Artistic Director

The Rep, founded in 1913, was the UK’s first purpose-built repertory theatre, the forerunner of the RSC and the National Theatre, and remains the country’s longest established building-based theatre company and one of its leading producing houses. For over 110 years, it has created and produced new works, ground-breaking revivals of the classics, and innovative, experimental work. Comprising three spaces – The House, The Door, and The Studio – and with stunning, recently renovated foyer spaces, The Rep is a pillar of the theatre sector, serving not only the community in Birmingham and the West Midlands but also regularly transferring productions to the West End and on national tours. Amidst a time of renewal, The Rep now seeks candidates for the role of Artistic Director. Reporting to the Chair of the Board, the Artistic Director will deliver inspiring artistic leadership and develop a popular world-class artistic programme for The Rep that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of Birmingham and engages with its communities at all levels. They will also work with the Chief Executive to deliver the overall business strategy, taking full account of artistic, financial and other policies agreed with the Board. The ideal candidate will bring an exemplary track record in theatre, the capability to attract and work with the highest quality artistic teams, a collaborative approach to leadership, a commitment to developing emerging talent, excellent communication skills, and a demonstrable commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre is launching its search for a new Artistic Director to set the creative vision and lead a programme of work on our stages that will continue to define The Rep as one of the country’s leading producing theatres.

Founded in 1913, The Rep has become a pillar of the theatre industry, serving not only the community in Birmingham and the West Midlands but also regularly transferring productions to the West End and touring work nationally. It has world-class facilities in its workshops and on its stages and in the crafts and skills of the people that work in and on them. It brings new work to its audiences and delights them with popular, returning shows like The Snowman.

The new Artistic Director will join the theatre at a key time in its history and development. You will work with Chief Executive Rachael Thomas to deliver shows for our three stages, often in co-production with major producers and other regional theatres and oversee the work of our Creative Learning and Talent Development teams. Working to you will be the Deputy Artistic Director, Director of Producing and Programming, Creative Learning Director and Associate Director (Freelance). As Artistic Director, you will report to the Chair of the Board, a position for which we are also currently recruiting. The new Chair, who will succeed me, will be in post in time to take part in this appointment.

The Rep is not only a business, but it is also a charity, and it is supported with an annual grant from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation. While we have enjoyed some commercial success recently – income this year is forecast at £15m – costs continue to rise and there is consistent pressure on finances. The key challenge for the new Artistic Director will be to produce work for our main stage – The House – that is not only exciting and innovative, but which also proves popular with audiences and delivers consistently strong financial returns.

The Rep is a big theatre in a big city. We play to and serve our communities in the region, but we look across boundaries to our work in the West End, on tour around the country and, occasionally, internationally. We are looking for an Artistic Director who will be a presence in our theatre and in our city; a skilled practitioner who will revel in attracting talent to The Rep and developing the many aspiring and talented artists and writers we have on our doorstep. If you think this role is for you and you’re prepared to make the commitment then, please, let’s hear from you.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on this appointment. Candidates should apply through our website at www.saxbam.com/appointments using code JBQHB. Click on the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter and complete the online equal opportunities monitoring* form.

Specific location

Salaried

09/09/2024

Permanent, Full Time