ABBEY THEATRE Amharclann na Mainistreach | Job Description

JOB TITLE:                           Senior Producer

RESPONSIBLE TO:              Head of Producing

CONTRACT:                         Permanent / 40 hour week

 

For 115 years, the Abbey Theatre has played a significant role in reflecting Ireland’s evolving cultural, political and social identity. It has done so through the creation and staging of an important literary repertoire which has helped Irish people to understand and communicate what it means to be Irish. This role continues, as the nation’s sense of identity continually evolves and our population becomes increasingly multicultural. In this more globalised world, it is vital that the Abbey Theatre continues to stand proudly amongst our peers as a world-class national theatre, touring our work internationally and attracting great artists to work in Ireland.

The Abbey Theatre’s mission is to effectively and imaginatively engage with all of Irish society through the production of ambitious and courageous theatre, in all its forms. Ireland’s National Theatre is artist-led and audience-focused. We aim to ensure our programmes are driven by ambitious, big ideas by theatre-makers of all disciplines, relevant to our times, and communicated effectively to all our citizens and stakeholders.

Our vision is to build a 21st century theatre and company, where creativity drives our every move, developing the artists and audiences of the future. We will be a confident collaborative company, leading the way in how Irish theatre is developed, produced and disseminated; and where everyone who works with us, irrespective of their role, knows that they are contributing to the work of one of the world’s great theatres.

Planning is in train for the re-building of the Abbey Theatre in line with the Project Ireland 2040 plan announced by the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht.

The Abbey Theatre is the National Theatre of Ireland. It occupies a unique position in the hearts and minds of Irish people.  Comprised of two theatres, the Abbey Theatre, with a capacity of 492 seats, and the Peacock Theatre, with a capacity of 132 seats, the company produces a year-round programme of productions, public readings, talks, workshops and artistic development work.

 

PURPOSE OF JOB:

This is a new role, which will report to the Head of Producing and will be a senior member of staff, leading and providing producing support across all Productions.

The post holder will be a key member of the New Work Department at the Abbey Theatre. This is a department where ideas flourish from first thought to full production. The successful candidate will be expected to work with a whole range of theatre makers including, but not limited to, writers, actors, producers, musicians and designers.

The successful candidate will report to the Head of Producing and will work with them to deliver and manage work of the highest standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Duties include but are not limited to:

  • The planning and budgeting of Abbey Theatre productions.
  • Negotiating creative team contracts for Abbey Theatre productions.
  • Management of contracts for writers, cast, stage management and production personnel.
  • Negotiating co-production and presentation agreements.
  • Ensuring the protection of copyright and intellectual property rights for all Abbey Theatre productions and co-productions.
  • Working closely with the Directors and the Head of Producing on the effective delivery of the Abbey Theatre’s artistic vision.
  • Devising and managing production budgets in liaison with Production Manager(s) and communicating regularly with the Finance Director and his/her team to ensure the efficient delivery of all work at the Abbey Theatre.
  • Managing opportunities for the exploitation of productions through touring, partnerships and commercial transfers.
  • Managing relationships with venue managers, actors and writers agents, casting agent, funders (both government and non-governmental).
  • The successful candidate will sometimes be expected to tour with the Abbey Theatre and act as the Company’s official representative and advocate.
  • Managing small and large scale projects
  • Devising timescales and ensuring projects stay within a designated budget.
  • Liaising with directors and the creative team to ensure projects run smoothly
  • Any other duties that are deemed necessary.

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

 

The post holder will have:

  • Strong experience of producing theatre across all scales.
  • Strong experience in diverse areas of theatre and the arts.
  • Demonstrable record of management in a theatre or performing arts environment.
  • Experience and expertise in negotiating contracts for artists and with co-producers and presenters.
  • Extensive contacts within, and huge enthusiasm for, theatre, both in Ireland and beyond.
  • Vision, motivation and drive.
  • Proven success in working in a busy environment.
  • Excellent communication and report writing skills.
  • Excellent organisational, logistical and general administrative skills.
  • Flexibility and excellent time management skills.
  • High level of IT skills, particularly in the area of MS Excel.
  • Relevant experience of developing and managing large teams, setting personal objectives and managing performance.
  • A full knowledge of production processes.
  • The ability to encourage a team to deliver high quality work.
  • A pro-active approach to new creative opportunities.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

  • Post: This is a Full time permanent role with a 6 month notice period.
  • Hours: Standard hours are Monday to Friday. This post requires flexibility and availability to work daytime, evenings or weekends when required.

 

  • Holidays: 24 days per annum (including Good Friday & Christmas Eve) pro rata

 

  • Public Holidays: 9 Public holidays per annum.
  • Pension: The Abbey Theatre provides employees with access to a pension scheme and will match contributions up to 5.5% of salary. Employees must contribute a minimum of 3% to avail of employer contributions. Contributions are made through payroll.
  • Life Assurance: The Abbey Theatre Group Life Assurance plan provides a benefit to all employees of 4 times annual salary in the event of death while in service.
  • Bike to work/ Bus Eireann/Luas/ Dart Tax Saver

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please send the below information:

  • Up to date CV
  • Cover letter

(Outlining why you want this particular post and highlighting the skills and experience that you could contribute)

recruitment@abbeytheatre.ie

 

The closing date for applications is 5 pm on Thursday, 20th March 2020

The Abbey Theatre is an equal opportunities employer