Freelance Youth Theatre Lead Assistant

The Witham Arts Centre; Barnard Castle; On-site; Full time

Job description

We are hiring a Freelance Youth Theatre Lead Assistant!

Are you passionate about theatre and working with young people? Do you have a flair for scripted performance and want to help shape the next generation of performers? The Witham is looking for a skilled and inspirational Youth Theatre Lead Assistant to work with The Witham Youth Theatre on Wednesday evenings from May 2025.

The Witham Community Arts Centre, Barnard Castle

Wednesdays, 4:00pm – 7:15pm (plus occasional meetings, rehearsals & performances)

•Core hours: £55 per session (inclusive of planning and travel)

• Additional meetings/project hours: £15/hour

Contract: Freelance

Apply by 5pm, Wednesday 30th April

About The Witham Youth Theatre

The Witham Youth Theatre offers weekly drama sessions and regular performance opportunities for children and young people in Barnard Castle and surrounding areas. Workshops are playful, confidence-building, and rooted in developing drama skills. Two groups meet every Wednesday:

• Juniors (8–12s): 4:00pm–5:30pm
• Seniors (13+): 5:45pm–7:15pm

We are now seeking a Youth Theatre Lead Assistant to work alongside our existing Lead, with a focus on developing scripted performance work and facilitating informal sharing’s and full-scale productions throughout the year.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting and co-leading weekly drama workshops
• Helping develop and direct performances based on scripted material
• Maintaining a safe, fun, and inclusive environment
• Working as a main part of the creative team on rehearsals, tech, and dress runs
• Assisting with production meetings and supporting volunteers
• Shadowing the current Youth Theatre Leader during an initial probation period
• Attending occasional planning sessions and check-ins (online or face-to-face)
• Ensuring all activity upholds safeguarding and health & safety policies

What We’re Looking For

• Ideally 2+ years’ experience delivering youth theatre sessions
• Experience working with young people aged 8–18 from a range of backgrounds
• Strong skills in working with scripts and directing young performers
• A passion for youth-led, creative, and inclusive theatre practice
• Confident group leader who can also work collaboratively
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Enhanced DBS certificate (or willingness to obtain one)
• Public Liability Insurance
• A background in drama, education, youth work, or community arts is desirable.

What We Offer

• A dynamic, creative working environment
• The opportunity to shape meaningful performance experiences
• Real-world directing and workshop facilitation experience
• A welcoming and supportive team at The Witham
• Opportunities to develop your practice alongside a lead facilitator

How to Apply

Please send:

• Your CV
• Names and contact details of two referees
• A short paragraph (max 300 words) outlining why you're excited to work with The Witham Youth Theatre and what you’d bring to the role

To: [e-mail]