At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead comedy theatre workshops and create a performance with primary school pupils.
- Company: Dirliebane Theatre Company, launching an exciting Children's Comedy Theatre Festival.
- Benefits: Freelance contract with £4,200 for 21 days plus travel expenses.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and help shape the future of children's theatre.
- Why this job: Inspire young minds and co-create joyful performances in a fun, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in arts education and a passion for working with children.
The predicted salary is between 4200 - 4200 € per month.
We are seeking two Artists in Residence to work in two schools in Perth to deliver comedy theatre focused workshops and develop a brand new performance with the pupils for our festival Hoot! This Artist in Residence opportunity is part of a brand new Children’s Comedy Theatre Festival created and produced by Dirliebane Theatre Company in collaboration with Perth Theatre. The Hoot! Children’s Comedy Theatre Festival marks an exciting new chapter for Dirliebane as they work with a wide variety of companies and artists and create their first Artist-in-Residence programme, celebrating humour, creativity, and the power of laughter. This programme places professional artists directly into schools to inspire pupils and co‑create joyful, original work.
Role Overview
We are seeking two imaginative, collaborative Artists in Residence to deliver comedy theatre focused workshops in our partner primary schools and develop a brand new performance for the festival with the pupils. The artist will also mentor and support an emerging artist, offering guidance, creative input, and professional development throughout the residence. Each artist will work in their own partner school but can plan and collaborate with each other to support the programme. This role is ideal for practitioners who thrive in educational settings, enjoy co‑creation with young people, and are excited by the challenge of shaping a performance from the ground up.
Contract: Fixed-term Residency – Freelance Contract
Location: Primary School in Perth and Perth Theatre, mostly in-person
Reporting to: Freelance Producer/Artistic Directors
Fee: £4,200 for 21 days equivalent work @ £200 per day plus travel expenses
To apply: Please submit a CV (maximum 2 A4 sides) and a cover letter (maximum two A4 sides) to info@dirliebane.org.uk by 12pm on Friday 6th March.
Application Requirements
- Why you are interested in this role.
- The skills, knowledge, and experience that you will bring to this role.
- Why you are interested in the arts for children & young people.
Date of interview: Online interviews will be held on Monday 16th March. Successful candidates will then be asked to join us in a school setting in Perth & Kinross where they will lead a 20‑minute workshop with primary school pupils and attend a short debrief/interview with the Artistic Directors on Monday 23rd March.
We’re committed to ensuring our application and recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible to everyone. The deadline is Friday 06 March 2026 at 12:00.
Artist in Residence employer: Creative Scotland
Dirliebane Theatre Company is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Artists in Residence to engage with young minds in Perth through innovative comedy theatre workshops. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and mentorship, allowing artists to not only inspire pupils but also develop their own professional skills in a supportive environment. With a focus on inclusivity and the joy of co-creation, this role provides a meaningful platform for artists to make a lasting impact in the community while contributing to the exciting Hoot! Children’s Comedy Theatre Festival.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Artist in Residence
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Dive into Dirliebane Theatre Company's past projects and their vision for the Hoot! festival. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and workshops, showing that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your workshop delivery! Since you'll be working directly with primary school pupils, think about how to engage them effectively. Run mock sessions with friends or family to refine your ideas and get feedback on your style.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other artists! Connect with fellow creatives who have experience in educational settings or children's theatre. They can offer valuable insights and tips that could give you an edge in your application and workshops.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application via the opportunities page at www.dirliebane.org.uk. It’s a great way to ensure your application is seen by the right people and shows your commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Artist in Residence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you're excited about this role! Share your enthusiasm for working with children and how you plan to inspire them through comedy theatre. A genuine passion can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored to this role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in educational settings or with young people, and showcase any previous work in comedy or theatre that aligns with our vision.
Be Creative!:Since this is all about creativity, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Use engaging language and maybe even a touch of humour to reflect your artistic style and approach to teaching.
Follow the Guidelines:Stick to the application requirements! Keep your CV and cover letter within the specified limits and ensure you send everything to the right email address. We love it when applicants follow instructions, as it shows attention to detail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Scotland
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to understand the schools and the pupils you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with their backgrounds, interests, and any previous projects they've been involved in. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in making a connection.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share examples of your past work, especially those that highlight your experience in comedy theatre and working with children. Bring along any materials or videos that demonstrate your creative process and how you engage young audiences. This will give the interviewers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Collaborative Spirit is Key
Since this role involves co-creating with pupils and mentoring an emerging artist, emphasise your collaborative skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past, whether in educational settings or artistic projects. This will show that you’re a team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for the Workshop
As part of the interview process, you'll be leading a workshop with primary school pupils. Think about how you can make this session engaging and fun. Prepare a brief outline of your workshop plan, including activities that encourage participation and creativity. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with young people and deliver an enjoyable experience.
