Fair Play Associate Artistic Director 2026-2027

We recognise the complexity around identification of class, economic and social background and also of experience level.

We offer the following as a starting point to thinking about whether this is an opportunity for you.

• You identify as working class, or from a low socio-economic background, and work professionally in theatre.
• You claim Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, Housing Benefit, Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Council Tax Reduction (CTR) and/ or other welfare benefits linked to low income. You might identify with having lived experience of poverty or long-term experience of the benefits system.
• Do not have an annual family household income of more than £33,000 or more than £40,000 with mitigating circumstances (caregivers, care leavers, are receiving Disability Living Allowance for a child you care for, Jobseekers Allowance or a Carers Allowance).
• You attended state school and received free school meals
• You may have lived experience of the care system or the criminal justice system.
• You may have stopped formal education before further and higher education, or you may have been the first in your family to go to university.
• You are a migrant or refugee who experiences economic marginalisation both in your home country and the UK.

We understand you may identify with many or all these experiences. We know it is complex.

In terms of level of experience, we suggest the following guidance:

• You want to become an Artistic or Creative Director and can indicate a commitment to leadership. You might have established your own company or initiative, have gained transferable experience outside theatre in management or previously run a department.
• You would like to make work on the mid-scale (a chance to make work that is a step change; whether this is characterised by the size of the stage, production values and resources, cast size, the stature of the actors, the complexity of the design, prominence within the programme/season etc.)
• You will have a demonstrable body of work and be in a position to lead on artist development initiatives and indicate a commitment to leadership. You might have established your own company, have gained transferable experience outside theatre in management or previously run a department.
• Interested in advocacy and activism and contributing to RTYDS’s Fair Play.

How do I know it’s not for me?

• You identify as lower middle class, middle class, or upper class.
• You have family already working in the arts.
• You went to private school not on a bursary.
• Have an annual family household income of more than £33,000 or more than £40,000 with mitigating circumstances (caregivers, care leavers, are over 18 and receiving Disability Living Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance or a Carers Allowance).
• You are at an early stage of your career.

There is no upper age limit, but you must be over 18 years old. All applicants must be resident in the UK at the point of application.

We recognise the intersectionality of class background and are particularly keen to receive applications from people who are also Black and Global Majority, Deaf and disabled, and LGBTQIA+.

This can be a full-time or part time role and will be flexible to accommodate the needs of the individual, for example caring responsibilities or access requirements relating to a disability. All Deaf or disabled directors/theatre makers who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria will be invited for interview.

Please refer to each theatre’s recruitment packs for more details about person specification and role descriptions. It may be that you need to have a connection to a certain region/city to apply for the opportunity.