Artistic Director

ICE Jobs; Galway; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Four-day working week

Collaborative environment

Professional development

Job summary

Blue Teapot Theatre Company in Galway is seeking an experienced Artistic Director to lead artistic development and the delivery of the company’s work across its three programme strands: Theatre Ensemble, Performing Arts School, and Community Theatre Programme. You will collaborate with staff, participants, the Board, and partners to maintain high-quality, inclusive theatre practices.

The role requires senior leadership, vision, and a commitment to inclusion and disability rights, with

Qualifications

• Significant experience in artistic leadership, directing, or theatre-making.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver high-quality artistic programmes.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide artistic vision and leadership across all Blue Teapot programmes.
• Lead the development, commissioning, creation, and presentation of new artistic work.
• Direct productions and oversee artistic programming.
• Ensure excellence and innovation across all creative outputs.
• Identify and develop opportunities for artistic growth and collaboration.
• Support the ongoing development of Ensemble actors and programme participants.

Job description

Artistic Director
ICE Group have been retaned exclusively byBlue Teapot Theatre Company
to recruit for their Artistic Director role
Location: Galway City Contract:4 days per week/28 hoursReports to: Executive Director
About Blue Teapot
Blue Teapot Theatre Company is a nationally recognised theatre company based in Galway, committed to ensuring people with intellectual disabilities are represented, empowered, and celebrated through high-quality artistic practice. Through professional theatre production, performing arts education, and community programmes, Blue Teapot creates ambitious work that challenges perceptions and champions inclusion.
The Role
Blue Teapot is seeking an experienced and visionary Artistic Director to lead the artistic development and delivery of the company's work. This senior leadership role is responsible for the artistic quality, creative direction, and ongoing evolution of the organisation's three programme strands:

• Theatre Ensemble
• Performing Arts School
• Community Theatre Programme

Working closely with the Executive Director, staff team, participants, Board of Directors, and key partners, the Artistic Director will ensure Blue Teapot continues to produce innovative, high-quality theatre while supporting the creative aspirations of actors, students, and participants.
Key Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership

• Provide artistic vision and leadership across all Blue Teapot programmes.
• Lead the development, commissioning, creation, and presentation of new artistic work.
• Direct productions and oversee artistic programming.
• Ensure excellence and innovation across all creative outputs.
• Identify and develop opportunities for artistic growth and collaboration.
• Support the ongoing development of Ensemble actors and programme participants.

Strategic Leadership

• Work with the Executive Director and Board to implement Blue Teapot's strategic vision.
• Contribute to organisational planning and future development.
• Represent Blue Teapot locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Build and maintain relationships with arts, education, disability, funding, and community stakeholders.
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships and collaborative opportunities.

Programme Management

• Oversee the artistic delivery of the Theatre Ensemble, Performing Arts School, and Community Theatre Programmes.
• Work closely with programme staff to ensure high-quality participant experiences and outcomes.
• Support programme planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in student auditions and programme development activities.

Team Leadership

• Line manage and support:
  • Producer
  • Ensemble Co-ordinator
  • Ensemble Lead Coach
  • Community Theatre Programme Co-ordinator
• Conduct performance reviews and support professional development.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive working culture.

Funding, Advocacy & Compliance

• Contribute to funding applications, reports, and stakeholder communications.
• Advocate for inclusive arts practice and disability-led artistic development.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational policies.
• Maintain appropriate programme records and documentation.

Person Specification
Essential

• Significant experience in artistic leadership, directing, or theatre-making.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver high-quality artistic programmes.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with artists, creative teams, and community stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and advocacy skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality, and disability rights.
• Experience in strategic planning and partnership development.

Desirable

• Experience working with artists or participants with intellectual disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Irish arts and cultural sector.
• Experience securing funding and managing funded projects.
• Experience in arts education, training, or community arts practice.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead one of Ireland's most innovative inclusive theatre companies.
• Four-day working week.
• Collaborative and values-driven working environment.
• Opportunity to shape the future of inclusive theatre practice nationally and internationally.
• Professional development opportunities.

Blue Teapot Theatre Company is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.