Producing & Programming Assistant

We have an amazing opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join our team at Royal & Derngate as a Producing and Programming Assistant.

In this role, you will work collaboratively with different teams within the organisation to ensure smooth planning, scheduling, communication, and other administrative duties. Furthermore, the Producing and Programming Assistant will carry out research tasks concerning artists and existing and new work to support future programming decisions.

We are looking for a highly organised individual with excellent attention to detail and time management skills. If you are a confident communicator and skilled administrator who is passionate about the arts, we would love to hear from you!

• To support the work of the Producing and Programming teams, providing general administrative and planning support.
• To work closely with the Artistic Director and Senior Producer in the planning and administration of the produced programme.
• To provide administrative support to the Senior Programmer in co-ordinating the Royal & Derngate's presented and film programme

• Maintain the administration of the department across Artifax and internal IT systems, supporting the preparation of contracts, schedules and other performance-related paperwork.
• Be the first point of contact for the Artistic Director and Producing and Programming team in general.
• Maintain the Artistic Director's diary, arranging appointments and replying to correspondence where necessary.
• Ensure regular, timely and comprehensive information is distributed to the appropriate teams.
• Undertake research tasks for the teams around artists and existing and new work, as directed, to support future programming decision-making.
• Prepare and minute internal meetings for the department where required, including Arts Team, Programming and Programming Information Group.
• Plan and implement access and assisted live and film performances across the programme in liaison with marketing and operations.
• Update and maintain databases and records and gather all relevant data to feed into reporting for Trustees and funders.
• Collate management and board reports.
• Maintain good relationships internally within the venue and externally with promoters, artists, suppliers and other partners involved in the department.
• Support the Senior Producer in preparing press nights, including maintaining lists, distributing invites and allocating tickets.
• Take account of any production expenses and forward to the Finance team.
• Generate contact sheets, maintain the digs list and cultivate relationships with local hotels and accommodation for actors and creatives.
• Liaise with Arts and Marketing regarding brochure and website copy for the produced and presented programme.
• Work closely with the Creative Engagement Administrator around the administration of Creative Engagement productions to ensure joined-up communication across the teams.
  For the full job description, please see our website.

Experience

• Experience working in a busy office environment, preferably in an arts or education setting.
• Experience in implementing/maintaining administrative systems/procedures
• Attending meetings and producing accurate minutes

Knowledge/Qualifications

• Understanding of theatre operations
• Passion for the arts, particularly theatre and live performance
• Good knowledge of office administration systems

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent IT skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work to tight deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Ability to act using initiative

Knowledge/Qualifications

• Arts Administration training
• Health & Safety practices
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
• Knowledge of GDPR requirements

Please submit a covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) stating your relevant experience, knowledge, and skills for this Producing and Programming Assistant role along with your CV.

Closing Date: Wednesday 5th June 2024
Interviews: Thursday 13th June 2024

Royal & Derngate Northampton is the main venue for arts and entertainment in Northamptonshire and one of the major regional producing theatres in the country, with its acclaimed Made in Northampton work touring nationally and internationally.

The theatre was nominated for Theatre of the Year in The Stage Awards 2022. Eight of its productions transferred to London and the West End in 2019, with The Worst Witch winning the 2020 Olivier Award for Best Family Show and Our Lady of Kibeho being nominated for the 2020 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre and named by The Guardian as one of the 20 Best Shows of the 21st Century. Meanwhile, recently artists have won The Stage Ensemble Award, The Stage Debut Award and the Ian Charleson Award for their work on Made in Northampton productions and the adapted screenplay from Royal & Derngate's original play commission of The Pope was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards as Netflix's The Two Popes.