Producing and Programming Role in Kingston upon Hull

This is an exciting producing and programming role at the centre of Hull Truck Theatre’s artistic activity. You will lead the planning and delivery of a diverse programme of visiting and in-house productions in Stage One, while supporting programming in the Godber Studio. The role involves curating dynamic seasons that successfully balance commercial work, hires and the theatre’s own artistic offer. It’s an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a collaborative and ambitious environment, building strong relationships with theatres and artists nationwide. Previous post holders have progressed to Executive Director roles within several of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations and to senior producing positions in the commercial sector.

Principal Duties

• Artistic Programme: Work closely with the Artistic and Associate Director to curate and coordinate a diverse programme of visiting work (theatre, music, comedy and live performance) that is artistically exciting and capable of achieving an annual net target of approximately £100k. Research and develop programming proposals, assessing artistic quality, audience appeal, scheduling and commercial viability in collaboration with the Art Team and Head of Marketing and Communications. Build strong working relationships with visiting artists and companies, ensuring clear communication and the smooth delivery of all productions. Oversee the accurate flow of show information and coordinate delivery across Technical, Marketing and Front of House teams. Support Hull Truck Theatre’s artist development activity, including the Grow programme, working closely with the Artistic and Associate Director. Collaborate with the Head of Production to ensure all future projects meet Green Book baseline standards in line with the theatre’s Environmental Responsibility Plan. Coordinate and administrate in-house productions, co-productions and commissions, reporting to the Executive Director. Develop and maintain meaningful relationships across Hull and East Yorkshire’s creative community, as well as with regional and national producing theatres and companies, to foster future collaborations and opportunities.
• Administration and Finance: Responsible for effective administrative and financial management systems that relate to the Visiting and In-house Artistic Programme. Negotiate terms for visiting productions and work with Production administrator to prepare contracts for signing when required. Support the Artistic /Executive Director in the annual setting of financial targets for produced and visiting work and manage budgets to achieve these. Co-ordinate artistic programme contracts. Support the Head of Production with the management of all co-production and production budgets. Availability checks/agent negotiations for freelance creative teams, liaise with freelance casting directors in the organisation/planning of audition spaces and schedules. Attend and contribute to Programme Advisory group, artistic and production meetings and other meetings as necessary.
• Other Duties: The Health and Safety at Work Act, and other associated legislation, places responsibility for health and safety on all employees. Therefore, it is the post holder’s responsibility to take reasonable care for the health, safety and welfare of themselves and other employees in accordance with legislation and the Company’s Health and Safety Policy. Complete any other delegated task that may assist the company in achieving its business objectives. Such tasks will not be of an unreasonable nature and shall be commensurate with the level of the post. To promote and comply with current legislation and Hull Trucks policies on Equality, Diversity and Health & Safety both in the delivery of services and the treatment of others. To promote, develop and comply with our policies and practices to lessen the environmental impact of Hull Truck Theatre. The above duties may involve having access to information of a confidential nature, which may be covered by the Data Protection Act. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times. The above accountabilities are not exhaustive and may vary without changing the character of the job or level of responsibility.

Personal Specification

• Essential: Demonstrable experience of curating and delivering a diverse, high-quality performing arts programme, achieving agreed financial targets. Strong commercial awareness, with experience assessing artistic proposals for financial viability and audience appeal. Proven experience of negotiating terms within the creative sector. Experience of managing or contributing to production and programme budgets. Demonstrable commitment to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion through programming and artist development. Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to maintain productive partnerships with artists, companies and sector peers. Experience of coordinating productions across multiple departments (e.g. technical, marketing, front of house), ensuring clear communication and smooth delivery. Strong organisational and administrative skills, with experience managing contracts, schedules and documentation. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage competing priorities and navigate complex or challenging situations calmly and professionally. Knowledge of the UK theatre sector, including an understanding of regional theatre and its audiences and an active network of industry contacts. Commitment to environmentally responsible production practices. Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Desirable: Proven experience of producing or programming in middle scale theatre. Experience of budget management and financial control for theatre productions of at least £50,000.