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Associate Director, Theatre by the Lake

  •  North West
  •  Â£30k-40k
  •  Full time
  •  Closes May 26, 2026
  •  Laura Knights
  •  laura.knights@theatrebythelake.com
  • #Theatre
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Description

Job Summary

We are looking for a skilled creative leader to embed themselves in our organisation and community for 18 months.

Job Description

We are looking for a skilled creative leader to embed themselves in our organisation and community for 18 months. They will be the Associate Director on 3 major productions, lead our young company throughout the engagement, and make a significant contribution to community engagement, artist development and programming discussions at Theatre by the Lake. They will support the progression of Theatre by the Lake's artistic vision and provide vital support to the Artistic Director and producing team.

The Associate Director will report to the Artistic Director and Joint-CEO.

Application deadline - by 9am Tuesday 26th May

Online interviews - 1st June

In person second-round interviews - Monday 8th June (PM)- in person at TBTL (Travel costs will be reimbursed.)

Salary: £30,555 plus relocation allowance of £2000

Start date 10th August

We would also ask the Associate Director to work the following days in advance of the contract (fee, travel and accommodation would be provided).

Saturday 4th July - Audition/workshop day for community cast

Evening of Mon 6th July - Audition/workshop day for community cast

Enhanced DBS check will be required.

Two references will be taken up upon appointment, one of which must be able to provide a reference in relation to your work with young people, in line with our Safeguarding policy.

TBTL actively encourages applications from under-represented backgrounds, including Deaf and disabled artists, artists from the global majority and those from working-class or low socio-economic backgrounds.

Job Requirements

Essential

Directing: A mid-career director
Associate Directing: Experience as an Associate/Assistant director role
Leadership: An effective leader with a demonstrable interest in creative leadership.
Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to engage, inspire and motivate a wide range of people.
Proactive, organised and self-sufficient
Adaptability
Youth Theatre: Experience of working with young people is essential
Community Engagement
Artist development: Able to inspire, support and collaborate with artists from a wide range of backgrounds
Programming
Alignment with our vision and values

Desirable

Experience of directing community casts
Experience of rehearsing swings/understudies
Experience of working in regional theatre
Experience of developing writers, emerging artists and companies
Experience of developing new plays

For a full list of requirements please see the job description on the TBTL website.

Job Responsibilities

1. Associate Director on productions

To be the Associate Director on:

A new play (to be announced in May) by Hannah Khalil, directed by Artistic Director, Liz Stevenson. This will involve directing a large community cast.

A Christmas Carol, adapted and created by Goblin Theatre, directed by Andy Barry. This will involve rehearsing swings and maintaining a long run of our much-loved family Christmas show.

A new adaptation of a classic novel, directed by Liz Stevenson, a co-production with Stephen Joseph Theatre, The Octagon Bolton and The New Vic theatre (TBC).

2. Community Engagement and Artist Development

Lead our young company of 14-18 year olds in weekly youth theatre sessions throughout the engagement.

3. Artistic

Take an active role in programme development; reading plays, working on dramaturgical development of new plays and contributing to programming meetings

For a full list of core responsibilities please see the job description on the TBTL website.

Useful Links

How to Apply

To apply for the role please submit a written, video or audio application via WeTransfer to [email protected]

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