Join our Team! | Out of the Darkness Theatre Company

Creative Practitioner (30 hrs per week)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team on a 1 year fixed term, with the option of this being extended on a permanent basis.

We would like to invite applications from individuals who have proven experience working within the creative sector in one or more of the following areas;

Directing
Art Skills – Prop making, set design, arts and crafts
Movement and Dance
Singing and Music making
Technical Support – Staging and Lighting
Film making and Sound

We are looking for experienced individuals who will encourage and provide support to our members to express themselves through the creative arts.

You will be part of the planning, delivering and evaluating of our creative programme; working alongside our experienced team to create and produce high quality projects and productions throughout the year.

About us

Established in 1992, Out of the Darkness Theatre Company is a registered charity based in Elgin, Moray. Our identity is formed around our core intention of working with adults with learning disabilities, known as our members, to develop their core skills within a creative arts context, building confidence and resilience through performance. We provide a safe space for individuals to grow and achieve, in their own way and at their own pace. Our members gain a real sense of purpose and pride, participating in meaningful projects with their peers, staff and by extension our wider community.

With our members, we work on a project basis, with provision targeted at improvement of their interpersonal skills including Confidence, Teamwork, Independence, Communication, Listening and Decision Making. Our projects allow our members to create and participate in live theatre and filmed productions supported by our experienced staff team. Our members enjoy social interaction and being able to showcase and perform their work to the local community throughout the year. They also feel ownership and belonging in our theatre company base, an environment which champions parity, joy and warmth. Work with our members has always been at the heart of Out of the Darkness Theatre Company.

Main tasks

To plan high quality participatory sessions to a high standard in line with agreed project themes, aims and objectives of our creative programme in a positive way which incorporate key interpersonal skills as outlined above
You will ensure that your planning time allocated to you is used to ensure that all sessions are carefully planned to the best of your ability and provide meaningful content.
Facilitate and deliver performing arts sessions and meaningful activities with adults with learning disabilities, supporting group members to devise and produce group projects and productions conforming to relevant Health and Safety requirements.
Support, encourage and motivate each participant within their personal development and support plans.
Identify goals that participants want to achieve, and ensure they are supported to work towards these goals.
You will be required to support the team ensuring positive communication and building relationships with current and future members, key stakeholders and professionals
You will ensure all relevant documentation and record keeping is maintained at all times
Attend and participate in planning meetings, member reviews, performances, post-production meetings, staff meetings and training sessions as required
Develop and maintain positive relationships with members, staff, key stakeholders and the wider community
Take a proactive approach to promoting our services, courses and events
To undertake any such duties which fall within your capabilities

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will have experience of facilitating Performing Arts projects and workshops; as well as hands-on experience of working creatively with adults with learning disabilities. The successful applicant will be self-motivated, excellent communication skills, highly organised, with the ability to problem solve and adapt when it comes to facing challenges and pursuing opportunities.

Essential

Experience working creatively with people with learning disabilities
Qualified by experience within the medium of theatre; or a creative medium that can be transferred to this context
Demonstrable experience of Performing Arts project management – planning, implementation and evaluation
Experience with working with different ages and levels of abilities
An interest for Creative and Community Arts
Good IT Skills
Enthusiastic attitude with a ‘can do’ approach towards projects and work

*The successful candidate will be subject to PVG check

Desirable

Qualified to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject or professional qualification or qualified by experience
Experience in creative writing

Salary:

£19,734 (Salary exceeds the UK Real Living Wage)

Hours of work:

30 hours per week Monday to Friday (9.15am - 3.15pm)

Holidays:

32 days annual leave which includes Public Holidays

Other benefits:

Complimentary and discounted tickets to Theatre Shows throughout the year
Employee discount programme with brilliant rewards from top brands
Free Parking at our premises

To apply:

Please send your current CV and a covering letter by an email to: recruitment@odtheatre.org.uk

Applications closing date: Friday 10th January 2025

Interviews to commence from Monday 20th January 2025

Out of the Darkness Theatre Company is committed to equal opportunities