Associate Dramaturge

The Bush Theatre is looking for an experienced, passionate and highly organised Associate Dramaturge to join the Bush’s Literary team and play a crucial role in assisting and collaborating with the Literary Manager & Lead Dramaturge on writer and new play development, production dramaturgy, the nurturing of emerging talent and the administrative management of the department.

Hours: 21 hours per week, across at least 3 days excluding a 1 hour unpaid meal break. Regular evening and occasional weekend work will be required for this role.

Salary: £31,500 per annum pro rata (equivalent to £18,900 per annum)

Holidays: 30 days including Bank Holidays per annum pro rata (equivalent to 18 days per annum) Rising to 31 days after two years’ service Rising to 32 days after four years’ service

Probation: Three months

Contract Type: Permanent

Key dates:

• Deadline for applications: 23.59 on Wednesday 11 February 2026
• Second Interview date: Monday 9 March 2026

Purpose of the role:

The Associate Dramaturge is a crucial role in the Bush’s Literary team, assisting and collaborating with the Literary Manager / Lead Dramaturge on writer and new play development, the nurturing of emerging talent, production dramaturgy and the administrative management of the department. As a part of the wider Artistic team, the role involves meaningful input into artistic planning and relationship-building as well as holding dramaturgical responsibility on specific projects and productions.

How to Apply:

We want you to have the opportunity to really tell us about yourself and explain why this position is right for you in whatever way feels most appropriate. Send one of the following, alongside a basic CV:

• A personal statement (500 words max)
• Presentation – Keynote or PowerPoint
• Short video or sound file (5 minutes max)

All applications will be judged on content not on format. We have suggested some options above, but if you would like to suggest an alternative let us know.

All applications should address the following:

• Tell us about your experience, skills and knowledge that mean you meet the person specification outlined in the Job Description; include demonstrative examples and achievements
• Tell us why this position interests you
• Tell us what dramaturgy means to you
• Tell us what you would bring to this role and the Bush Theatre

Read the Job Description and Person Specification.

You can upload video or sound files using the We Transfer service. When using this service, please include the We Transfer link in your Breathe HR attachments by including the link in your CV or submitting it on a separate document.

If you have any need for this information in a different format please contact our People & Culture Administrator, Dorothy Ekema-Walla by email or phone.

The value of equal opportunities runs through the heart of the organisation. Our diverse team and their range of experiences are vital to the Bush’s success, but we still have work to do to make sure that Bush staff represent the communities we serve. We actively encourage people with different backgrounds to join us. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of colour and disabled people who are currently underrepresented in our team. All disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to interview. If you would like to apply through our Minimum Criteria Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please let us know.

As part of our Minimum Criteria Guaranteed Interview scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role. If you consider yourself to have a disability or long-term condition and would like to apply through this interview scheme, please let us know by stating anywhere in your application: ‘I would like to apply through the Minimum Criteria Guaranteed Interview scheme.’