At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and mentor early-career theatre-makers through workshops and creative guidance.
- Company: Scottish Youth Theatre, a vibrant hub for young talent.
- Benefits: Competitive fee, opportunity to shape future artists, and showcase work at Summerhall.
- Other info: Flexible working across Edinburgh and online, with excellent networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the theatre community and help young artists thrive.
- Qualifications: Proven theatre-making experience and passion for nurturing emerging talent.
The predicted salary is between 5320 - 5320 £ per year.
Do you want to inspire early‑career theatre‑makers and help craft new, cutting‑edge performance? Apply to be Lead Artist in Trajectories – our early‑career artist development programme. Trajectories is a fully supported early‑career artist development programme delivered through a combination of in‑person and online workshops, masterclasses and independent development time. The programme culminates in a showcase event of the young artists’ work at Summerhall, Edinburgh, for a public audience in October 2026.
Responsibilities
- Provide creative mentorship, theatre expertise and encouragement to five young theatre-makers through 1‑2‑1 engagements, group workshops and ongoing dramaturgical input.
- Collaborate closely with participants to help them take risks, explore their own artistic practice and reflect on their learning and development.
- Co‑curate a series of masterclasses led by guest artists and act as a stimulus for the work participants are creating.
- Work closely with SYT’s Artistic Producer to ensure participants are well supported, the programme elements are effectively delivered and project logistics run smoothly.
Qualifications
- Strong track record of professional theatre‑making.
- Aptitude for supporting early‑career artists developing their independent practice.
- Ability to respond with appropriate and inspiring prompts and guidance.
- Experience in fostering collaboration and creative risk‑taking in a group setting.
The attached fee for the role is £5,320 for 16 days of preparation, planning, delivery and evaluation, alongside two weeks of rehearsals and production. Trajectories runs both in Edinburgh and online between September and November 2026.
To learn more about the project and what is required to apply, please visit our website: Scottish Youth Theatre.
Lead Artist for Performance Development Programme employer: Creative Scotland
Scottish Youth Theatre is an exceptional employer for those passionate about nurturing the next generation of theatre-makers. With a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity and collaboration, employees benefit from unique opportunities to mentor early-career artists while engaging in innovative performance development. Located in Edinburgh, the role offers a chance to contribute to a meaningful programme that culminates in a public showcase, fostering both personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Artist for Performance Development Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow artists, theatre-makers, and industry professionals. Attend workshops, events, and showcases to meet people who can help you land that Lead Artist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and demonstrates your ability to mentor and inspire others. Make sure it reflects your unique artistic voice and approach to theatre-making.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to organisations like Scottish Youth Theatre and express your interest in the Trajectories programme. Let them know how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and evolving! Participate in online masterclasses and workshops to sharpen your skills and stay updated on industry trends. This will not only boost your confidence but also make you a more attractive candidate for the Lead Artist position.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Artist for Performance Development Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for theatre shine through! We want to see how much you care about inspiring early-career artists and pushing the boundaries of performance.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in theatre-making and mentoring. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your ability to support young artists and foster collaboration.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We value authenticity, so share your unique perspective on artistic practice and how you can contribute to the Trajectories programme.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of all applications and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and practices in theatre-making. Brush up on your knowledge about early-career artist development and be ready to discuss how you can inspire and mentor young theatre-makers.
✨Showcase Your Mentorship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored or collaborated with emerging artists in the past. Highlight specific instances where your guidance led to creative breakthroughs or personal growth for those you worked with.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Think about how you can work closely with both participants and the Artistic Producer. Be prepared to discuss your approach to co-curating masterclasses and how you would foster a supportive environment for creative risk-taking.
✨Engage with Passion
Let your enthusiasm for theatre and mentorship shine through during the interview. Share your vision for the Trajectories programme and how you plan to encourage young artists to explore their own artistic practices.
