Purpose of the Role

The successful candidate will spend 18 months at Theatr Clwyd, gaining a full and thorough grounding in all aspects of theatre making. They will work on four to six Theatr Clwyd productions as Assistant Director across the full breadth of work we produce. They will have the opportunity to work on productions in Moondance and Weston theatres, and other discreet projects during the 18-month traineeship. These productions will include the musical Tick Tick Boom!, new Welsh play The Red Rogue of Bala; our annual Rock n Roll pantomime and other productions yet to be announced. As well as working closely with the Artistic Director and Associate Director, the Trainee will spend one week (or the equivalent) with every team at Theatr Clwyd over the course of the 18 months, ensuring a full and rigorous understanding of every aspect of creating, producing and running a piece of theatre. The Traineeship will culminate in the Trainee directing a full production of a play in the language of their choice, which will run in a theatre space or in a found space following their time with us. The production will be decided mutually between the Trainee Director and Theatr Clwyd.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Supervised by the Associate Director & Creative leads on productions, the Trainee Director will:

As Assistant Director on specific projects:

• Work alongside the director on script development, casting and throughout the pre-production process
• Support the director and creative team in rehearsals and previews, working with the actors if and when required, helping with line learning and working specific scenes or sequences
• Continue to watch and note the show during its run, passing notes on to the company as advised by the director

As Trainee in the building:

• Work alongside experienced creative teams led by some of the leading directors in the UK today
• Experience the full range of jobs and opportunities that working within a building-based theatre company provides
• Join other working groups outside of their main specialism to become a fully engaged company member.

The Trainee Director will also gain a thorough understanding of the production process and how a producing venue operates by having the opportunity to work in a number of areas at Theatr Clwyd as outlined below:

• Attending various Senior Leadership Meetings
• Attending Programming and Producing meetings
• Reading scripts and working on project development
• Attending weekly workshops, summer schools and other community work with our Creative Engagement team
• Studying costume making and show maintenance with our Wardrobe team
• Learning about set building, scenic art and props with our Workshop, Scenic Art & Props teams
• Working on creating and operating lighting and sound for shows with our LX & Sound teams
• Working alongside our Stage team on fit ups, get ins and outs, crewing and maintenance
• Working with Production Managers and Stage Management teams on long term planning and
  shows
• Working with our Experience team and Box Office team on all aspects of the theatre’s operations
  and events
• Learning about marketing and press with both our in-house team and with our National Press
  Partner
• Working with our Giving team on fundraising, membership and events
• Working with our Producing & Programming team on shows in development, rehearsals and
  performance
  
  

Other

• Any other tasks reasonably requested by the Associate Director and Artistic Director
• To represent and positively promote the organisation at all levels

Person Specification

Essential

• Passionate about working in theatre
• Demonstrable commitment to directing theatre
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to relate to a wide variety of people
• A desire to support equality, diversity, inclusivity and access in a way that is reflective of an inclusive society
• Good organisational skills with the ability to work on several tasks simultaneously and under pressure
• An energetic and inspiring presence
• Resourcefulness and quick thinking
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• A commitment to artistic excellence

Desirable

• We strongly encourage applications from artists from underrepresented communities, including but not limited to artists who are Black, Asian or from the Global Majority and/or artists identifying as Deaf or disabled.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of UK theatre and specifically theatre in Wales
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, the community local to Theatr Clwyd
• Knowledge of dance, music, visual arts and other art forms within the UK generally and Wales specifically Full, clean driving licence
• The ability to communicate in the Welsh Language