We are looking for a Dramaturg to join the National Theatre New Work Team on 9 Month Fixed Term Contract.
The Dramaturg is a key member of the dramaturgical team, working closely with the Director of New Work and the artistic leadership in proposing and preparing plays for production. They will be asked to suggest plays for commission and production, to develop titles for adaptation, revival and versioning, and to identify writers, artists and companies for development at the NT. From there, the Dramaturg oversees a slate of projects towards production, supporting the artists and process. As such, the role includes workshop and show dramaturgy, as well as talent and project-based research and development toward the stages of the National Theatre.
The role will require an understanding of literary development, the commissioning process and the creative journey between idea and production. It requires the ability to offer an articulate and informed dramaturgical conversation with senior artists, and to build productive working artistic relationships, to identify artists, projects and material of promise and to forge connections between creative practitioners and the opportunities within the New Work Department and on NT’s stages.
As the dramaturg will regularly be asked to engage with material for adaptation and development, the role requires an extensive knowledge of canonical classics and understanding of the processes of adaptation; at the same time, the role requires extensive reading of new plays and a familiarity with the new writing landscape both in the UK and beyond, particularly drawing on an up-to-date working knowledge of the UK and international theatre ecology. Finally, the position requires a strategic overview of the NT’s repertoire to guide artistic choices, as well as a proven track record in working with senior artists and bringing ambitious and excellent ideas to life.
The successful candidate will have the following:
- Demonstrable experience of literary development and an understanding of the commissioning process with a track record as an incisive, articulate and assiduous reader and assessor of scripts
- Experience in seeding collaborations, building creative teams and holding relationships with a range of artists towards production, in particular senior artists and productions at scale
- Extensive experience in production dramaturgy and artistic development at every stage from inception to production, steering new work into production with writers, directors or other theatre makers
- Strong working knowledge of the Western literary canon and the criteria and processes for supporting adaptation and versioning of canonical texts by living writers, with experience leading such dramaturgical processes
- An in-depth knowledge of contemporary British and international theatre, and the National Theatre’s role within this context
If that sounds like you, this may be the role for you!
Download the Job Description here.
Working with us will give you…
Complimentary staff tickets for shows and backstage tours, subject to availability and policy
25 days annual leave increasing up to 32 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
Training and Development Programme via e-learning platform, and specialist in-person training relating to role
Hybrid and flexible working, subject to agreement and policy
Access to interest-free season ticket loan and cycle scheme partnership
Generous sick pay
Family-friendly employer – we are a member of Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts (PiPA)
Pension schemes with Legal & General and NEST
Sabbatical option, subject to agreement and policy
On-site staff canteen and social facilities
On-site Occupational Health support
In-House Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisors providing workplace counselling and support
Wellbeing programme of events including mental health awareness, financial wellbeing, skills sharing and opportunities to get active
Exclusive staff talks to hear more about NT productions, past and present, from some of the world’s leading practitioners
Discounted access to NT at Home
Volunteer Leave – paid day a year to volunteer for your chosen charity
Discounts in the NT’s bars, cafes, restaurants, and bookshop, as well as in local businesses (from Wagamama to gyms, on and around the South Bank)
Access to retailer discounted gift cards and a cash-back-on-spending card
Please note
The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Tuesday 26th November 2024 at 12 noon.
We support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies.
If you would like to speak to someone about any adjustments or have any questions you can email recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk and we will be in touch with you to make the necessary arrangements.
People Department 2024