Type - Permanent
Family - Company Support
Hours - 37 hours per week
Starting Salary - £52,500
Salary Grade -SLT
Reports to - Executive Director & Artistic Director

Responsible for- Pathways Producer, Programme Producer, Freelancers within Stiwdio Clwyd Care

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for the role will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once the successful candidate(s) are found. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.

Duties and Responsibilities

General

• A key, active and supportive member of the senior leadership team.
• A key voice in ensuring a balanced, financially responsible programme.
• To lead with positivity and empathy ensuring a happy, motivated Company.
• To seek opportunities to enrich and develop the skills of Company members.
• To oversee all aspects of Stiwdio Clwyd at Theatr Clwyd to ensure it produces the desired results and are consistent with the overall strategy and mission.
• To support the work of the Executive and Artistic Directors.
• To promote and support the mission, vision, and values of Theatr Clwyd in all aspects of work.

Stiwdio Clwyd

• Develop the strategic direction of Stiwdio Clwyd alongside the Executive Team and lead the company to embed and deliver the strategy.
• Ensure that Stiwdio Clwyd is meeting its purpose and doing so within the clear guiding principles.
• Lead and develop the team to create strong pathways for our theatre making communities and a curated programme that has a real impact on those who take part.
• Focus on wellbeing, creating a support infrastructure for the core team and freelancers.
• Build key relationships with funders, partner organisations and other stakeholders.
• Work with the Executive Director and the development function of Theatr Clwyd to manage the financial security of Stiwdio Clwyd, and to report back to existing funders.
• Ensure access and inclusion are at the heart of all people management, planning, programmes at Stiwdio Clwyd.
• Represent Stiwdio Clwyd at internal and external events and projects.
• Foster open and clear communication at all levels of the organisation.
• Any other duties or responsibilities that are relevant to this role and remit.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant experience of general/production management and departmental leadership in a theatre, or in a freelance capacity
• Extensive knowledge and proven relevant and broad professional experience within producing theatre environments, across UK theatre
• Significant experience of working with theatre professionals with a strong understanding of the theatre-making process
• Experience of creating a programme of work to suit a variety of needs and requirements.
• Experience developing theatre makers and/or delivering development schemes.
• Proven track record of delivering significant measurable improvements.
• Proven experience of managing budgets.
• A team-player who is personable, diplomatic and can communicate effectively with people at all levels both internally and externally.
• Committed, self-motivated with excellent team leadership and management skills.
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Passion and empathy for the arts, with a broad knowledge of theatre artists and companies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good ICT skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail and ability to effectively manage multiple projects concurrently.
• An understanding of and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm and calmness – to lead by example.

Desirable

• A good knowledge of theatre technology.
• Openness to working with development and fundraising teams.
• A good knowledge of the Welsh theatre landscape
• An entrepreneurial and self-motivated approach
• Previous experience of working in a receiving house or of touring theatre.
• Previous experience of a senior role in a producing theatre.
• Conversational and written Welsh.
• Full driving licence.