THE VACANCY

Bloxham School is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Theatre Director in Residence to join our vibrant Drama Department for the academic year 2024-25.
In this role, you will play a key part in supporting co-curricular provisions within the department. Your expertise in a variety of theatrical styles and activities will be essential, as you inspire and develop the skills of our students at all levels.
Candidates specialising in all aspects of drama and theatre are strongly encouraged to apply. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to teaching and directing pupils, with a preference for candidates possessing experience in working with students and engaging in professional theatre acting/directing. An interest in curriculum drama, including key practitioners, is advantageous. An Undergraduate Degree in Drama and Theatre, or equivalent professional experience, is essential.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Theatre Director in Residence will, working with the Head of Drama, have oversight of all dramatic activities and will ensure that all pupils have access to and an appreciation of the dramatic arts.
The dramatic season of work at Bloxham School encompasses; the Main School Production - which takes place in the Michaelmas term, the Third Form Production – entered into the National Theatre Connections competition, and the Lower School Shakespeare Festival – built into the academic drama curriculum. This year’s main school production was “Shrek the Musical” and previous years have seen successful productions of both scripted and devised theatre. The Theatre Director in Residence will be responsible for all aspects of the planning, preparation, and delivery of the First Form Shakespeare Festival. Working as a team-member and team-builder you will need to work closely with others and liaise and communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals throughout the school community.

KEY INFORMATION

Start Date: September 2024
Accountable to: Head of Drama
Working Hours: This is a term time only position of 34 weeks however the successful candidate is also required to attend INSET days. The hours of work during term time are varied and are usually Monday-Friday however there may be the need to work outside these days during busy performance periods.
Salary: £26,000
Closing Date: 9am Friday 3rd May 2024
Fixed Term Contract: Ending at the end of June 2025 with a possibility of becoming a permanent role.

BENEFITS

• Enrolment in the School's defined contribution pension scheme
• Tea, coffee and lunch provided during working hours
• Free parking on site
• Access at no charge to the School's sporting, swimming and fitness facilities, including gym and tennis courts
• Strong, supportive staff community with a school counsellor available
• Opportunities for continuous professional development.
• Cycle to work scheme

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Academic

As well as having a background in Drama, the Theatre Director in Residence must possess excellent communication skills when dealing with parents, pupils and other staff.

Other duties :

• To support our First Form Shakespeare Festival which will be performed as part of Founderstide, end of year event.
• To support the House Drama Competition alongside other members of the drama department.
• To provide support for external audition opportunities for pupils.
• To work with the School Wardrobe Mistress and others involved in dramatic productions.
• To co-operate with others concerned with the broader creative arts in school to develop opportunities for all pupils; performances to include backstage, tech crew, Front of House etc.
• To offer a platform for a positive marketing of the school in the area of Drama.
• To identify opportunities to stretch, challenge and develop the drama scholars in the school.
• To provide administrative support for the LAMDA examinations.

Pastoral

The successful candidate will have a flexible and willing attitude to participate in the boarding life of the School and contribute to the co-curricular activity programme. They must have the desire and ability to inspire young people and must be a role model who students can respect.
The successful candidate will be attached to a boarding house as a Tutor and will undertake duties within the House along with a weekly evening boarding duty.

SAFEGUARDING

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application.
The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:
The post holder’s responsibility will include promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/ he comes into contact. The post holder will be required to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, s/he must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self- declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.