Job Summary
We are looking for an energetic freelance Youth Theatre Director to join our BLAST Youth Theatre team and lead the pilot delivery of BLAST Youth Theatre in Grays, Thurrock. BLAST Youth Theatre is for children aged 8–12 who have English as an additional language.
Job Description
BLAST Youth Theatre is a fun, welcoming and inclusive theatre group for children who love being creative, making new friends and building confidence. Working with professional theatre artists, young people explore drama, storytelling, movement and performance, developing their imagination and communication skills in a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to be themselves.
BLAST is run in partnership with Welcome to the UK with groups in Southend and at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon, and we are now expanding a pilot programme into Grays.
The BLAST Youth Theatre Director will lead the expansion of BLAST into a new community in Grays, delivering high-quality drama workshops at the Welcome to the UK hub. Sessions will take place weekly over the Spring term, with the pilot providing an opportunity to explore the potential for a regular youth theatre session for children in Grays in the future.
The 9-week project will explore themes of home, place and connection, reflecting on what it is like for young people to live in Thurrock. Through drama and creative activities, participants will develop a performance to share with family, friends and the wider Welcome to the UK community at a celebratory sharing event at the hub at the end of the project.
This role is integral to creating a supportive, engaging and inclusive environment for participants, while maintaining the project's artistic and educational goals.
This project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Job Requirements
Person Specification:
Essential:
- A minimum of 2 years' experience leading drama workshops with children and young people.
- Knowledge and experience of implementing Child Protection & Safeguarding policies and procedures.
Desirable:
- Thurrock-based or a connection to and understanding of the community in Grays.
- Experience of working on creative projects with refugee and migrant communities.
- Experience of working with children who have English as an additional language and/or face multiple barriers to social inclusion.
- Recent Child Protection and Safeguarding training.
This role is subject to Enhanced DBS check. As a freelancer you will be responsible for your own tax & NI.
Job Responsibilities
Role:
- Lead on the planning and delivery of high-quality drama sessions in line with BLAST Youth Theatre's aims and objectives.
- Provide pastoral care to all BLAST members and inform Elevator Arts of any potential issues.
- Collaborate with the Youth Theatre Assistant Director in the planning and delivery of sessions.
- Liaise and collaborate with the BLAST Youth Theatre Artistic Director and other members of the Creative Team, as appropriate, during project planning and delivery.
- Lead and support the Creative Team to deliver productions, performances and sharings.
- Attend meetings as appropriate with Elevator Arts and project partners.
- Liaise with the Youth Theatre Assistant Director and Elevator Arts to ensure the smooth running of BLAST sessions and inform them of any potential issues.
- Comply with risk assessments.
- Engage fully in the evaluation process.
- Adhere to Elevator Arts' Child Protection & Safeguarding policies.
- Job Title: Blast Youth Theatre Director (Grays)
We welcome & encourage applications from people under represented within our sector including those with lived experience of the issues affecting the communities we work with.
Closing date to apply: Thursday 22 October at midday.
We create young people centred projects for those most in need & with often least access to arts activity. Our mission is to effect social change & improve young people’s lives through creative projects tailored to support their mental health, wellbeing & life skills.
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Elevator Arts CIC in Grays employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a final salary pension scheme, and opportunities to lead innovative digital projects in a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, the role allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
