About the organisation
Southwark Playhouse has become London’s leading fringe theatre presenting work by the best new
and emerging theatre practitioners based in, or visiting, the capital. We curate and produce a
diverse programme of productions throughout the year, telling entertaining and thought-provoking
stories from an array of voices.
As a natural extension of our professional theatre work, we run an extensive year-round
participation programme, available completely free to participants. Through it, we develop and
provide theatre-making activities for the very youngest, to the most senior: offering the
opportunities for our local community to explore their creativity and build confidence. Our
educational activities give students from all kinds of local schools the opportunity to experience
theatre - often for the first time. Access, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us. We pride
ourselves on being a theatre of opportunity for all.
With two venues in Elephant & Castle (Southwark Playhouse Borough and Southwark Playhouse
Elephant), everything we do as an organisation is driven by our belief that theatre exists to inspire,
to empower, to challenge and to entertain.
About the role
Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee of Southwark Playhouse.
This is an exciting time to be joining our organisation, there’s a lot going on!
A little over three years ago we successfully opened our brand new venue in Elephant & Castle, making us a two building, three venue, London fringe powerhouse. We present and host over 40 main house theatre productions per year alongside a busy community participation programme.
We are looking for up to 3 people to join our board and be part of our ongoing development and evolution. Ensuring that we remain ambitious but also resilient going forwards.
Plans include: building and developing the staff team; introducing a fundraising and development strategy; enhancing our profile and marketing offer; and developing our own in-house programme of work.
We are also looking to the longer-term and the potential development of a new theatre in London Bridge.
Trustees are the guardians of our purpose - as a trustee you will have oversight of the strategic direction of Southwark Playhouse and contribute to creative discussions about our aims and mission, ensuring that we remain a vital and relevant cultural asset for Southwark, the Capital and beyond.
As a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, you will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with our governing documents, charity law and other laws that apply to our organisation.
We’re looking to recruit a Trustee to the Board with finance and accountancy skills .
What we ask of our trustees:
• To serve an initial term of 3 years.
• To attend 4 x 2-hour Board Meetings a year.
• To attend 1 x 1-hour AGM per year (often appended to a board meeting as above)
• Attend an annual Away Day.
• To attend and at times host Southwark Playhouse receptions, events, opening nights and other engagements.
• To sit on a Board Sub Committee as required and appropriate.
• To provide specialist advice and expertise as required and appropriate.
• To advocate and champion Southwark Playhouse’s work, values, ambition and strategic direction.
In total, Trustees usually commit the equivalent of 6-7 days per annum to their role.
Our ideal candidate
We’re looking for passionate and committed individuals who love theatre and the arts, believe in the work that we do, and who want to play a part in our next chapter of growth and development. You do not need to have been a Trustee before or have previous Board experience.
Whilst we’d like to hear from applicants from a range of backgrounds and experiences, we are particularly keen to hear from those with skills in:
• Fundraising / Development
• Finance / Accountancy
The general attributes we’re looking for in potential Trustees include:
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively and strategically.
• An ability to collaborate and work as part of a team.
• Effective interpersonal skills, and a willingness to act as an ambassador for Southwark Playhouse.
• An active commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• An ability to command trust and respect.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a Trustee.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort required.
What’s in it for you
Becoming a trustee of Southwark Playhouse will introduce you to a range of people and activities not found elsewhere. You will take up a position within an organisation that has broad impact and delivers engaging, joyful and thought-provoking experiences. You will witness first hand the life changing impact that engagement with arts and culture can have on individuals and communities and we hope that you will be proud to govern an organisation that has such a positive and powerful legacy.
What you can expect from us:
• The opportunity to help shape the future direction of London’s leading fringe theatre, and be part of an active, loyal and engaged group of Trustees.
• 2 complimentary tickets for every production presented at Southwark Playhouse (subject to availability).
• Flexibility when it comes to attending meetings either in person or remotely via video call.
• A full Trustee induction with current Trustees and permanent staff.
Please note that Trustee roles are voluntary and therefore unpaid, however reasonable out-ofpocket expenses can be covered.
Apply for the role
Please provide a short cover note setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation, any relevant skills/experience and why you think you might be a suitable candidate.
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