Do you have comprehensive knowledge and experience operating in a senior role in UK theatre? Do you have a demonstrable record of delivering major productions at the highest artistic level? Do you have entrepreneurial spirit and significant experience of strategic thinking in relation to theatre producing? Can you negotiate and draft contracts and oversee legal, people and welfare situations associated with producing theatre?
We are looking for an Executive Producer to be responsible for producing all RSC productions made in Stratford and to lead on non-commercial touring, transfers, and theatrical events. As a member of the RSC's senior leadership team, you will collaborate in the development of multi-year and multi-platform artistic planning.
In this newly created role, and at a pivotal time in the RSC's history, you will work closely with the Co-Artistic Directors and Executive Director to construct and deliver ambitious, robust, and dynamic artistic programmes for the RSC in Stratford and on tour nationally, always ensuring the best outcome for the company's vision and financial sustainability.
Reporting to the Co-Artistic Directors and Executive Director, key areas of responsibility include (please see the full job description and person specification for the comprehensive list):
- Overseeing the Stratford producing function, leading, and managing teams to achieve financial, business, commercial and creative objectives.
- Ensuring that excellent people processes are in place, embedding the principles of equity, diversity, justice, and inclusion and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity.
- Leading on the delivery of productions both in Stratford and on non-commercial tours and transfers nationally, retaining strategic oversight of multiple productions in current and future seasons, ensuring that the work is produced to the highest standards.
- Ensuring supportive and positive relationships with all artists and creative partners working with the RSC.
- Working closely with the Co-Artistic Directors and Executive Director to develop and prepare financial parameters for productions, workshops, and transfers.
- Actively seeking and responding to opportunities to promote the RSC's work and to identify new projects, sources of IP, collaborations, and partnerships, thinking entrepreneurially in driving the RSC towards an ambitious future.
- Identifying opportunities for RSC productions to tour and transfer, both nationally and internationally, specifically for non-commercial shows.
- Proactively developing relationships with potential visiting companies, with RSC National Partner theatres and other potential presenters of RSC work.
- Initiating and managing negotiations with rights holders, producers, artists, and national venues. Collaborating with the Executive Director, agreeing royalty and fee arrangements.
To be suitable for this role, it is essential that you have the following knowledge and experience:
- Comprehensive knowledge and experience operating in a senior role in the UK theatre landscape, including experience of producing work on tour and a sound grasp of current best theatre practice.
- Demonstrable record of delivering major productions at the highest artistic level.
- Extensive experience of contract negotiation and drafting and of legal, people and welfare issues associated with producing theatre, as well as proven experience of managing effective relationships with trade unions and partners including Equity, BECTU, Musicians' Union, SOLT and UK Theatre.
- Strong entrepreneurial and commercial outlook with significant experience of strategic thinking in relation to theatre producing.
- Significant experience of managing departmental and show budgets, projecting, controlling, and analysing expenditure.
- Strong leadership skills, with an ability to motivate, develop and train a team to ensure the successful delivery of excellent quality work.
- Sound creative judgement, dramaturgy skills and the ability to form and manage relationships with creative teams.
This is a full time, permanent position based in Stratford-upon-Avon but with work across different locations, including London and across the UK, with some international travel. The hours are 40 per week, with occasional evening and weekend working.
Annual salary c£100k - £110k depending on experience.
Application Process
All applications should be made online using the RSC website. You should upload your CV and a one page covering letter describing how you meet the requirements in the job description and person specification. If you need any assistance when applying, please contact Rachel.lloyd@rsc.org.uk
The interviews will be in-person and a two-stage process, in the weeks commencing 20 and 27 May.
We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.
The RSC strives for excellence, and values creativity, inclusivity, sustainability, collaboration, and accountability.
We can offer great benefits and aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated, and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.