We are looking for a Head of Play Development to join the National Theatre New Work Team.
The Head of Play Development is a senior role within the New Work Department (NWD), supporting the Director of New Work and the artistic leadership in delivering new work for the slate and stages of the National Theatre. The role involves a dual function of project and artist development alongside a deputising function for the NWD, working closely with the Head of Studio in delivering the strategy of the NWD.
The role requires experience in talent development and is a leading dramaturgical position, in working with writers, directors and theatre-makers as part of helping to build a diverse slate of projects at scale. Alongside the ability to offer an articulate and informed dramaturgical conversation to senior and emerging artists, it calls for experience in building productive creative working relationships, identifying artists and projects of promise, ultimately forging connections between creative practitioners and the opportunities within the New Work Department and on NT’s stages. Blending an understanding of literary development, the commissioning process and the journey between idea and production, the successful candidate will have a comprehensive working knowledge of the producing context and repertoire of the National Theatre and the theatre ecology in London, the UK and beyond. In collaboration with the Director of New Work and Head of Studio, the Head of Play Development will help lead the dramaturgical team and nurture the connection and communications between the NT Studio where our new work begins and the main building where the programming and producing teams bring work to the stages.
The successful candidate will have the following:
- Demonstrable experience of literary development and an in-depth and practical understanding of the commissioning process
- Seasoned experience working with senior artists and delivering productions at scale
- Leadership experience in artistic development
- Previous experience of developing new work into production, building creative teams with writers, directors or other theatre makers
- Previous experience and a track record as an incisive, communicative and assiduous reader and assessor of scripts
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