Download Job Description Job Title: Casting Assistant (New Work) 18 months

Job Description
Job Title:
Casting Assistant (New Work)
18 months FTC
Responsible To: General Manager
(New Work)
National Theatre
Upper Ground, South Bank
London SE1 9PX
Tel +44(0)20 7452 3333
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
[email protected]
The National Theatre
The National Theatre is dedicated to making the very best theatre and sharing it with as
many people as possible.
We stage up to 30 productions at our South Bank home each year, ranging from re-imagined
classics – such as Greek tragedy and Shakespeare – to modern masterpieces and new work
by contemporary writers and theatre-makers. The work we make strives to be as open, as
diverse, as collaborative and as national as possible. Much of that new work is researched
and developed with the New Work Department based at the NT Studio: we are committed
to nurturing innovative work from new writers, directors, creative artists and performers.
Equally, we are committed to education, with a wide-ranging Learning programme for all
ages in our new Clore Learning Centre and in schools and communities across the UK.
The National's work is also seen on tour throughout the UK and internationally, and in
collaborations and co-productions with regional theatres. Popular shows transfer to the
West End and occasionally to Broadway; and through the National Theatre Live programme,
we broadcast live performances to 2,000 cinemas in 50 countries around the world. From
September 2015, National Theatre: On Demand in Schools will make three acclaimed,
curriculum-linked productions free to stream on demand in every secondary school in the
country. Online, the NT offers a rich variety of innovative digital content on every aspect of
theatre.
We do all we can to keep ticket prices affordable and to reach a wide audience, and use our
public funding to maintain artistic risk-taking, accessibility and diversity.
New Work Department
The New Work Department is based at the NT Studio (next to the Old Vic Theatre) and is the
engine room of the National’s creative process, developing work and artists for the NT
stages and beyond.
Since its foundation in 1984, the NT Studio has played a vital role in developing work for the
National Theatre. It is a resource for a wide range of artists working throughout British
theatre, providing an environment in which writers, actors and practitioners of all kinds can
explore, experiment and devise new work free from the pressure of public performance. The
Studio building on The Cut is equipped with three workshop studios, five artists’ rooms,
meeting rooms and the technical capacity to support cross art-form and multimedia work at
the highest levels. In autumn 2015, the Studio became the home of the National Theatre’s
New Work Department, bringing the Literary Department together with the Studio team to
create a laboratory for theatrical experimentation of all kinds.
Purpose of the Job
To cast all workshops and play readings for the New Work Department (based at the NT
Studio), dealing directly with actors, creatives, agents, and liaising with other NT
departments. To administratively support the activity of the New Work Department; printing
scripts, creating contact sheets and making general preparations for incoming work.
We are looking for someone with fresh thinking around how we can cast more people from
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds into the New Work Department,
which we know will benefit our community. We are also looking to integrate working with
D/deaf AND disabled performers into the work we develop.
Duties and Responsibilities
 To cast actors for workshop projects as required from company actors and beyond;
carrying out availability checks, liaising with visiting artists, agents and NT staff
 To lead on the administration relating to the casting of non-professional actors and
children where appropriate. This will include arranging licenses and chaperones
 To administratively prepare for workshops as required, to include the creation of
contact lists, copying scripts, and calling actors
 To watch NT rep shows and building a good knowledge of company actors
 To attend team meetings and planning meetings, point of contact for artists on
attachment and support the day-to-day running of the New Work Department as
required
 To attend shows meetings, watching shows on behalf of the department and feeding
back with show reports
 To provide effective and strong communication to the main NT Casting Department
based on the South Bank and back to the Studio building.
 To assist the General Manager administratively in planning and delivery
 To attend NT company meet and greets as required
 To comply with the National’s Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety policies at
all times
 To support the National’s communications objectives by sharing information with
your manager, team and colleagues as appropriate, whilst respecting confidentiality,
so that you and your colleagues have all the information you need to perform your
duties effectively
 To undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required
 To undertake training deemed necessary by your manager
 To comply with the National’s Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety policies at all
times
Person Specification
Essential
1. Professional experience working as an Assistant within a creative/administrative
department of a theatre company or comparable arts organisation
2. Ideas and networks to help us reach out to potential collaborators from BAME
backgrounds
3. Ideas and networks to help us engage D/deaf and disabled performers and
practitioners
4. Excellent communication & interpersonal skills in dealing with people in person, by
correspondence and on the telephone
5. The ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality, tact and discretion
6. A knowledge of and enthusiasm for drama/theatre
7. Administration experience in an office environment
8. Strong organisational skills with the ability to implement and streamline
administrative processes and systems
9. Excellent multi-tasking skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
10. Excellent computer skills, with a sound knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook
11. Good attention to detail including the ability to proof-read and correct own work
12. A team player with a positive and flexible attitude in carrying out all departmental
duties
13. A willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary
Outline of Terms and Conditions
Contract Type:
Hours:
Start date:
Fixed Term Contract -18 months
35 per week, although additional hours may be necessary in
order to fulfil the post’s requirements
Applicants must be available to attend some handover days
throughout the week commencing 29th August 2016, and start
fulltime in the role from 5th September 2016
Salary:
Location:
Annual Leave:
£21,000 per annum paid monthly on the 15th of each month
National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX
28 days in the first year, pro rata, including bank holidays,
increasing with length of service thereafter
Probationary Period:
3 months
Notice Period:
3 months (1 month during probationary period)
Pension:
The National Theatre operates a Stakeholder Pension scheme
with Legal & General. If you wish to become a member, you
may opt to contribute 4.5%, 6% or 7.5% of basic pay and the
National will make a matching contribution. The National also
operates an alternative pension scheme with NEST
Other Benefits

Complimentary tickets for performances, subject to
availability and the National’s staff ticket policy

Complimentary tickets for platforms, subject to availability
and policy

Interest-free season ticket loan, cycle-scheme and childcare
vouchers

Staff canteen and bar

Discount on meals in all of the National’s bars and
restaurants

Discount on the books, play texts, DVDs and other items in
the National’s bookshop
Appointment Procedure
Please note that applications can only be considered if they are submitted through the
National’s Online Recruitment System, and returned by the closing date.
To apply for this vacancy please follow the link:
https://apply.nationaltheatre.org.uk/44676RNT
The closing date for the receipt of completed application forms is: 12pm on Friday 3 June
2016.
The anticipated date of first interviews is: Week Commencing 20th June
For any queries, please contact the HR Department by emailing:
[email protected]
The National Theatre is committed to being an equal opportunities employer
HR Department
2016