LEARNING & PARTICIPATION ARTIST(drama /spoken word /performing arts)
Birmingham Hippodrome is on a mission to enrich the cultural life of the region. Our vision is to create a distinctive, world-class Birmingham cultural scene with the Hippodrome at its heart. We reach over one million people a year through on and off stage programmes of work, digital presence, and performances in Birmingham and beyond; providing that “goosebumps” feeling through memorable and extraordinary experiences.
We are an independent charity, run by a board of voluntary trustees with no regular revenue funding from public sources. We frequently invest in projects alongside Arts Council England and with Birmingham City Council. Generous support is received from the business community through sponsorship and other partnerships; from individuals through donations and memberships; and from grant-making trusts for special programming and infrastructure projects. As a major employer in the region, we play a leading role in the Southside Business Improvement District.
We are looking for people to join us on this journey at a pivotal time in our evolution; recognising our people and network of talented freelancers and volunteers are core to the growth and success of the organisation.
The future of Birmingham Hippodrome is you!
Introduction
The Nitty Gritty
This role is part of our Learning & Participation team in the Artistic department and is a fixed term contract from Feb 2023 - Jul 2023, 1 day per week (Tue or Thu).
The salary for this role is c.£23,000 pro rata (PAYE or freelance terms available).
Our Vision & Mission
Our visionand mission state our purpose and who we want to be in the future.
Vision
A distinctive, world-class Birmingham cultural scene with the Hippodrome at its heart.
Mission
Providing that “goosebumps” feeling through memorable and extraordinary experiences.
Inspiring
We bring individuals, groups and communities together to share those wonderful ‘goosebumps’ moments: emotive, world-class, cultural experiences that ignite imaginations and inspire future generations.
Progressive
We are ambitious for ourselves, our partners and our city region We aim to be the best at what we do, always looking for new ways to advance, improve and evolve whilst being mindful of our rich and vibrant history.
People Focused
We care deeply for our staff, audiences, volunteers, partners, participants and artists and are dedicated to ensuring that any Hippodrome experience is a positive one Our people are the beating heart of Birmingham Hippodrome.
Inclusive
We provide a safe and inclusive space for expression and creativity, priding ourselves on being collaborative and reflective of our city region. Inclusion is integral to everything that we do and is central to our decision-making.
Sustainable
We take care with our actions, safeguarding the long-term sustainability of Birmingham Hippodrome through our work, environmental responsibilities and business practices
O u r V a l u e s
Our values are all about who we are, what we believe in and what sits at the very heart of a Hippodrome experience.
Learning & Participation Artist
(Drama /Spoken Word/Performing Arts)
To plan and deliver high quality, inspiring and exciting Learning projects and activities in Kingsthorne Primary School, who are part of the Hippodrome Education Network (HEN). Projects have a key drama and theatre focus which are connected to the curriculum and Birmingham Hippodrome’s multi-artform programme; delivering impact, opportunity, personal and skills development for the young people of our city region; and increasing the profile of Birmingham Hippodrome in our communities.
T h e R o l e
The Role
Regular duties and responsibilities
Work with the Learning & Participation (L&P) team to plan, prepare and deliver a programme of projects in and with schools, and occasionally other settings
Work with school staff to plan, prepare and deliver a programme of activity in their school setting that meets the needs of the young people and the school’s objectives
Share expertise from your specialism to support and develop the practice of colleagues across the team
Support the L&P and wider Artistic team on Birmingham Hippodrome projects
Monitor, evaluate and record work according to relevant criteria as required by schools, funders and Birmingham Hippodrome, including monthly reporting of key performance indicators
Maintain an up-to-date awareness of developments in arts education, your specialism, wider industry advances, and personal and professional development
Attend school meetings, HEN meetings, production meetings, company meetings, CPD and evaluation sessions where relevant Support and promote partner schools’ and Birmingham Hippodrome’s codes of practice regarding discipline, professional conduct and equality of opportunity
Perform any other reasonable duties as assigned by the L&P Management team
The Spec
Below is a specification list, detailing some of the key attributes we’re looking for in an ideal candidate. We would still like to hear from you, even if you do not meet all of the criteria as long as you feel you can positively contribute to our team. We are fully committed to supporting, encouraging and training our staff members to ensure their personal growth and future development.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL: The successful candidate will meet the majority of these requirements
DESIRABLE: The successful candidate should meet some of these requirements
Professional experience and specialism in Drama/Musical Theatre/Spoken Word/ Performing Arts
Working in a culturally and economically diverse context
Experience and Training
Experience of working in primary school settings with young people, primarily on arts-based subjects
Possess or be willing to undertake DBS check
Drama/Performing Arts work in education and community settings
Working with young people who are at risk
Experience of delivering Arts Awards and/or Arts Mark
Drama/Performing arts qualification
Skills, knowledge and abilities
Knowledge of examples of good practice in primary school settings
Knowledge of safeguarding issues and good practice, particularly in relation to children and young people
Strong knowledge of and passion for Drama/Musical Theatre/Spoken Word/ Performing Arts
Ability to devise, lead workshops and produce performances
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Good IT skills
Training in workshop delivery
Knowledge of current Primary curriculum and Ofsted framework
Knowledge of the challenges faced by schools
Current trends within theatre and wider arts education
Hold a current driving licence
The Spec
Requirements
ESSENTIAL: The successful candidate will meet the majority of these requirements
DESIRABLE: The successful candidate should meet some of these requirements
Passion for the performing arts, young people and their development
Results focussed, with a style that successfully gets things done
High levels of enthusiasm and commitment
Personal attributes
Innovator, excited to embrace change
Reliable and strong team player, committed to collaboration, sharing information, knowledge and expertise
Resilient, able to keep calm and in control
Active commitment to inclusion, equity of opportunity and anti-racism
An active interest in the cultural sector
An understanding of good customer service
Our people are the beating heart of Birmingham Hippodrome and we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for expression and creativity and are dedicated to ensuring that any Hippodrome experience is a positive one. Inclusion is integral to everything that we do and is central to our decision-making. We care deeply for our staff, audiences, volunteers and partners, priding ourselves on being collaborative and striving to better reflect our city region.
We are proud that we reside in one of the most diverse cities in the UK; we value the richness that has and will be brought to our organisation through engaging with and the employment of people of different backgrounds.
Birmingham Hippodrome is committed to ensuring that applicants and employees are treated equally irrespective of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, disability, gender reassignment, political or religious belief, or socio-economic class.
The principles of equal opportunity also apply to the way in which our employees treat visitors, clients, customers and suppliers.
Birmingham Hippodrome is committed to a programme of continuous review and action to ensure that our policies remain effective.
Recognising under-representation in our workforce of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people, and those with disabilities, we particularly welcome applicants from those backgrounds, identities and experiences.
E
q u a l i t y & I n c l u s i o n
a f e g u a r d i n g
At Birmingham Hippodrome we believe that everyone has the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
We have a responsibility to do the very best we can to keep children and adults safe, including those at risk as well as our own teams. We will do everything in our power to ensure children and adults who come into contact with Birmingham Hippodrome, in any capacity, are safeguarded; this includes all trustees, staff, volunteers, public and contractors, as well as members of the public.
S
J o i n U s If you like what we do and want a new stage for your skills, visit birminghamhippodrome.com to apply today! Contact us by email at recruitment@birminghamhippodrome.com or by phone on 0121 689 3052 for further information. Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Limited Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB birminghamhippodrome.com Registered Charity No 510842
