Purpose of the Role

Theatr Clwyd is seeking to engage an Assistant Researcher to support a research project led by Jude Rogers, based on the heritage of the Theatr Clwyd building at Raikes Lane, Mold and compile a body of work based on the resultant research.

Theatr Clwyd is Wales’ leading producing theatre and regional arts centre, built in 1976 to provide cultural opportunities for people in North Wales. Our Grade II-listed building is a leading example of a post-war civic arts complex in the UK. CADW cites it as an important example of “the intention to provide universal access to the arts as an essential part of a modern egalitarian state”. The Grade II listing is for use and communal value and highlights some specific heritage aspects within the building. These include a rare paintframe; one of only a handful left in the UK (and one of the largest) still in active commission; handmade acoustic tiles in the main auditorium, which have a functional role as well as being visually interesting, and original 1970s tiles throughout the building (fondly referenced by building users, visitors, and community members), and the original TV broadcast studios for ITV Wales and West, previously known as Harlech Television (HTV) - former employees still engage with the theatre.

A Lead Researcher, supported by an Assistant Researcher will gather stories relating to Theatr Clwyd as a heritage building, this may be due to their long association with the organisation, or because they have personal stories related directly to the heritage spaces highlighted above. The Researchers will also work closely with the Regional Archives to uncover factual data and information which serve to add colour to Theatr Clwyd’s heritage role.

The Researchers will play a key role in protecting and sharing the heritage of our Grade II listed building as the first touchpoint in the journey of interpretation and accessibility. This research job is a collaborative, community-based one and the role will need to ensure a diversity of perspectives and reach the wide range of communities in our region.

The coherent and clearly presented body of work sharing the resultant research, will be presented to an artist or organization who will use the stories, characters, and historical evidence to create audio segments, firmly rooted in the Theatr Clwyd building and using the heritage aspects as physical touchpoints which link the narrative. This will become a Cultural Heritage Trail making Theatr Clwyd a destination venue. Visitors will be able to access the self-guided trail as an audio guide and be transported to Theatr Clywd’s past as they travel through the building.

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

Role Title - Theatr Clwyd Cultural Heritage Trail – Research Assistant
Contract Type - Freelance
Hours - 20 days
Fee: £175 per day
Reports to - Producer & Lead Researcher

Dates:
Research Period - February to April 2025
Presentation of the Heritage Trail - June 2025

This project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Theatr Clwyd Trust Ltd.

Duties and Responsibilities

You will -

• Work in partnership with the Lead Researcher.
• Together, devise an appropriate, methodical, and robust approach to documenting your research work.
• Lead on the promotion of the activity with Theatr Clwyd’s Marketing and Communications Team.
• Work closely alongside the Creative Engagement Team who hold many of the Company’s current community relationships to identify research groups and target individuals.
• Make appropriate visits to undertake research duties and attend community meetings where more can be shared on the project.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with community partners.
• Build a strong working relationship with the Regional Archives and ensure appropriate time to immerse yourself in the history of Theatr Clwyd.
• Represent Theatr Clwyd to the local and wider community and act as an ambassador for heritage at Theatr Clwyd.
• Contribute to a blog to keep the community updated on your activity.
• Ensure that all activities operate within Theatr Clwyd’s organisational policies and guidelines.
• Develop the research documentation on time to ensure the second stage of the project is not compromised.
• Any other tasks commensurate to the post.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in detailed research gathering and documenting findings.
• Experience of using a variety of methods to undertake a research and documentation project.
• Experience of working with people across different communities and proven track record in developing relationships with the public.
• A knowledge of and interest in theatre and/or theatre history.
• Attention to detail a must.
• Ability to manage a busy workload with several priorities.
• Based within commutable distance to Theatr Clwyd
• Must travel with full driver’s license.

Desirable

• Written and conversational Welsh.
• Experience with audio projects
• Demonstrable experience of working within the heritage sector, interpretation and/or community engagement context.
• Previous experience of working on a National Lottery Heritage Fund project.

To Apply

Please submit a CV and cover letter to people@theatrclwyd.comexplaining why you are interested in the role and how you meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Job Description. The cover letter should be no longer than two pages of A4. If you would prefer, you can submit a CV and video (no longer than 2 minutes) instead of a Cover Letter.