This is the application pack for the role of Artistic Director of The Bunker. We are looking for someone ambitious and adventurous to take this leading off-west End theatre into the next stages of its journey. The Artistic Director s responsibilities will include programming, marketing, and fundraising. They will form a key part of the leadership of the theatre and work alongside the Executive Director to secure the future of The Bunker both creatively and financially. This position need not necessarily be filled by a theatre director, and we also look to playwrights, producers, performers, or other theatre makers to apply for the position. The Bunker is fully committed to a more representative and diverse industry. We would love to see applications from artists of colour, artists of all genders and sexual identities, working class artists, D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists, and artists from other backgrounds currently underrepresented in the theatre industry. The Bunker will always be open to all people, whether you come through our door as an audience member, artist, team member, or each morning as our Artistic Director. All access requirements for interview will be met. Please feel free to be in touch if you have any questions about the position, the application process, or the theatre as a whole. All the best, The Bunker Theatre info@bunkertheatre.com 020 7 403 1139
About The Bunker Theatre Housed in a former underground parking garage, The Bunker is a unique 110-seater deep beneath the pavements of Southwark Street. An eclectic mix of seating surrounds a large, square thrust stage on three sides, and a craft beer bar stays open long after performances while audiences mingle with artists in the auditorium. With ambitious, emerging artists at the centre of its work, The Bunker s programming has included the world premieres of awardwinning sell-out SKIN A CAT by Isley Lynn, DEVIL WITH THE BLUE DRESS by Kevin Armento, ABIGAIL by Fiona Doyle, EYES CLOSED, EARS COVERED by Alex Gwyther, 31 HOURS by Kieran Knowles, an experimental new adaptation of LA RONDE, and Cardboard Citizen s 25th Anniversary epic nine-play cycle HOME TRUTHS. Most recently The Bunker hosted its inaugural BREAKING OUT Festival, which saw six emerging companies present world premiere work including plays, musical theatre, and interactive drama. The Bunker s Summer Season concludes with performances from the National Youth Theatre, Drama Studio London, and a weekend of Edinburgh Previews. The Bunker is the current home of resident companies Pint-Sized Plays and Damsel Productions who as well as GROTTY by Izzy Tennyson produced their festival DAMSEL DEVELOPS at The Bunker, London s first all-female director-led festival. The BUNKER WITHOUT BORDERS festival also celebrates the breadth of diversity in stories and genres explored on The Bunker s stage.
The Role: Artistic Director of The Bunker The Artistic Director is part of the core team at The Bunker, overseeing the theatre s programming of visiting theatre companies, all Bunker Theatre productions and all daytime hire of the venue. They will work closely with the Executive Director to set annual budgets, manage our team, and set the creative ethos for the company, as well as supporting visiting companies and representing The Bunker within the wider industry. We are looking to recruit someone with a unique and exceptional approach to running an arts space. We want you to be passionate about what you do, understand the process of creating and producing off-west End work, and care about the artists you come into contact with. We d love you to be clear about what you want to achieve as Artistic Director, while being aware of the challenges of running an unsubsidized off-west End theatre. There s no right type of person to be an Artistic Director. There s no right way to do the job. Whoever you are, we re excited to hear how you d do it. Artistic Direction Main Roles and Responsibilities - To be responsible for programming visiting companies for main shows and one-off shows. - With the Executive Director, to be responsible for booking in rehearsals, R&Ds, readings, and other events. - To discover and support emerging talent, meet and give guidance to artists and companies interested in the space. - To develop relationships with designers, actors, and other artists who visit and work in the space. - To lead The Bunker s New Work Group, and to see, read and become familiar with new work and artists that may be suitable for programming. Creative and Strategic Planning - To set and work towards creative aims for The Bunker s programming. - With the Executive Director, to make and work towards a business plan for 2019 to achieve these aims. - With The Bunker s company directors, to make a five-year plan for the future of the company and its premises. - To develop new and existing relationships between The Bunker and artists, performers, investors, donors, audiences, the local community, and the wider creative industry.
Marketing - To be responsible for email marketing including a regular newsletter and pre- and post-visit messages. - To be responsible for the social media presence of The Bunker, including the promotion of individual shows, events and other activities. Operations and Management - To understand and maintain the health and safety standards of the building. - To be responsible for The Bunker s front of house team including fulltime, part-time and volunteer team members, and ensure that The Bunker is welcoming and accessible to all. - Alongside the Operations Manager, ensure the building is running smoothly, efficiently, safely, and within its legal obligations.
Employment Details This is a full-time position, with a yearly salary of 22,000, based on normal working hours of 40 hours a week. Some of these weekly hours will take place in the evenings, or over weekends. The role includes 28 days of holiday each year, inclusive of all the normal English and Welsh bank and public holidays. The Artistic Director will report to The Bunker s company directors. Where they are able, all members of The Bunker s core team take on some venue management during performances. At this time venue management involves first aider responsibility (for which all training will be given) and moving through The Bunker space including stairways and areas with reduced head height. However, this is not a requirement for the role of Artistic Director, a role for which all access requirements will be met. Required Skills and Experience - At least three years experience making or supporting the creation of ambitious theatre or equivalent relevant experience. - Experience with budgets and fundraising. - Good organizational skills. - The ability to deliver projects on time and on budget. - Good communication and people skills. - The ability to manage and support others. - An understanding of marketing. Desired Skills and Experience Experience working within a theatre building in administration, operations or front-of-house. Experience with off-west End or fringe theatre budgets. Experience with marketing channels including email, social media promotion and print. An understanding of Equity or other union contracts.
The Application Process We d like you to apply for this role in a way that feels best for you. Please choose ONE option from the list below, or contact us if you would like to make an application in a different way. The form in which you choose to make your application will not impact how we consider it. An email that is no longer than 1000 words A physical or digital letter that is no longer than 1000 words (formats.doc,.pdf accepted) A video submission that is no longer than five minutes in duration (formats.mov,.mp4 accepted) A voice recording that is no longer than five minutes in duration (formats.wav,.mp3 accepted) Regardless of the form of your application we would like to know: Why do you want to join The Bunker Theatre team in this role? What experiences have you had where you have demonstrated the essential skills listed in the job description? What experiences have you had where you have demonstrated any of the desirable skills listed in the job description? It is not necessary to send a CV in addition to your application, however a CV may form part of a written application, within the word constraints. If you would like to discuss the role or how you wish to make your application, current artistic director Joshua McTaggart is available to answer questions by phone or email until the closing date. Please call 020 7 403 1139 to arrange this or email info@bunkertheatre.com. Applicants invited to interview will meet a small panel including members of The Bunker team. When invited to interview, we will ask applicants to inform us of any access requirements, so these do not need to be included in your application. It will not be possible to give feedback to applicants that are not invited to interview. Please send applications marked Artistic Director Application by email to info@bunkertheatre.com, or The Bunker, 53a Southwark St, London SE1 1RU. The deadline for submissions is midnight on Friday August 3 rd 2018.