Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People
The Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN
T: 01793 614864
F: 01793 616715
E: sstc@dircon.co.uk
www.sixthsensetyp.co.uk
Registered Charity No: 298436
VAT No: 989130386
,
June 2014
Dear Applicant
Thank you for your interest in the position of General Manager for Sixth Sense Theatre for Young
People.
This pack contains a variety of information about the General Manager role including:
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Background Information about the company (p.2-4)
Job Description (p.5-6)
Person Specification (p.7)
Application Form (p.8- 11)
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (p.12)
The deadline for receiving your application is 5pm on Monday 30th June 2014. Applications should
be submitted by email to sstc@dircon.co.uk or posted to me at Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People,
c/o The Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Interviews will be held on Wednesday
9th/Thursday 10th July 2014.
If you would like to talk about the post prior to applying, please do not hesitate to contact Benedict
Eccles, Sixth Sense’s Artistic Producer on 01793 614864.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Regards
Mark Powell
Chair of Trustees
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People, established in 1986 and based in Swindon, is a small-scale
professional theatre company which prioritises work with young people and schools. Funded by The
Arts Council of England and Swindon Borough Council, the company works in Swindon, the South
West and nationally.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to produce high quality contemporary theatre that helps young people to fulfil their
potential.
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In order to fulfil this mission, we aim to
Produce professional theatre for young people
Produce theatre projects which encourage young people to participate in and lead the theatre
making process
Identify those young people who are not yet involved in theatre activities and create opportunities
for them to engage with projects
Develop theatre as an artform by finding new ways of working
Work in alliance with organisations sharing Sixth Sense’s values and interests
Participate in relevant debates about young people’s issues and theatre
Encourage the development of both the organisation and those who work with us through the best
management practices
Create the right organisational structure to enable these aims to happen
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Sixth Sense aspires to the following values throughout its work:
Equality of Opportunity – treating individuals with respect and dignity and valuing difference
Excellence – both in artistic and management practice
Access – extending access and building audiences
Accountability – to our stakeholders
Flexibility – to allow Sixth Sense to adapt and develop
Integrity – striving to work ethically at all times
Sustainability – as an organisation and a service provider
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MAIN STRANDS OF SIXTH SENSE’S WORK:
Sixth Sense Professional Theatre (Touring)
Each year Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People tours professional productions to schools and small
scale venues (theatres, art centres, children’s centres, village halls etc). The productions are aimed at
secondary schools, primary schools or a family audience and the company will tour for 15 - 20 weeks
of the year.
For example, in January 2014 Sixth Sense embarked on an 8 week tour of Splosh! for Early Years’
and family audiences. It was performed in studio theatres at Salisbury Playhouse, Birmingham Rep,
Stratford Circus, Derby Theatre, The Landmark Theatre, The Mercury Theatre amongst others as well
as children’s centres, libraries and community halls in each of these localities.
At the same time we produced a play about Swindon during the First World War specifically with and
for school children in the town. The play toured to 45 Swindon primary schools over an eight week
period and was supported by bespoke digital activities for schools to use over the next four years of
the centenary.
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Outreach and Education
Borne out of the company’s professional touring productions and intrinsically linked to them are a
number of outreach and education opportunities. These include INSET sessions, teachers’ packs,
residencies and talk-outs or workshops either before or after the performance. The company is also
able to respond to requests for workshops – either a one off or a series – from schools or community
groups. These can be tailored to the group’s needs.
Swindon Youth Theatre
With a weekly usership of around 160, Sixth Sense's Youth Theatre runs workshops for young people
aged between 7- 25 years during term time and offers a number of performance opportunities during
the year. In a safe environment, young people are encouraged to try new ideas, to grow in confidence
and work as a team through the medium of theatre. The tutors are currently freelance practitioners.
There are also opportunities to go and see productions by other companies, take part in summer
residences and visits to theatre festivals.
ADVOCACY:
FUNDING BODIES AND OTHER SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS
Sixth Sense is funded by Swindon Borough Council and by the Arts Council England South West.
The company regularly meets with both organisations.
The company is resident at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon which is run by HQ Theatres. The
Wyvern supports the work of Sixth Sense by providing office accommodation, rehearsal and workshop
space.
MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES
Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People is a member of the Independent Theatre Council (the
employers’ body for small and middle scale theatre) and is an ITC Ethical Manager. This means that
the company uses union approved contracts and working conditions for all staff and has access to
information, advice, training and networking opportunities.
We are members and represented on the TYA UK Steering Group. The role of this organisation is to
advocate for theatre for young audiences to be an entitlement for children throughout the world and
act as YPT think-tank and inform debate.
Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People is a member of the National Association of Youth Theatres
which co-ordinates youth theatres across the country. This enables sharing of information and
support for and from others working in the same field, as well as discussion about future projects,
festivals and available resources.
ORGANISATIONS WE SUPPORT:
Artsmad establishes a strategic development plan for arts and education within Swindon. Partners
include the Arts Council England, Swindon Borough Council Educational and Youth departments,
Swindon Dance, Create Studios, The Wyvern Theatre and other local providers. Sixth Sense is a
member of the steering committee of Artsmad.
The Smash Youth Project that helps support and encourage disadvantaged young people living in
Swindon who want to change their lives.
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Create Studios that produces local digital media projects with young people. Sixth Sense regularly
co-produces work with Create Studios.
Swindon Dance that nurtures and develops young people. Sixth Sense regularly co-produces work
with Swindon Dance.
Rannel Theatre Company is an emerging hip- hop theatre and dance company based in Swindon.
Sixth Sense mentors their organisational development.
CO-PRODUCERS WE HAVE WORKED WITH INCLUDE:
Theatre Centre
Frantic Assembly
Trading Faces
Watermill Theatre Company
Trestle Theatre Company
Collaborators Theatre Company
Cheltenham Everyman Theatre
Tilt Theatre Company
Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company
Salisbury Playhouse
Travelling Light Theatre Company
Jactito Theatre
Folded Feather
Hoodwink Theatre Company
Swindon Arts Centre
Wyvern Theatre
Royal Shakespeare Company
Greenwich and Lewisham Young People’s Theatre
WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID:
‘This experience will stay with them for a long, long time’.
Teacher (Ker-Ching!)
‘We are so lucky to have Sixth Sense based in our town. Such high quality theatre productions every
time’.
Teacher (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner)
‘Fabulous show! For my 2 year old grandson it was his first theatre experience but it will not be his
last. We loved it all- from the rhyming to the set to the acting!’
Parent (Splosh!)
‘The company never fail to deliver an exceptional show, targeted to meet curriculum needs and so
much more’.
Commissioner Leisure, Libraries and Culture, Swindon Borough Council
‘The production struck just the right balance between childish playfulness and neatly and wittily
choreographed set pieces......... this company knows what it is doing’.
Artistic Assessor (Bob, the Man on the Moon).
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Title:
General Manager to Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People
Terms:
Full time 37.5 hours
Salary range:
£26 - £30k depending on experience
Annual Leave:
25 days + public holidays
Managed By:
Artistic Producer
Location:
Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People, c/o Wyvern Theatre, Theatre
Square, Swindon SN1 1QN.
Regional travelling when required
Start date:
ASAP and by mid-August
We are a small, reputable independent charity that produces high quality theatre experiences for
children and young people. The core staff is a small team of 4 that work closely together in a flexible
way to ensure that Sixth Sense is the best it can be. We work with a further c.60 freelancers annually.
We need an experienced office-based multi-tasker who can work solo and collaboratively in a fast
paced environment that requires both pragmatic and creative approaches. The ideal person will be
very experienced with a ‘can do’ problem solving attitude.
Main Responsibilities:
- The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day smooth running of Sixth Sense Theatre for
Young People. Areas of responsibility include financial management, Board and Company Secretary
role, legal compliance, human resource management, project management, marketing and
administration.
- The General Manager also represents the company at meetings, seminars, conferences and public
events for networking on behalf of Sixth Sense.
- The General Manager is expected to be constantly vigilant of the legal, financial, artistic and
charitable aims of the Company.
- The General Manager supports other members of staff.
- Responsible to the Artistic Producer and reports to the Board.
1) Finance
 Budgeting (in association with Artistic Prod.)
 Wages, PAYE, VAT, records and returns (Sage, Realtime PAYE, HMRC website etc)
 Monitoring of income and expenditure using Sage bookkeeping systems
 Producing income projections
 Preparation of annual and inter-annual reports to main funding bodies
 Banking
2)
Board and Company Secretarial (including young person’s shadow Board)
Liaison with Companies House, Charity Commissioners, Accountant,
Bank, etc
 Report writing
 Board Minute taking
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Preparation of agendas, reports, figures and other required information
Maintaining and updating the Board handbook and associated policies and procedures (in
association with Artistic Prod.)
Interim liaison with Board members
Organising Board training
3) Legal Requirements and organisational management
 Develop business plans (in association with Artistic. Prod.)
 Strategic Planning (in association with Artistic. Prod.)
 Contracting artists and freelancers
 Issuing contracts for production services
 Insurances
 Correspondence with Independent Theatre Council – our management assoc. (inc. DBS
Checks)
 Overall responsibility for company van (inc. maintenance/hires/safe parking)
 Health and safety adherence
 Organising required staff training
 Undertaking personal training
 Service Level Agreements
4) Marketing and Administration
 Project management inc tour bookings (esp. telephone sales) and acting
as tour manager for Sixth Sense’s professional tours
 Day to day administration of the tour process- liaising with venues,
schools and partner organisations
 Maintaining and developing the office infrastructure
 Deal with phone/fax/e-mail enquiries
 General Swindon Youth Theatre enquiries/administration with other core staff
 Maintain office diary system
 Create and maintain company databases (oversee Youth Theatre database)
 Book audition and rehearsal rooms
 Help arrange accommodation for project staff
 Collate feedback/produce evaluation reports
 Write fundraising application and produce reports
 Update website/networking forums
 Manage project marketing and publicity, working in collaboration with the marketing consultant.
This post is offered subject to references, DBS clearance, permission to work in UK and a 4 month
probationary period.
This job description will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the company’s needs are being
met.
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GENERAL MANAGER PERSON SPECIFICATION
Sixth Sense acknowledges that specifications are created as a guide and understands that flexibility
within the specification may be required to appoint the most suitable candidate. We anticipate that all
candidates will have a variety of skills and professional experiences.
ESSENTIAL
 Previous senior administration/General Manager experience
 Effective contemporary marketing skills and practices
 Knowledge of SAGE accounting systems
 Knowledge of online payroll systems
 Experience of financial reporting
 Fundraising experience
 Highly organised
 Good all-round IT skills, including knowledge of Access and other database systems
 Office working legislation
 Excellent presentation skills
 Strong interpersonal skills
 Experience of report writing and planning processes
 A flexible and adaptable approach
 A sense of humour
 Ability to collaborate as part of a small team
 Ability to work on own initiative
 General knowledge of IT hardware and computer systems
 Willing to advocate on behalf of young people and the arts
 Basic knowledge of web design and social media use
 Recruitment, retention and training processes
 Working with/servicing a Board of Trustees
 Full UK driving license
PREFERRED
 Knowledge and interest of regional & national arts/theatre scene.
 Knowledge of issues relating to young people and professionals working with young people
 Experience of telephone sales
 Experience of producing printed publicity materials and organising marketing campaigns
 Copywriting skills
 Commitment to personal and professional development/learning
 Experience of alliance and partnership working
 Web design and management skills
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APPLICATION FORM
This form will be photocopied for the shortlisting panel, so please type your answers or write clearly in
black ink and use the same size (A4) paper for any continuation sheets.
Application for the post of: General Manager
REF: Sixth Sense
Personal Details
Surname
Forename(s)
Ms/Miss/Mr/other
Home Address
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Home/mobile telephone numbers
Email
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS
From
To
Secondary School/College/University
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Exam passes/awards/grades
TRAINING e.g. short courses, in-house training, relevant to this application.
Year
Description
If offered this post, when would you be able to start?
__________________________________
So far as you know, do you have any health problem
that could prevent you from carrying out this job
effectively?
YES/NO
REFEREES: Please give details of two referees not related top you who can comment on your
suitability for the post. One should be your current/most recent employer, or your school/college of
you have not been in full-time employment.
Name:
Name:
Position:
Position:
Organisation:
Organisation:
Address:
Address:
Telephone:
Telephone:
If you are shortlisted, may we contact prior to
interview? YES/NO
If you are shortlisted, may we contact prior to
interview? YES/NO
9
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
From:
Month/Year
To:
Month/Year
Employer and nature of business
Most recent first
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Positions held, relevant responsibilities and
reason for leaving.
Please state your salary for your current/most
recent post.
REASONS FOR APPLYING
Please provide here whatever additional information you want to give to help us assess your
application. Please refer to all the points in the person specification and give your reasons for
applying for this post. If you require more space, please add a continuation sheet(s).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING FORM
CONFIDENTIAL
Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People is working towards increasing the company’s diversity in all
aspects of its work. In order for us to collect and monitor accurate information about the diversity of job
applicants we would appreciate it if you could you fill in this form. The information you give to us will
be treated in the strictest confidence. This form is separated from the application form.
If you choose not to complete this form your application will not be affected in any way. Please put a
cross next to the correct box or specify as appropriate.
How would you describe your ethnic or
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING FORM CONFIDENTIAL
Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People is working towards increasing the company’s
diversity in all aspects of its work. In order for us to collect and monitor accurate information
about the diversity of job applicants we would appreciate it if you could you fill in this form.
The information you give to us will be treated in the strictest confidence. This form is
separated from the application form.
If you choose not to complete this form your application will not be affected in any way.
Please put a cross next to the correct box or specify as appropriate.
How would you describe your ethnic origin?
White
a. British
Irish
b. Any other white background (please specify)
______________________________________
Mixed
White and Black Caribbean
White and Black African
White and Asian
Any other mixed background (please specify)
_______________________________________
Black
Caribbean
African
Any other black background (please specify)
Asian
Indian
Pakistani
Bangladeshi
Chinese
Any other ethnic group (please specify)
_____________________________________
Please tick as appropriate:
Male
Female
Do you consider yourself to be disabled?
Yes
No
What age group do you belong to?
Under 25
25-35
35-50
Over 50
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