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- Tasks: Join our New Work team to cast workshops and play readings, supporting theatre development.
- Company: The National Theatre is a leading institution dedicated to producing innovative and diverse theatrical works.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for talent development, a creative environment, and the chance to work with industry professionals.
- Other info: We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants meeting essential criteria.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team shaping the future of theatre while promoting inclusivity and representation.
- Qualifications: Experience in casting and directing, with a commitment to diversity and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for a Resident Director to join our New Work team.
The National Theatre’s New Work Department is housed in the National Theatre Studio and is the engine room for developing work towards production for all the National Theatre’s stages.
The New Work Department team oversees a slate of commissioned plays and process-led work, focussing its capacity and resources on bringing them to fruition. It receives unsolicited script submissions year round, holds commissioning and dramaturgy, runs the Staff Director programme, devises courses and other opportunities for talent development and training, manages the Writers and Artists on Attachment, and Writer in Residence.
The purpose of this role is to cast all workshops and play readings for the New Work Department, dealing directly with actors, creatives, agents, and liaising closely with NT’s Casting Department. To administratively support the activity of the New Work Department, printing scripts, creating contact sheets and making general preparations for incoming work.
The successful candidate will have the following:
Demonstrable experience casting artists from all different backgrounds, and a commitment to keeping performers from historically underrepresented backgrounds visible and valued in the casting process.
Confidence and ability to communicate and work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and skills with discretion.
Evidence of a commitment to being a theatre director, with experience of having directed at least two professional productions (by professional we mean having had a public run with a paid creative team and company).
Ability to prioritise, multitask and to deliver work accurately and with attention to detail while respecting confidentiality.
Excellent communication and organisational skills including the ability to work calmly under pressure.
A good working knowledge of actors from different disciplines and with different abilities, including those with established theatre careers who may be working in leading roles around the country.
If this sounds like you, then this may be the role for you!
We want our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and welcome applications from everyone
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies
People Department 2023
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Resident Director employer: National Theatre
Contact Detail:
National Theatre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Resident Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the theatre industry, especially those who have experience in casting or directing. Attend workshops, seminars, and events related to theatre to meet potential contacts who can provide insights or even recommend you for the Resident Director position.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the National Theatre's recent productions and their New Work Department initiatives. Understanding their current projects and values will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commitment to diversity in casting by engaging with underrepresented artists. Participate in community theatre or outreach programmes that focus on inclusivity, as this experience will resonate well with the National Theatre's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous directing experiences in detail, particularly how they relate to the role of a Resident Director. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as your approach to collaboration with actors and creatives.
We think you need these skills to ace Resident Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Resident Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially the emphasis on casting artists from diverse backgrounds.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in theatre direction and casting. Include specific examples of productions you've directed and any work with underrepresented performers to demonstrate your commitment to diversity.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your passion for theatre and your understanding of the New Work Department's mission. Mention how your background aligns with their goals.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is polished and professional, as attention to detail is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Theatre
✨Showcase Your Casting Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous casting experiences in detail. Highlight specific projects where you successfully cast diverse talent, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, as this aligns with the company's commitment to inclusivity.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've effectively communicated with actors, creatives, and agents.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific casting scenarios or challenges. Think about your approach to prioritising tasks and managing multiple projects simultaneously, as these skills are crucial for the role.
✨Research the National Theatre's New Work Department
Familiarise yourself with the current projects and initiatives of the New Work Department. Understanding their mission and recent works will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation during the interview.