At a Glance
- Tasks: Direct a dynamic theatre project with young men, fostering creativity and collaboration.
- Company: Contact, a leading arts venue in Manchester dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Flat fee of £4000, inclusive of planning and travel.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young men's lives through innovative theatre and music.
- Qualifications: Experience in directing, devising, and working with young people.
The predicted salary is between 4000 - 4000 £ per month.
Fee: £4000 flat fee, based on session rates (inclusive of planning and travel).
Key dates:
- Rehearsals: w/c 20 July onwards (schedule to be confirmed)
- Show dates & times: w/c 17 August
Contract: Fixed Term, Freelance.
Closing date for applications: Monday 22nd June, Midnight
ABOUT CONTACT: Contact is a charity, arts venue and theatre based in the centre of Manchester that puts young people at the heart of everything they do. Contact is Manchester’s leading centre for inclusive and innovative creativity, offering a dynamic space where the next generation of artists and audiences come together. Since 1972, Contact has championed local talent and produced pioneering work that inspires and entertains both national and international audiences. The organisation is committed to bringing diverse, high-quality creative experiences to the city, while empowering young people through free and accessible arts and leadership programmes.
ABOUT CYC: Contact Young Company (CYC) is Contact’s renowned, Manchester Theatre Award-winning young ensemble. CYC is made up of young performers, actors, dancers, musicians, stand-up comedians, poets and MCs. Each year, Contact Young Company works with major national and international artists to create brand new theatre shows. These shows are premiered here at Contact, and have toured to venues and festivals across the country.
ABOUT THE PROJECT: Contact has been awarded funding from The Baring Foundation to run a 2-year CYC (Contact Young Company) project called 'Creatively Minded Men'. This project is aimed at young people who identify as men, aged 18-30, who have not previously engaged with theatre, who have experienced mental health problems. Statistically, we have found that more young men engage with music programmes at Contact than theatre. As a result, we've designed this project to begin with 6 months of music workshops, led by our Music Therapist in residence. From May 2026 the group will begin workshops to develop skills in spoken word, movement and devising. Working with a director, the group will create their own live performance, incorporating the music they have created throughout the workshops.
ABOUT THE ROLE: We are seeking a Director for the production, who identifies as a man, has a strong background in devising and collaborating with young people, and enjoys working closely with other artists. You will have a proven track record of working sensitively with young people and/or artists, and feel confident leading CYC through their rehearsal process, directing and shaping the production alongside them. You should be a skilled theatre-maker with experience creating cross-artform performances, including gig theatre, and have a strong track record in script development and the creation of dynamic, original work at a professional level. As part of this work, you should be able to produce a script from the devising period that can be used for the show’s BSL interpreter and captioner. A commitment to Contact’s ethos is essential, along with a passion for environmental sustainability and a dedication to fostering a supportive, caring environment for our young company. Contact is proud of its long-standing commitment to diversity across our programming, production, staffing, and community engagement. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.
The fee is inclusive of travel, accommodation, and preparation, so the role is best suited to someone based in, connected to, or within commuting distance of Manchester. Contact is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. For all successful roles we require an enhanced disclosure and barring certificate as part of our recruitment checks.
About the Show (Common Ground working title): We are living in a moment that tells young men who to distrust, who to blame, that division is strength and compassion is weakness, and that you should only look out for your own. We want this show to ask what actually happens when you show up for someone whose life doesn't look like yours. The themes are allyship, visibility, community and defiance. What does it mean to feel unseen? What does it take to see someone anyway? What do you have to risk to show up for someone the world has told you is not your problem? How can we build community and collective resilience? This project is forming part of a wider research into men’s engagement in the arts and men’s mental health and has specific funding, which is why we’re seeking a creative team who identify as men. This is inclusive of trans men.
Freelance Director – Contact Young Company (Creatively Minded Men) in Manchester employer: Contact Theatre
Contact is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that empowers young people through the arts. Located in the heart of Manchester, the organisation offers unique opportunities for creative professionals to collaborate with diverse talent while contributing to meaningful projects that address mental health and community engagement. With a commitment to professional development and a supportive environment, Contact champions innovation and creativity, making it an inspiring place for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young artists.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Director – Contact Young Company (Creatively Minded Men) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have a lead on your next gig!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a showreel that highlights your best work. Make it easy for potential collaborators to see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out! If you see a project that excites you, drop the team a message. Express your interest and share how you can contribute. It shows initiative and passion!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from our platform. It helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there, and you’ll be one step closer to landing that role!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Director – Contact Young Company (Creatively Minded Men) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and experiences that relate to the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in directing and working with young people, and show us how your skills align with the ethos of Contact and the aims of the 'Creatively Minded Men' project.
Show Your Passion:We love to see enthusiasm! In your application, express your passion for theatre and your commitment to fostering a supportive environment for young artists. Let us know why this project excites you and how you can contribute to its success.
Check Your Details:Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you’re serious about the opportunity. And remember, apply through our website to ensure your application is received!
How to prepare for a job interview at Contact Theatre
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the mission and values of Contact and the Contact Young Company. Familiarise yourself with their past productions and how they engage with young people. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
As a director, collaboration is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with young people and other artists in the past. Highlight your ability to create a supportive environment and how you’ve fostered creativity in others.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Themes
Given the project's focus on allyship, visibility, and community, think about how you would approach these themes in your direction. Be prepared to share your vision for the production and how you would engage the young men involved in the process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this role aligns with your values and creative vision.
