Launched in 2015, the Nuffield Southampton Theatres (NST) Laboratory Associate scheme provides an opportunity for early-career* creatives to undertake a one-year attachment, developing skills, creating a collaborative project and acting as artistic members of the Laboratory team.
Over the course of the year, the Laboratory Associate Director will assist a lead Director on two NST Productions, contribute to Laboratory’s programme of work, attend selected meetings and have the opportunity to lead a collaborative responsive project working with the Laboratory Associate Designers and Producer.
NST Laboratory is the company’s artistic development programme, a creative engine room at the heart of the organisation, through which the NST team, its creative associates, and its community of artists can explore creative new ideas and develop their work; hone and grow their theatrical craft; and network with other practitioners.
Key Responsibilities:
Assisting a lead Director in the realisation and delivery of two NST Productions.
Specific assisting duties will be tailored to the individual’s capability, as well as to the specifics of the productions. One of the productions will be directed by NST Artistic Director, Sam Hodges and is expected to be produced at NST City.
In collaboration with the Laboratory Associate Designers and Producer, acting as lead Director on the development of a new studio scale project which is made in response to a NST Main House production.
Attending monthly meetings with Laboratory Associates and NST’s Laboratory Producer, feeding into the ongoing strategy for NST Laboratory.
Contributing to the delivery of skills development events through Laboratory whereby the Laboratory Associate Director can pass on their skills and knowledge. This may include: leading a JMK director’s workshop, leading a Grapevine networking event, assisting on Experiment etc.
Attending selected internal NST meetings, such as programming or artistic planning meetings, both to gain insight into the artistic processes of a producing theatre and to offer input.
Attending work-in-progress, readings and shows on behalf of NST where appropriate.
Acting as amabassador for NST at all times in the public realm and online.
To apply you need to complete an application form and equal opportunities monitoring form which can be found and downloaded from the NST website. When doing so please follow these instructions:
Please ensure you complete all sections of the application form as fully as possible.
In the supporting information section of the application form, please include why you are interested in this post and what skills and experience you will bring to the role from present and previous experience.
Your application must be emailed to NST by 12pm on Friday 13th July 2018.
Your application should be emailed to Alison Thurley Alison.thurley@nstheatres.co.uk
NST is happy to accept applications in alternative formats from applicants who, for reasons of disability, may find it difficult to fill in our standard forms. If you wish to submit such an application please make sure you provide answers to all the questions asked in the application form. We are also happy to supply these in an alternative format if required.
Please note that interviews are likely to take place on w/c 16th July 2018, however this is not a confirmed date.
Many thanks for your interest in NST.
NST is one of the UK’s leading professional theatre companies, producing and presenting work in a range of spaces alongside developing professional talent and
offering a comprehensive range of educational and participatory activities. The company is led by Samuel Hodges, supported by a team of associates: directors
Blanche McIntyre, Natalie Abrahami and Michael Longhurst, designer Tom Scutt, playwright Adam Brace, choreographer Drew McOnie and poet Inua Ellams.
They develop and produces work with some of the UK’s most exciting and dynamic regional theatres and companies – a practice which has established a vibrant artistic network and body of work for audiences. In 2017 NST co-produced with Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Headlong, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Nottingham
Playhouse and Royal & Derngate, and future productions include Women in Power, Don Carlos and Billionaire Boy.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
Enthusiasm for NST and its programme
At least 12-18 month’s professional experience as a freelance director/assistant
Strong commitment to developing a career as a theatre director
Willing to contribute to and learn from the Laboratory programme
Basic knowledge of the UK theatre sector
Good time management skills
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work as part of a team and interested in building relationships
Good IT and computer skills
RENUMERATION
Contract: Freelance, one-year attachment
Fee: £11,250 retainer. Some expenses available whilst on main house productions