About the organisation
Fifth Word is an award-winning theatre company based in the East Midlands, founded in 2007. We are passionate about discovering, supporting, and producing the most exciting playwrights of today. We work closely with communities that are often overlooked, supporting people to tell their own stories through different art forms.
We produce and tour plays that are powerful, bold, and accessible, connecting particularly with young people (ages 14–25) and under-represented communities across the UK. We aim to shift perspectives, bring people together and inspire a love of theatre.
Our community projects connect closely with our productions and are shaped by the people who take part. We focus on breaking down barriers, supporting creative ambition, developing new talent and creating space for new voices to be heard.
Previous Productions
Our world premieres include:
- Pop Up Plays: TRANS IT by Tabby Lamb, directed by Bryony Shanahan and LAD by John Booker directed by Daniel Bailey (in collaboration with Derby Theatre/Curve, with support by Fuel)
- LIBERATION SQUARES by Sonali Bhattacharyya, directed by Milli Bhatia (co-produced with Nottingham Playhouse/in association with Brixton House/National Tour 2024)
- WE NEED NEW NAMES adapted by Mufaro Makubika, directed by Monique Touko (co-produced with New Perspectives/in association with Brixton House/National tour 2023)
- LAVA by James Fritz co-directed by Laura Ford & Angharad Jones (co-produced by Nottingham Playhouse 2018; Soho Theatre/National Tour 2022)
- ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS by Jane Upton, directed by Laura Ford (Nottingham Playhouse/Arcola Theatre/ National Tour 2017 – Writers' Guild and OffWestEnd nominee)
- WRECK (2017), AMATEUR GIRL (2014), and BONES (2011/12)
Community & Participation
Over the last six years, we’ve run 12 major participation projects alongside partners including, Nottingham City Libraries, Mansfield Museum and Nottingham Playhouse.
Key recent projects include:
- OUR STORY: Our flagship community engagement programme capturing and preserving the untold experiences of Nottinghamshire's trans and gender diverse community through oral histories, photography, and film, alongside a series of original audio plays (funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund)
- SEE ME: A touring exhibition and podcast series created by young Muslim women in Nottingham, documenting inspiring local figures (funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund).
- YOUR VOICE: A film project with disadvantaged young people in Mansfield, equipping them with creative skills and producing two short films (funded by Arts Council England, Awards for All, Make Notts Safe Community Chest Fund and Evan Cornish Foundation)
- WE NEED NEW STORIES: A project with young people of African and migrant heritage in Nottingham, gathering oral histories of Zimbabwean migrants, leading to a pop-up exhibition and podcast series. (funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund)
Writer Development
We’re industry leaders in writer development, launching initiatives like Fifth Word Playwrights group and our previous Most Promising Playwright Award with Nottingham Playhouse. We’ve supported writers like George Devine Award winner Jane Upton and UK Poetry Slam Champion Toby Campion with their first productions.
About the role
We are looking for trustees who:
• are committed to advancing Fifth Word’s vision and mission, and upholding Fifth Word’s values;
• can think creatively and strategically and work collaboratively as part of a team
• are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion
• are willing to understand and uphold the responsibilities of being a charity trustee
• can commit the necessary time and energy to the role
• have an interest in and enthusiasm for theatre and the arts
At this point, we are particularly looking for candidates with experience of Finance and Accounting
We welcome expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We actively welcome interest from people who are currently under-represented in the arts and cultural sector.
Deadline for applications: Friday 13 November 2026, 12 noon
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for trustees who:
- are committed to advancing Fifth Word’s vision and mission, and upholding Fifth Word’s values;
- can think creatively and strategically and work collaboratively as part of a team
- are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion
- are willing to understand and uphold the responsibilities of being a charity trustee
- can commit the necessary time and energy to the role
- have an interest in and enthusiasm for theatre and the arts
We welcome applications from a broad range of candidates. At this point, we are particularly looking for candidates with experience in one or more of the following:
- Finance and Accounting
- Fundraising, particularly individual philanthropy
- Legal
- HR
- Diversity and inclusion
- Programming and producing
- Partnership building / working with high-level partners (public or private sector; venues, arts organisations, academic institutions, local authorities, community organisations, other charities)
We welcome expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We actively welcome interest from people who are currently under-represented in the arts and cultural sector.
What’s in it for you
What’s in it for You?
Joining Fifth Word as a Trustee offers a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of an award-winning theatre company as we embark on an exciting new chapter as a registered charity. Whether you are an experienced professional or looking to take your first steps onto a board, this role provides a rewarding platform to make a lasting cultural and social impact.
Here is what you will gain from joining our Board:
- Drive Real Social & Cultural Impact: You will play a pivotal role in amplifying underrepresented voices, breaking down barriers to the arts, and bringing powerful, bold stories to life. Your guidance will directly support emerging writers, young people, and local communities across the East Midlands and the UK.
- Shape Our Strategic Future: As we update our Business Plan and develop our artistic programme for 2027–2032, your fresh perspective—whether from finance, HR, legal, fundraising, diversity, or producing—will directly influence how we grow, build partnerships, and secure long-term funding.
- Professional & Leadership Growth: Serving as a trustee is a fantastic way to develop your board-level governance, strategic planning, and executive leadership skills. It provides high-level experience that can elevate your career, with potential pathways into future board leadership roles.
- Full Training & Supported Onboarding: No prior board experience? No problem. We provide a comprehensive induction, structured support, and ongoing guidance to help you grow into the role with confidence.
- Expand Your Network: You will work collaboratively alongside a dedicated team of passionate board members, industry leaders, high-level partners, and creative talent across the cultural sector.
- Flexible & Accessible Commitment: We value your time. With just four two-hour meetings per year (primarily online) and ad-hoc advising (around 6–7 days annually in total), this role is designed to fit alongside your existing personal and professional commitments. All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are fully reimbursed.
By joining Fifth Word, you become an essential champion for vibrant new writing and inclusive community engagement.
Apply for the role
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