The Unicorn is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Transcription

1 Thank you for your interest in the role of Performance Manager (Casual) at the Unicorn Theatre. The Unicorn is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The Unicorn Vision The Unicorn is the UK s leading professional theatre for young audiences, dedicated to inspiring and invigorating young people of all ages, perspectives and abilities, and empowering them to explore the world on their own terms through theatre. Year-round, the Unicorn works with some of the world s most exciting theatre-makers to produce, present and tour a surprising, innovative and broad range of work that is honest, refreshing and international in outlook. At the Unicorn, we believe in: bringing art to young people and young people to art pushing the boundaries of what theatre for young audiences can be opening our doors to everyone speaking to the audience of today, not just creating the audience of the future diversity. Because the world is diverse. At the Unicorn, we strive to push the boundaries of imagination in everything that we do; welcoming families, schools, and young people for unforgettable theatrical experiences that will expand horizons, change perspectives, and challenge how we all see and understand each other. The Unicorn is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. What the Unicorn Is The Unicorn was founded in 1947 by Caryl Jenner, with the aim that the best of theatre for children should be judged on the same high standards of writing, directing, acting and design as the best of adult theatre, a value which still holds very much true today. Since its early days as a touring company, the Unicorn has become a key player, not only in children s theatre in the UK but across Europe, and within the ecology of British theatre as a whole. The Unicorn moved into its current purpose-built home in Tooley Street in 2007 and currently stages around 15 shows a year, the majority in-house productions and commissions, and enjoys a reputation as a leading innovator in new work for young audiences. In August 2018, we welcomed Justin Audibert as our new Artistic Director alongside Anneliese Davidsen (Executive Director). The theatre is subsidised by Arts Council England and is currently the fourth most highly-funded theatre in London, with 1.3m annually committed until Between 2011 and 2018, the company will have produced and presented 140 theatre productions, and toured 30 in the UK and internationally, to young audiences of over 400,000.

2 The Unicorn has a turnover of 3 million, with over 20% coming from Box Office with almost all tickets being sold to children at concessionary rates and a similar amount from fundraising. The theatre s audiences are broadly defined as families and schools, and the theatre currently plays to all ages from six months to adulthood. We maintain a strong commitment to representing diversity in our audiences as well as on our stages. The Unicorn has a unique and in-depth Learning Programme in schools, a busy range of Accessible performances, and a strong programme of activities out in the wider London community. Commercial activities café, merchandise, events are growing fast. The Unicorn has strong relationships with a number of European theatre makers and companies, with a recent history of co-producing partnerships with and presentations of major overseas work. The Unicorn s priorities are: To maintain the Unicorn s position as an artistic innovator in the cultural life of the UK and beyond To maintain a stable business model To build our reputation and brand, including abroad To work with schools to maintain access to the arts for all London s children To represent the diversity of London To ensure the future viability of the Unicorn, creating a strong rolling legacy for the theatre s next custodians. Working at the Unicorn The Unicorn is a fast-paced, innovative and extraordinary theatre with big ambitions and big ideas. We programme exceptional theatre for young audiences and work with the most exciting talent in the UK and beyond. We share great theatre with 90,000 children and young people every year, and we work hard to reach the widest possible range of audiences. Every role matters, every contribution is valued and needed. It's hard work but fun, it's fast paced but meaningful and rewarding. We're a great team and you will get to work with, and learn about, most areas of the theatre and how it operates just by being here and taking part. You will make a difference and your work will help the theatre maintain its artistic excellence and social and moral ambitions. As one of London s busiest producing theatres, we work closely with artists and have a reputation for being welcoming, open and supportive. We're a place where great ideas are generated and great art is made. Working closely with artists, directors and writers is the fun part of our jobs. We expect our staff to be self-motivated, ambitious people who enjoy the opportunity and freedom to shape their roles, to make a lasting impact, and to develop their skills and experience. Performance Manager (Casual) Responsible to: Deputy Front of House Manager Responsible for: Ushers, and occasionally work experience placements and other volunteers The Performance Manager duty manages the Unicorn during performances. The Unicorn has two main theatre venues, and activities and events also take place in rehearsal rooms, studios, and the foyer itself. The Performance Manager manages a team of ushers to ensure audiences are given a

3 friendly and efficient welcome to the Unicorn. Performance Managers have a safety-critical role, coordinating the team in the event of an evacuation, and administering First Aid when needed. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Communication To communicate effectively with young people To respond to queries and comments. To resolve complaints in person in a sensible and sensitive manner and to pass on any issues to the FOH Manager. Liaise with the Stage Manager and Visiting Artists/Companies to ensure the smooth running of performances and events Health & Safety Ensure that all venue Health & Safety and Premises License regulations are adhered to Understand and be able to effectively carry out emergency procedures (e.g. in the case of evacuation, fire, accident) Work with the Stage Door keeper as appropriate to ensure the safety and security of the building and all customers Operations To be aware of all activities taking place in the venue and be able to communicate this information to audience and staff Complete show reports for each event, record audience feedback and collect monitoring information Assist with the induction of new Ushers Finance Check and distribute cash floats to staff as necessary Check and reconcile Front of House takings (e.g. confectionery, merchandise), and ensure that monies are kept secure Take responsibility for any stock (e.g. programmes, merchandise, ice-cream), and ensure accurate records General Supervise a team of Ushers and liaise with Box Office staff on sales and audience requirements To implement the Unicorn s Equal Opportunities, Child Protection, customer care, access and Health & Safety Policies Undertake any other duties reasonably requested by the Events Producer/FOH Manager or Deputy FOH Manager Attend training and meetings as deemed necessary PERSON SPECIFICATION As a key member of the front-of-house team and a frontline representative of the Unicorn, you will be able to lead a team providing excellent customer care. You will maintain and enhance our policy for serving diverse communities and be committed to creating a socially inclusive environment.

4 Essential Excellent customer care skills Basic staff management skills Experience of cash handling Understanding of health and safety issues Ability to understand basic computer software Ability to keep calm under pressure and to prioritise work Ability to handle sensitive situations in a suitable manner Must be willing (and able) to work flexible shift patterns on a seven day rota Commitment to Equal Opportunities Desirable Experience of front-of-house management or supervision Health and Safety qualification Personal license First Aid qualification Fire Safety qualification DBS certificate Terms and Conditions Hours: Salary: Holiday pay: Working hours: Probation period: Notice period: One session 4.5 hours per session Added to wages automatically Performances run Mondays Sundays mostly mornings and afternoons. Good availability over the Christmas period is required (sometimes at short notice) Six weeks One month (one week for probation period) Other: Auto-enrolment into the NEST pension scheme Complimentary tickets for Unicorn shows Access to UK Theatre s mentoring scheme Use of available rooms at the Unicorn for personal projects where possible Application procedure: To apply please complete the application form and return to jobs@unicorntheatre.com. Please note that only applications made in this way can be accepted; CVs will not be considered. If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact jobs@unicorntheatre.com in the first instance. The Unicorn Theatre is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applicants from the broadest range of backgrounds, with different skills and experiences to bring into our organisation.

5 All candidates who identify as disabled and demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria will be invited for an interview, in line with the Equalities Act Closing date for applications: 2pm, Wednesday 24 October 2018 Interviews: Week commencing Monday 29 October 2018 If you are unavailable for interview on this date, a Skype interview would be considered.