The role is on Saturday mornings in Harwell Village. We run a youth theatre with 3 groups - Minis (6-9), Midis (10-12) & Maxis (13-21), who do a combination of acting, dance, singing & stagecraft (making props, costumes, set). There is a mix of these every week, with a slight emphasis on one or the other, however the Minis group mostly focus on confidence building, creativity honing and improving focus. We work towards a full-scale production.
We like to teach in an enabling way, using rehearsal techniques and games that give students transferable skills so they are using the theatre to take away life-long qualities. Gobo likes to focus on the people we have, and work with who is there rather than creating a sausage-factory of shows - each individual has their role and we adapt shows to fit the people and their skills and passions. This is also one of the reasons we like to work with not only onstage elements too - so they can see the whole and how important every aspect is.
Gobo was started to create opportunities for all so we have a tiered pricing structure based on family income so that youngsters who could not normally afford to be part of a youth theatre can be involved.
This job is to teach just the Minis group – it would entail arriving at the venue to set up, then teaching the students in the enabling way described with acting games, vocal exercises and physical techniques. You will be supported by a Musical Director and Choreographer for some sessions and they will teach songs and dances but you will be expected to rehearse these with the students. You would be responsible for your own lesson planning, in coordination with the youth theatre leader, and for the Minis, this would need to involve some movement, some voice/singing, some acting games and a whole lot of fun! At this age, a whole range of techniques need to be used to engage with the youngest ones - they might not all be able to read yet, or concentrate well, others are thirsty for more, it can be a complicated dynamic, so experience of this age group would be desirable. Once the show starts to develop, the role becomes a sort-of assistant director one as well. At the moment, thorough cleaning of the venue has to take place after the session too.
We provide 12 sessions a term throughout the academic year, with the show and showcase towards the end of July. Tutors need to be potentially available for every Saturday, although because there are various disciplines covered each week, not every Saturday will necessarily be worked and weeks off can be requested. Tutors must be available to chaperone and support with the production.
Should a lockdown occur, you will need to continue to be available as we take all our teaching online (the students are used to this from last year). You will need your own computer and space to be able to continue teaching on Saturday mornings.
Tutors need to be DBS checked (we can provide this if not already in place) and various training elements, including safeguarding are required as part of the role. There are also occasional meetings outside the Saturday hours but these are organised based on tutor availability.
The fee is £25/hr for direct teaching time, £12.50/hr for cleaning time. The hours are usually 10am-11:30am teaching, though this could change.
The job is to start on 11th September, with potential meetings beforehand. A year’s commitment is desirable.
Amy Scott
07970 581924
amy@gobotheatre.co.uk