Job Description
Job Title
Responsible To
Deputy Production Manager 18 months FTC
Production Managers
National Theatre
South Bank
London SE1 9PX
Tel +44(0)20 7452 3333
Fax +44(0)20 7452 3344
jobs@nationaltheatre.org.uk
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
The National Theatre
The National Theatre is central to the creative life of the country. In its three theatres on the South Bank in
London it presents an eclectic mix of new plays and classics from the world repertoire, with seven or eight
productions in repertory at any one time. It aims constantly to re-energise the great traditions of the British
stage and to expand the horizons of audiences and artists alike. It aspires to reflect in its repertoire the
diversity of the culture. At its Studio, the National offers a space for research and development for the NT’s
stages and the theatre as a whole. Through the NT Learning Department, tomorrow’s audiences are
addressed. Through an extensive programme of amplifying activities – platform performances, backstage
tours, foyer music, publications, exhibitions and outdoor events – it recognises that theatre doesn't begin and
end with the rise and fall of the curtain. And by touring, transfers and broadcasting, the National seeks to
share its work with audiences around the UK and abroad.
Objectives
The National’s continuing objective is to present a balanced artistic programme. The repertory system is a
key to this, not as a good in itself, but as the means of taking artistic risks and responding to audience
demand. The NT endeavours to produce to the highest standards by attracting the best artists to work in an
environment that enables and stimulates them to realise the fullest extent of their talents. These are the NT’s
constant objectives. Alongside are two long-term and interlinked strategies. The NT seeks to broaden the
work on its stages, by nurturing new plays and new forms at the Studio, by commissioning, and by active
project development of all kinds, in which Associate Directors, associates and other consultants are involved.
It seeks to broaden its audiences through the programming choices it makes, by keeping ticket prices down,
and by making manifest its ambition to be bold, contemporary and accessible.
Background to the Production Department
The Production Department, comprising stage management and production management, is at the heart of
the National Theatre, co-ordinating the production process for the diverse programme in the three theatres,
foyers, outside spaces, transfers and on tour.
Purpose of Job
To assist the Production Managers in the effective use of people and the NT's systems for the realisation of
all the technical elements of designs for allocated shows at the NT and touring venues. To “act up" as
Production Manager as required and when mutually agreed, on projects specifically identified by the
Production Managers and Head of Production.
Duties and Responsibilities
1.
Assist the Production Manager in ensuring that the process towards White Card/Outline Design does
not create a design that exceeds the parameters set for the project.
-
Assist the Production Manager and Designers as required in the development and organisation of
the design.
-
Assist in the production of guideline budgets, guideline risk assessments and guideline schedules
where required.
-
Carry out research as required.
-
Liaise with specialist contractors and/or relevant NT departments as required.
-
Communicate effectively Technical Guidelines from departments.
2.
Assist in the accurate interpretation of the Final Design to ensure precise analysis of feasibility.
-
Attend design and technical meetings.
-
Produce and distribute technical design information to departments and contractors.
-
Ensure changeover and touring issues are identified and addressed.
3.
Assist in the production of a detailed fully deliverable budget, risk assessment and schedule for
recommendation to the Executive.
-
Liaise with the Stage Manager, contractors, all technical & workshop Heads of Departments.
-
Use generic budget sheet and attend meetings with Production Accountant.
-
Use generic risk assessment sheet and liaise with Head of Health & Safety
-
Use generic schedule and liaise with technical Heads of Departments.
4.
Assist in monitoring the expenditure, progress chasing the manufacture and clarifying any modification
of all areas of the design.
-
Identify critical issues through rehearsal notes, workshop meeting etc.
-
Attend production meetings and attend production office meetings to review and control critical
issues.
-
Liaise with the creative team, all technical departments, contractors and Heads of Departments.
5.
Assist in the management of fit-ups, attend technical and other rehearsals at NT and other touring
venues.
-
Assist in the supervision of the fit-up of scenery for the shows design.
-
Liaise with the creative Team, Stage Manager, contractors and Heads of Departments.
6.
To fulfil the role of "Production Manager" on allocated projects when it has been mutually agreed with
the Production Managers and Head of Production that it would be appropriate.
7.
Miscellaneous:
-
To deputise for the Production Manager in areas of technical responsibility.
-
Carry out allocated production work as agreed.
-
Attend NT weekly meetings as required.
-
Carry out small model showings to a variety of audiences.
-
Carry out ‘recces’ and surveys of various venues.
-
Ensure all systems and procedure relating to health and safety, administration and general
housekeeping in respect of the production office are carried out.
-
Maintain accurate technical information of NT theatres.
-
Revise, file and store technical and design information.
8.
To undertake training deemed necessary by manager.
9.
To support the NT's communications objectives by sharing information with your manager,
teams/colleagues as appropriate, whilst respecting confidentiality, so that you and your colleagues have
all the information you need to perform your duties to the highest standards.
10. To comply with the NT’s Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety Policies.
NB
The level of assistance and ownership of responsibility will vary depending on the size of the project
and the skill and experience of the individual.
Person Specification
The postholder must be:
1.
Bright, proactive and energetic, with a demonstrable record in the delivery of productions at the highest
artistic and technical level.
2.
Dedicated and committed with excellent focus and organisational skill, with the ability to demonstrate
the application of excellent project management skills across several projects simultaneously.
3.
Budget literate with awareness of latest techniques and relevant regulations as applied to the
preparation and staging of major productions in repertoire.
4.
An excellent communicator. Resilient and with the ability to demonstrate and communicate enthusiasm
and professionalism in all aspects of this highly demanding job.
5.
Able to demonstrate a recognisable level of credibility within the industry.
6.
IT and AutoCAD literate.
Qualifications and Experience
The postholder must have:
1.
Completed a degree course in Technical Theatre or equivalent.
2.
Considerable experience of working in theatre and experience of being an Assistant or Deputy
Production Manager. Experience of being a Production Manager desirable.
3.
A working knowledge of Health and Safety regulations.
Smoking Policy
Please note that the National Theatre is a no-smoking building.
Alcohol Policy
All NT staff are expected to remain alcohol free during working hours and take personal responsibility for
presenting themselves in a fit state for work i.e. alcohol free.
Outline of Terms and Conditions
TITLE OF POST:
DEPUTY PRODUCTION MANAGER (18 MONTH FIXED TERM CONTRACT)
SALARY RANGE:
£24,000 to £27,500 per annum pro rata.
HOURS OF WORK:
The post-holder will be required to work flexible hours. The basic hours of
work will be 35 per week and normal office hours are between 10.00am and
6.00pm. However you will be expected to work such hours, as are
necessary, and these will vary from week to week and be considerable
during production periods.
In order to ensure that over the 18 month contract your hours are not
unreasonable or excessive, it is envisaged that after production periods
there will be an opportunity to work weeks with fewer hours in lieu of the
hours worked in production periods. An 11 hour break between work periods
is mandatory, and your weekly work hours should not exceed an average of
48 per week over any given 17 week period in accordance with the Working
Time Regulations.
ANNUAL LEAVE:
28 days in the first year pro rata, including bank holidays, increasing with
service thereafter.
PROBATIONARYPERIOD:
3 months
NOTICE PERIOD:
1 month during probationary period, 2 months thereafter
PENSION:
The National Theatre operates a Stakeholder Pension scheme with Legal &
General. If you wish to become a member, you may opt to contribute either
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. Full details of these schemes are available from the HR department.
OTHER BENEFITS:
 complimentary tickets for performances, subject to availability and staff
ticket policy.
 staff canteen, cycle-scheme, interest-free season ticket loan, childcare
voucher scheme.
 discount on meals in the National’s two restaurants, the Mezzanine and
the Terrace Café, subject to discount policy.
 discount on the majority of books and play texts available from
 the National’s bookshop, subject to discount policy.
Appointment Procedure
Applications must be submitted on the National’s online application form, by 12 noon Thursday 28
February 2013.Please go here to apply:http://recruitment.nationaltheatre.org.uk/onlinerecruitment/
Please note, at present we are only able to support applications made using Internet Explorer. We
apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
If you have any difficulty applying please contact us using one of the options below.
E-mail:
jobs@nationaltheatre.org.uk (quoting Deputy Production Manager in the subject line)
Phone:
020 7452 3277
The closing date for the receipt of completed application forms is:12 noon Thursday 28 February 2013
The National Theatre is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer
HR Department
January 2013