About Gobo Theatre:
We are a not-for-profit organisation that run a youth theatre with 3 groups – Minis (5-8), Midis (9-13) & Maxis (14-21). We do a combination of acting, dance, singing & stagecraft (making props, costumes, set). The Minis group has drama every week and then alternates between working with voice and movement. In drama they mostly focus on confidence building, creativity honing and improving focus. We work towards a full-scale production, where the Minis play a small role in order to build their stage confidence.
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. We focus on the people we have and adapt what we do to work with who we’ve got rather than creating a sausage-factory of shows - each individual has their role and we do shows that 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.

About the Role:
The role is on Saturday mornings in Harwell Village Hall (OX11), teaching the students in the enabling way we have 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 know these in order to help the students. You would be responsible for your own lesson planning, in coordination with the youth theatre leader. At this age, a whole range of techniques are needed 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. We provide 12 sessions a term throughout the academic year, with the show and showcase at the beginning 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 and weeks preceding it.

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 (provided). There are also occasional meetings outside the Saturday hours but these are organised based on tutor availability.

The fee is £20-25/hr dependant on experience. We have a philosophy of helping young people get started in the arts and this role might suit someone who enjoys drama working with children but needs more experience – we are happy to train.

The Mini’s sessions are from 11:30am until 1pm, however, if a more experienced candidate applies, there is also the possibility of working with our Midis group from 10:15-11:15am.

Please contact amy@gobotheatre.co.uk with details of your passions and experience.