Download Artistic Director – Candidate Briefing Document

NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
CANDIDATE BRIEFING DOCUMENT
SUMMER 2016
1.
Background Information
1.1
History
Scotland has five national companies of which the National Theatre of Scotland is the
youngest, having given its first-ever performance in February 2006. It was established in
2004 in response to a demand for a national theatre for Scotland following Scottish
devolution in 1998 and the setting up of an independent Scottish Parliament. Richard
Findlay was elected the Company’s first Chairman and Vicky Featherstone was appointed its
inaugural Artistic Director.
The National Theatre of Scotland celebrates its 10th Birthday in 2016. Since its launch in
February 2006, the Company has been involved in creating more than 254 productions in
over 244 different locations, attracting audiences in excess of 1.5 million. With no building
of its own, the National Theatre of Scotland takes theatre all over Scotland and beyond,
working with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theatre of the
highest quality. It takes place in the great buildings of Scotland, but also in site-specific
locations, airports and tower blocks, community halls and drill halls, ferries and forests.
The importance of partnership and collaboration is fundamental to the National Theatre of
Scotland’s vision. It is only through this spirit of partnership and collaboration, and in
working with the existing theatre community, that the Company can deliver the original
ideals of:
“We see our role as cultivating the nation’s creativity, providing opportunities for everyone
to express themselves, be engaged audience members, and to share in bold, playful and
generous work. We seek to understand what it means to be a theatre for everyone and to
break down walls that prevent people engaging with our work, whether economic, cultural
or physical. We aspire to be a creative catalyst for the sector as a whole, driving joined up
talent development plans with partners across Scotland, that seek to nurture theatre makers
at all stages of their careers and inspire the sector to reflect the diversity of contemporary
Scotland’.
1.2
Vision and Values
Our vision and values are placed at the heart of our organisation and business planning and
they inspire and guide all our dealings both internally and externally. In developing
partnerships with individuals and organisations we will communicate these values and share
our principles.
Our Vision
To develop Scotland’s creativity by putting theatre at the heart of its cultural life.
Our Mission
To collaborate with artists and communities across Scotland and beyond, to create worldclass theatre with the power to change lives.
Our Values
Pioneering, Nurturing, Collaborative, Resilient, Irreverent. These values express the way we
will work to deliver our vision. They will be the qualities that guide us in everything that we
do, defining the personality of the company for core staff, those we work with and the
audiences who come to our productions.
1.3
Strategic Priorities
We want to be:
A Theatre for Everyone
We will produce work of artistic excellence across the whole of Scotland, extending our
reach and impact. We will break down walls that prevent people engaging with our work,
whether economic, cultural or physical and ensure the people who work for us reflect the
diversity of contemporary Scotland.
A Catalyst for Creativity
We will be a generator for experiment and change, providing opportunities for people to
play, grow and collaborate and be a galvanising force in the creative sector.
An International Innovator
We will build on our international reputation, pioneering partnerships that expand the
outlook of Scotland’s artists and audiences, sharing contemporary Scottish theatre globally.
A Healthy, Sustainable and Resilient Organisation
We will explore new operational models that promote collaboration, financial resilience and
entrepreneurship to establish a future organisation that is responsible, flexible, sustainable
and bold.
1.4
National Theatre of Scotland’s recent programme
The National Theatre of Scotland continues to present a hugely varied programme of work,
both onstage and participatory in communities.
In 2015/16, the Company presented a remarkable meditation on the space race and
migration, presented by Kai Fischer, in association with the National Theatre of Scotland and
the Tron Theatre. Last Dream (on Earth) interwove a live music score and soundtrack
allowing audiences to experience an immersive sound world via headphones, performed
live onstage in front of them. The piece was such a success that it was invited to be
performed as part of the highly prestigious European Theatre Prize in Spring 2016.
The mighty James Plays have just finished a UK and international tour – to enormous
acclaim - with engagements in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Scotland and England.
Rites, a challenging and provocative new production that explored the deep-rooted cultural
practice of Female Genital Mutilation, and its impact in Scotland, was recently directed by
the National Theatre of Scotland’s Associate Director, Cora Bissett. A vitally important and
urgent story, The List Magazine’s review wrote Rites “skilfully highlights the complexity of
FGM, demonstrating it is intrinsically linked to bigger questions of race, immigration,
cultural tradition and education.”
One of the main-stage highlights of the year was unquestionably Douglas Maxwell’s Yer
Granny. The Company wished to create a large-scale piece of popular theatre to tour into
Scotland’s handsome No 1 theatres including the King’s in Glasgow and Eden Court in
Inverness. Based on the Argentinian play La Nona by Roberto Cossa, Yer Granny played to
huge audiences many of whom were first-time attenders to the National Theatre of
Scotland, evidencing the success of the Company’s programming strategy in reaching a
wider audience demographic.
Yer Granny was followed in Summer 2015 at Glasgow’s Tramway by an adaptation of
Scottish novelist Muriel Spark’s unsettling story, The Driver’s Seat. Directed by the National
Theatre of Scotland’s then Artistic Director Laurie Sansom, The Scotsman described The
Driver’s Seat as “dark, disturbing, thought provoking” and commented “that it can plunge
us, almost instantly, back into some neglected corner of our own shared history.”
Perhaps best thought of as the third leg of a season that put women at the top of the
theatrical agenda, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour was a smash hit from the off. Adapted
by Billy Elliot author Lee Hall from Alan Warner's brilliant novel about six teenage girls from
Oban on the cusp of change, the play opened at the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2015. It
attracted 5 and 4 star reviews and was the winner of a Scotsman Fringe First Award, a
Herald Angel Award and a Stage Ensemble Award. Directed by Vicky Featherstone, the
National Theatre of Scotland’s inaugural Artistic Director, the show has met with such
positive reaction that it is undergoing a second tour, with a run at the National Theatre of
Great Britain set for Autumn 2016.
The Company had another successful year in terms of its international profile in 15/16 with
its other-worldly production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol touring to Ann Arbor in
Michigan USA for a seasonal engagement and the exquisite The Strange Undoing of
Prudencia Hart appearing in the US in communities as far apart as Winchester Virginia and
Seattle.
The National Theatre of Scotland’s much-lauded production of Macbeth, originally starring
Alan Cumming, toured Japan for the first time. The production saw the highly-renowned
Japanese actor Kuranosuke Sasaki reprising Alan Cumming's role, in Japanese, during
performances staged in Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Kanagawa and Kitakyusyu.
Partnership has been one of the key strands of the National Theatre of Scotland’s work in
15/16. These partnerships included working with the Edinburgh International Festival, Vox
Motus and the Tianjin People’s Art Theatre to present the award-winning family show
Dragon at the Edinburgh Lyceum and touring Scotland with the Company’s first-ever full
stage production in Gaelic – a new version of the much-loved comedy Whisky Galore –
produced in partnership with Robhanis and A Play, A Pie and A Pint at Glasgow’s Òran Mór.
One of the most significant creative partnerships in the Company’s 10 year history was
during 15/16. This collaboration was with Aberdeen City Council in the creation of Granite, a
major new participatory arts project presented by the National Theatre of Scotland and
Aberdeen City Council. Granite was held in Aberdeen across seven months from September
2015 to early April 2016, celebrated the spirit of Aberdeen’s people and explored the city’s
past, present and future. The project culminated in a remarkable outdoor staging, by a 100
strong professional and non-professional cast, in the quadrangle of the monumental
Marischal College.
1.5
Financial Information
The National Theatre of Scotland has an annual turnover of circa £7.5m. It is funded
annually directly from the Scottish Government, with the 2016/17 core grant, £4.174m. The
Company also receives Scottish Government International Touring funding, which varies
annually dependent on programme activity. We also generate further income from
sponsorship, grants and donations, which again varies dependent on activity.
1.6
Further Information
Further information on the Company’s activities, Business Plan and Annual Report can be
found on the website: www.nationaltheatrescotland.com
2.
Artistic Director Job Description
2.1
The Role
The Artistic Director is the lead accountable officer for the Company and the role
encompasses the overall responsibilities of Chief Executive.
The role of the Artistic Director will be to lead the Company and shape its artistic policy,
programme and productions to the highest possible standards, taking overall responsibility
for its strategic, operational and financial well-being and championing its fundraising
initiatives.
The Artistic Director will promote and maintain an organisational culture which values the
highest standards of performance, both in delivering the artistic vision and in management
practice.
In setting the vision and artistic agenda for the Company, the Artistic Director will remain
true to the Company’s core purpose of a theatre without walls, creating and curating
innovative and challenging theatre which pushes the boundaries of what theatre can be and
which appeals to a wide-ranging audience across Scotland, the rest of the UK and
internationally. The Artistic Director should be committed to an inclusive talent
development programme and to participatory theatre and community engagement.
The Artistic Director will project and promote the vision for the organisation both within and
outside Scotland, and continue to build successful and effective partnerships with the many
stakeholders – artistic, public and political - who are involved in the Company’s success.
To lead Scotland’s national theatre, the Artistic Director must have an interest in Scotland
and its cultural ecology, be committed to producing work which stimulates a conversation
with and about the nation, and have a vision for how the National Theatre of Scotland can
best serve Scotland and its theatre sector.
The Artistic Director will fulfil an important, high-profile role as a cultural leader within
Scotland and internationally, acting as the nation’s ambassador for theatre, the arts and
Scotland around the world.
The Artistic Director will report to the Board and will have regular contact with the Chair and
with other Board members as required.
The Artistic Director will work closely with the Board, Executive Producer (Deputy Chief
Executive) and Senior Management Team in fulfilling the role and in leading the future
design and development of the Company.
2.2
Responsibilities
Artistic vision and implementation
The Artistic Director will:
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Lead the artistic direction for the Company, setting artistic policy and taking overall
responsibility for the artistic direction and the programme in accordance with financial
resources and Company policies.
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Provide ambitious, confident and inspirational artistic and strategic leadership that
motivates and enthuses staff, artists and stakeholders.
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Plan and oversee implementation of the Company’s productions, events and projects,
working in partnership to ensure the delivery of an ambitious and distinctive programme
that projects a strong artistic identity.
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Personally develop/direct key productions as part of the overall programme, being
careful to ensure an appropriate balance with other aspects of artistic and company
leadership.
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Work collaboratively, drawing on the skills available in the theatre community and
taking into account the geographic and cultural diversity of the country.
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Oversee the initiation of new and relevant projects to further the promotion of Scottish
talent and culture.
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Work with the Director of Artistic Development and Associate Director (Learn) to
commission work from individual artists, writers, composers and groups as
appropriate.
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Build and engage audiences with quality productions, events and activities which are full
of excitement and innovation.
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Be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the Company’s
artistic vision and partnerships.
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Recognise the importance of the international dimension of the Company by positioning
it as a flagship of Scotland’s cultural identity.
Leadership and Management
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Provide clear and visible leadership, inspiring the Company’s staff and associates and
promoting best practice and equality of opportunity.
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Take overall responsibility for the development and review of the Company’s Business
Plan working with the Executive Producer and members of the Senior Management
Team.
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Take overall responsibility for the financial stability and long-term future of the Company,
working with the Executive Producer and Director of Finance and Administration.

Work directly and closely with the Director of Development, actively supporting and
participating in the Company’s fundraising efforts.

Oversee the development of new income generation streams and revenue earning
activities.
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Take overall responsibility for ensuring that the Company conforms to all financial, legal,
statutory and contractual requirements, working with the Director of Finance and
Administration.

Act as a Director of the Company and attend all regularly constituted Board meetings,
and sub-committee meetings as required, keeping members fully informed of the
Company’s activities.
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Maintain a close working relationship with the Chair of the National Theatre of Scotland.
Communication and representation

Support the Director of External Affairs in the integration of all parts of the Company’s
activities in one clear strong brand.

Ensure effective communication systems are maintained internally and externally with
all major stakeholders.

Build, develop and sustain positive working relationships and hold regular dialogue with
major stakeholders and funding partners, including the Scottish Government, Creative
Scotland, Local Authorities, sponsors, donors and organisations and individuals who will
help to facilitate the realisation of the Company’s mission and vision.

Represent the Company and act as a positive advocate for its work locally, nationally and
internationally.

Develop positive relationships with the press and media, acting as a key spokesperson
for the Company
Partnerships

Develop effective and productive partnerships with Scottish producing companies and
receiving theatres, UK national and regional venues and any other independent groups
or individuals who can help further the aims of the Company.

Develop relations with international theatres, venues, groups or individuals who can
help further the aims of the Company.
The Company is a continually developing organisation and the Artistic Director will, in
addition to the responsibilities listed above, be expected to contribute to many aspects of
the organisation's future activities as and when appropriate and in consultation with the
Chair.
3.
Person Specification
Experience, Skills and Qualities
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Experience in a senior artistic leadership position in the performing arts, with
responsibility for a substantial budget and large team.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate and inspire.
A track record of success in the field of theatre as a theatre-maker and/or creative
producer.
The ability to shape a clear and distinctive vision for the National Theatre of Scotland
and to communicate it effectively and persuasively to staff, associates, partners and
public.
Proven experience in creating and delivering a programme of work, with the ability
to shape exciting and ground-breaking theatre, events and activities.
A collaborative approach with the ability to create effective partnerships across
sectors, disciplines and organisations.
A proven commitment to artistic excellence.
A proven commitment to talent development.
A proven commitment to developing audiences.
A proven commitment to participatory theatre and education programmes.
A proven commitment to delivering diversity, equality and inclusion within an artistic
programme and organisation.
A fluent communicator with the ability to present and debate issues convincingly
internally and externally on public platforms and in the media.
Political acumen and the ability to command personal respect and exert positive
influence on Government, the theatre and wider cultural sector.
Strong diplomatic skills.
The ability to act as a cultural leader for the theatre and arts in Scotland and as an
ambassador for theatre and Scotland overseas.
An awareness of Scotland’s cultural and political ecology and a sensitivity to the role
of theatre and the arts within it.
4.
Summary of Terms
Contract:
5 year fixed term contract
Salary:
Competitive salary
Pension:
The Company will contribute up to 8% of salary against a percentage
contribution from the Executive
Notice Period:
Six months on either side
Holidays:
25 days annual leave, plus 9 Public Holidays
Relocation
An amount towards relocation costs is negotiable
5.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for the Artistic Director position, please send a CV and covering
letter of no more than 3 pages, stating why you think you are suitable for the job, to
Heather Newill, Director, AEM International Ltd. at [email protected]
(preferred) or 10 Church Street, Framlingham, Suffolk. IP13 9BH. Applications should be
submitted by Tuesday, 30th August.