Creative Director and Joint Chief Executive Application Pack 2021 - Eclipse Theatre
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Creative Director and Joint Chief Executive Application Pack 2021 Shannon Hayes and Donna Berlin in The Gift. 1 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.uk Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
About Us Slate, The Long Table Discussion.
Photo credit: Thomas Husbands
"The company making strides in telling Black We are proud to have proved that there are audiences
Britain’s lost stories.” The Stage for Black work outside of London (read The R Report,
Eclipse 2018).
Eclipse Theatre, based in Leeds, is a nationally
significant organisation with a deep commitment to Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Arts Council England in
the North of England and to an international reach. our most recent assessment for the Creative Case
A National Portfolio Organisation funded by for Diversity, this remains a key driver at the heart
Arts Council England, Eclipse is a charity and a of our mission, reflecting the diversity of England
company limited by guarantee. We have a talented by championing and producing Black stories. We
and dedicated team of two permanent staff and prioritise the voices of those who were born, live/
numerous freelance artists, producers, practitioners, work or have a strong connection with the North. As
and casual staff who deliver our artistic productions. one of the few, and vitally important, non-white led
Our annual turnover, based on the financial year NPOs, over the last 12 years we have provided strong,
2019/20 is approximately £677,000 and our work responsive leadership in artistic innovation and talent
is funded through four main sources: Arts Council development. We are active in our commitment
England, other public and international funds, trusts to making change in relation to culture, race,
and foundations, and earned income including box diversity, and inclusion on stage, in creative teams, in
office income. organisations and across the wider cultural sector.
As one of the UK’s most innovative, Black-led touring Eclipse continues to shape the theatre sector,
companies we inspire new narratives about the Black supporting artists, making work of critical acclaim,
experience. We commission, develop, produce and reaching new audiences, and providing mentorship
present new work by Black creatives in partnership and opportunities to a whole new generation of
with venues and collaborators. We believe in the makers and leaders.
power of culture to connect people together and to
change lives. We are inspired by the idea generators, In recent years, Eclipse has gone through significant
writers, directors, actors, digital artists, filmmakers, change, moving locations from Sheffield to Leeds
thinkers, and creative teams whose work we produce. in 2019, redefining its mission, strengthening its
We are focused on touring work at mid-scale and financial resilience, and building wider networks in
developing work-in-progress directly with makers - Leeds and beyond. This change continues as we all
enabling UK theatres to present new plays by Black move into recovery following the global pandemic.
British writers and directors. We exist to provide This new role is part of the continued change to
relevant and exciting work to our audiences. build on Eclipse’s strengths and sense of purpose for
the future.
2 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.uk
Our Work Tonderai Munyevu, Tyrone Huggins and Trevor Laird in Black Men Walking.
Photo credit: Tristram Kenton
We have an extraordinary history, having started from Since 2008, we have delivered co-productions
an Arts Council England report and then an initiative and presentations with Leeds Playhouse, Young
(in 2003) aimed at addressing the absence of Black Vic, Sheffield Crucible, HOME Manchester , Royal
theatre on the regional middle-scale touring network. Exchange, Hull Truck, and others. Eclipse’s work on
Over six years, a consortium of regional theatres with stages has produced numerous nominations for
Steven Luckie and then Gemma Emanuel-Waterton awards: Alfred Fagon Best New Play Award 2018 for
as Eclipse Producer toured the following: Moon on Princess & The Hustler, UK Theatre ‘Best New Play’ and
a Rainbow Shawl by Errol John, Mother Courage and Writer’s Guild ‘Best Play’ 2019 for Black Men Walking;
Her Children by Bertolt Brecht, adapted by Oladipo Best Touring Production, UK Theatre Awards for A
Agboluaje, Little Sweet Thing by Roy Williams, Three Raisin in the Sun and TMA Award for Best Director
Sisters by Anton Chekhov, adapted by Mustapha Award for The Hounding of David Oluwale.
Matura and Angel House by Roy Williams. Eclipse was
then established as a company by Dawn Walton OBE
in 2010.
3 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.uk
Recent Projects:
The Gift by Janice Okoh
At the beginning of 2020, our most unusual year
to date and as Covid-19 loomed, we toured The
Gift, our co-production with Belgrade Theatre
Coventry, which attracted
8,500 audiences
34% new attenders to venues (UK average 15%)
6 times the proportion of ethnically diverse
attenders compared to UK av.
“An uncomfortable but rewarding
play of stories we can't forget.”
★★★★★ Coventry Telegraph
Shannon Hayes and Donna Berlin in The Gift. Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
Keisha Thompson, Man on the Moon. Photo credit: Benji Read
Eclipse Commissioned Artists The Eclipse Award
In 2020, Eclipse supported and worked alongside Launched by Eclipse and Summerhall in response
the following commissioned artists to develop to the lack of Black artists presenting work at the
new works: Olivia Hannah, Houmi Miura, Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The award package includes
Dorcas Sebuyange and Keisha Thompson. a £10,000 bursary, a run at one of Summerhall’s
venues, marketing and PR support, technical and
producing guidance, Fringe registration and a planned
package of care.
Our 2020 winners Inititative. dkf will present work at
this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
4 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.uk
Nwando Ebizie, Distorted Constellations. Photo credit: Sarah Hickson Slate World UK. Photo credit: Ean Flanders Photography
Slate Eclipse Online
Slate: Black. Arts. World. was a three-year project As a response to the global pandemic, Eclipse
led by Eclipse that supported Black artists in the presented a vital online programme of masterclasses,
North of England to work regionally, nationally and workshops, and socials for Black artists and creatives
internationally, building sustainable models for careers led by leading experts from the sector.
in the independent sector. In collaboration with Indigo
Ltd, we shared our findings in a report published late “So good to be in a virtual room that centred on
last year. Read the report online here. wellbeing, relationships and personal capacity.
Lots to think and dream about.”
Slate World was a follow-up project promoting the
visibility and mobility of Black artists across Europe,
Guleraana @g_ting
co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of
the European Union. Led by Eclipse with partners
Theater De Meervaart, ICK Amsterdam and Teatro
Griot, the two year project opened-up new potential in
programming, audience development, digitisation and
cultural exchange.
Eclipse in 2021
In 2021, we will launch a new Eclipse Online
programme bringing together digital content
and panel discussions. We will also commission
new works with our partners in autumn 2021
and, allowing for restrictions, spring 2022.
Black Men Walking. Photo credit: Al-Rashed A Dauda
5 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.uk
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The Role
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da This is a hugely exciting opportunity to shape and
er
st
Am deliver inspiring and dynamic creative ambitions for
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or Black artists and creatives in the North and across
eW
at
Sl the UK. In a newly designed role that will build on
Eclipse’s reputation, artistic innovation and talent
development, you will ensure Eclipse’s active
commitment to making change in relation to
creativity, race, diversity, and inclusion.
We are looking for an ambitious, inspirational, and
visionary Creative Director who will also be Joint Chief
Executive. With the Executive Director and Joint CEO -
to be recruited summer 2021 - you will be accountable
for the overall success of the company, helping Eclipse
to engage and collaborate with communities in the
North, reflecting their lives and building on your
passion for finding the best stories and storytellers of
all kind.
6 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.uk
What we are looking for How to Apply
We want a strategic, inspiring, and meticulously To apply for the post, please send an up to date CV; a
organised theatre lover; someone with solid artistic covering letter outlining (in no more than two pages)
instincts, excellent networks, and a personal ease your vision for Eclipse for the next five years; a separate
with artists, partners, and the public. We want statement (not an academic essay) addressing the
someone who is ready for the next step or who is selection criteria; contact details for two referees
working in a similar role elsewhere. You might come who can be contacted if you are to reach the second
from a programming, directing, writing or producing interview stage and a completed Equal Opportunities
background. Whatever your foundations, we are Monitoring Form.
looking for drive, ambition and a keen understanding
of the role Eclipse currently plays and will continue to Send all four documents to:
play in the coming years. recruitment@eclipsetheatre.org.uk
by midday Tuesday 1 June.
An innovative thinker and inspirational leader, you will
have experience in leading people and demonstrate For an initial confidential and informal
strategic awareness at a senior level. You will use conversation about the role, please contact
your curatorial skills to set the creative ambition for recruitment@eclipsetheatre.org.uk to book a time
the organisation and provide solid artistic leadership to talk to Interim Chief Executive Kenneth
to a small but dedicated team. Building on our Olumuyiwa Tharp.
extraordinary growth in recent years you will, as
Creative Director, lead us into the next chapter of the
company’s exciting future.
Recruitment Schedule
You will be used to delivering amazing productions The process will include panel interviews,
or programmes. You have a strong vision about how presentations and an opportunity to meet
to elevate and share the extraordinary Black and staff/board members.
ethnically diverse led artistic work currently being
created across the North and the rest of the UK. Deadline: Midday, Tuesday 1 June
You will be aware of the professional needs of the First stage interviews:
Black artists, creative practitioners and audiences W/C 14 June
Eclipse seeks to serve. With the Executive Director
(to be recruited in 2021) you are the executive and Second stage interviews:
creative leadership team and report individually and W/C 21 June
jointly to the Board. Eclipse seeks to actively encourage applications from
those with less visibility in the arts. We specifically
This role is all about bringing energetic leadership, welcome applications from women, people with
experience and artistic know-how to a pivotal role disabilities and those from Black, Asian, ethnically
in the culture sector. We want you to hit the ground diverse and international backgrounds with the right
running and drive a compelling vision for the next to work.
10 years of Eclipse as the best placed organisation
in the North to amplify Arts Council England’s ‘Let’s All short-listed candidates will be contacted by phone
Create’ Strategy. or email. We will contact you by Tuesday 8 June with a
decision on your application.
7 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.uk
Creative Director and Key Responsibilities
Joint Chief Executive Artistic & Programme
• F orge an artistic vision and create a programme
Contract: U
p to 5 years fixed term with an that brings together multiple voices and creates
option to renew. an impactful offering that meets the mission of
the company.
Salary: £45,000 pa
• D
evelop a ground-breaking programme that
maintains and grows the company’s reputation
Working hours: T
his is a full-time post assuming for commissioning/producing the best new
a minimum of 40 hours per week, theatre from Black writers from the widest range
including regular evening and of backgrounds.
weekend work and travel within
and outside the UK. Standard • S kilfully cultivate and attract both established
office hours are from 10am - 6pm, and emerging creative practitioners and actively
Monday to Friday. seek out new talent, so Eclipse continues to
discover, nurture and develop the next generation
of Black talent.
Location: L eeds
• Actively seek to build partnerships with grassroots
and established arts organisations that support
Holidays: F ive weeks paid holiday per annum our civic and cultural agenda to help us better
plus British public holidays serve the local and artistic communities of Leeds,
and bank holidays (currently 8 Yorkshire, the North of England and the UK.
per year)
• W
ork with the Executive Director to set the
strategic direction of the company and ensure the
Pension: E
clipse offers a Workplace Pension company balances a sustainable business model
Plan by NEST with employee at 5% with a healthy appetite for risk.
and employer at 3% contributions
• W
ith the Executive Director, develop the business
plan and the next NPO application that builds the
Responsible to: E
clipse’s Board of Directors (Chair) strategic aims of the company and our response to
‘Lets Create’, ACE’s 10-year Strategy.
Responsible for: M
arketing Manager, • Support the development and implementation
freelance producers, external of effective marketing, PR and communications
fundraising support strategies for all aspects of Eclipse’s work,
ensuring that professional standards are set and
Reports from: All Producers managed which deliver clear, open and direct
communication, both internally and externally.
• A
ctively engage the Board in the artistic decision-
making at Governance level with regular artistic
reporting at Board meetings, leading conversations
and creating annual away-days that include
reflection, evaluation and forward planning.
8 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.uk
Leadership and Management Strategic
• Inspire the whole organisation – Board, staff, • T
o lead on the promotion and active communication
volunteers, partners, and funders – to achieve our of the Eclipse inclusion and relevance agenda,
artistic, social, and business mission. ensuring the company is a welcoming and safe
environment in which to work and create.
• A
ct as the main point of contact with the Chair
of the Board, supporting the development of the • A
dvocate and lobby for Eclipse, seeking
Board, including the recruitment of new trustees, opportunities to promote the organisation
and managing governance matters. nationally and internationally.
• W
ith the Executive Director and Joint CEO, ensure • D
evelop good, productive relations with the press
a viable Business Plan and associated budgets are and other media, acting as the main spokesperson
in place. for the company representing the company at
meetings, functions, conferences, etc. making
• W
ith the Executive Director and Joint CEO, build and
presentations as necessary.
lead a capable team, ensuring the staff team have
the resources and information required to support • A
ttend Board meetings and assist Trustees to
and deliver their individual briefs and to maximise discharge their legal responsibilities, both as charity
their own potential. trustees and company directors, ensuring that they
receive accurate and timely information enabling
them to make informed decisions.
Finance and Income Generation
• Be responsible for the financial stability and future
viability of Eclipse, including leading on funding and
General
income generation from public and private sources, • T
o undertake line management responsibilities
including Trusts and Foundations, high net worth as appropriate.
individuals and private sector sponsors in liaison
• To lead regular internal meetings.
with development staff or external professionals.
• To act always in the best interest of Eclipse.
• E
nsure programme costs are controlled through
close monitoring of income and expenditure • T
his list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and
and with support from the Executive Director the postholder may be required to perform duties
and General Manager, develop a green-lighting outside of this as operationally required and at the
process for programme activities that identifies and discretion of the Board.
manages risk.
• Deliver
the implementation of agreed activity
on time and within budget, working closely with
the Executive Director and General Manager on
development of annual budgets and financial
monitoring and reporting.
9 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.ukPerson Specification Application Interview
Essential Make work that understands the Black experience YES
on stage, in communities and digitally
The fresh vision, imagination, ambition and YES YES
passion to lead the Company into its next phase
Personal ease working with artists, YES
funders, public
Proven experience of and commitment to YES YES
developing new work
Experience of leading productive relationships YES
with Arts Council England and/or other national
government funding bodies
The ability to provide artistic and YES YES
managerial leadership
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal YES YES
Ability to think strategically YES YES
Lead, motivate and inspire teams of people YES YES
Collaborate. share and develop partnerships YES
A positive attitude with a high level of self- YES
motivation and ability to work on your initiative
Financial Literacy YES
Understanding of the challenges and YES YES
opportunities of touring
Desirable Experience of enabling good organisational
governance and working with trustees
Knowledge/experience of international touring
10 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.ukeclipsetheatre.org.uk E D Q /Eclipsetcl 11 Eclipse Theatre eclipsetheatre.org.uk Donna Berlin, The Gift. Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
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