Activate Performing Arts Producer (Theatre and Engagement)

Activate Performing Arts is seeking an experienced Producer to lead on Theatre and Engagement.

A version of the complete job pack of the Producer (Theatre & Engagement) opportunity has been created in BSL with subtitles (see above). 

We believe extraordinary moments connect and uplift us all. Our mission is to create opportunities for everyone through the performing arts. We are looking for a Producer to work with our team in Dorset and lead on Theatre and Engagement.

Working as part of our Producing team, you’ll be our lead Producer for Theatre and Engagement, with a key role in the Inside Out Dorset festival, you will also be part of the core team on talent development and artist support.

Within the Activate team, we have a female leadership and a broad mix of people with lived experience of caring responsibilities, disability/long-term health conditions and being from a working-class background. To read more about our Team go to: www.activateperformingarts.org.uk/meet-the-team/

We particularly welcome applications from people who have experienced barriers or prejudice relating to their age, gender identity, ethnicity and/or having a disability or long-term health condition, their sexuality, or being from a working class/ low-income background.  We are keen to address under-representation in our team, through positive action in our recruitment.

Reports to: Artistic & Executive Director

Location: Hybrid working optional, regular time in Dorchester office essential and out on site around Dorset (with travel across the UK expected).

Deadline: Tuesday 28^th April 2026 at 12:00 midday

Interviews: Thursday 7^th May 2026

Ideal start: As soon as possible

Working days: 2.5 days per week, flexitime

Salary: £31-33,000 pro-rata depending on experience

Pension: Pension enrolment after 3 months’ continuous employment

Holiday: 23 days pro rata plus public holidays

Term: Permanent

To apply: Online application form. You can submit answers in alternative formats such as video and audio using the application form.

Informal conversation

Our Executive & Artistic Director, Kate Wood and Executive Producer Jen Walke-Myles are available for an informal conversation about the role, if you have any questions. Please contact us by email info@activateperformingarts.org.uk or call 01305 260954 to arrange.

 

Essential things we are looking for are below.

You will have:

Knowledge/ Skills

• Knowledge of contemporary theatre and outdoor arts practice and producing
• At least 5 years’ experience of producing in professional and community settings
• Experience of and demonstrable commitment to best practice in engagement within a range of settings
• Enthusiasm and understanding of working in an outdoor context
• Excellent organisational, project management and administrative skills
• Friendly and the ability to communicate confidently
• Ability to remain calm in busy periods
• Strong people management skills and good team working
• Ability to self-organise and take initiative, prioritise workload and manage multiple deadlines
• Enthusiasm for delivering professional development opportunities
• Ability to liaise with technical staff and artists
• Broad knowledge and understanding of contemporary arts structures, funding and wider public sector
• Flexibility and readiness to contribute to other jobs as required.

Management

• Proven ability to develop practical projects to deliver strategic priorities
• Experience of line managing freelance contractors
• Experience of successful fundraising from national, regional and local sources
• Experience managing complex partnerships and stakeholder relationships
• Proven financial and budget management experience
• Proven commitment to partnership and collaborative working.

General

• Dynamic and enthusiastic approach to work
• Understanding and commitment to best practice in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Ability to work unsocial hours when needed
• Digital fluency: good working knowledge of MS Office and social media
• Driving licence
• You will need to live in Dorset/Bournemouth/Christchurch/Poole, or very near and will need a vehicle due to the limited rural transport infrastructure in the county.

Desirable: not essential, but a bonus for us would be for you to have:

• Experience in delivering a professional development programme for artists
• Knowledge of evaluation principles and techniques
• Experience of working in a voluntary/charitable organisation
• Understanding of the needs of working across an urban and rural region

 

Job Description

Job Title:  Producer (Theatre & Engagement)

Job Purpose: To produce a developmental programme to enhance our work in theatre, outdoor arts and engagement, and contribute to Dorset creatives’ development in collaboration with the team at Activate.

Reports to: Artistic & Executive Director, Activate

Line manages: Project Management staff depending on funding

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Main Duties

• To support the development of land based, outdoor practice, in our engagement work contributing to the development of our Inside Out Dorset festival
• To devise and plan imaginative and sustainable participatory, education and engagement projects, with partners
• To offer support to promoters across the county area through the Dorset Theatre Promoters Consortium (DTPC)
• To support the communication network for theatre locally, by promoting opportunities through the For Creatives e-news
• Play a role in creatives’ development with the team, specifically theatre makers and engagement practitioners
• Lead on fundraising for engagement programmes
• Liaise with key partners
• Act as an excellent advocate for Activate.

Producing

• Take a lead role in the producing of engagement and theatre projects with the Artistic Directors
• Nurture relationships with multiple partners
• Work closely with the Artistic Directors/team and partners to identify project needs
• Manage day to day relationships with artists and co-ordinate plans with other team members such as administration and marketing
• Plan the delivery of professional development for creatives
• Feed into our audience development plan
• Work with the team to draw together and contribute to the overall and individual project budgets
• Take the lead on evaluating and reporting on engagement projects to stakeholders.

Organisational

• Facilitate communication between all programme and local partners
• Contribute to audience facing communications
• Liaise with advisors and partnership groups in project development and delivery
• Line manage project assistants as and when necessary
• Oversee bookkeeping, budget management and financial reporting of your project areas
• Oversee contracting
• Oversee booking of accommodation and travel
• Oversee risk assessments and access audits
• Work closely with the Marketing & Communications Manager and Executive Producer on the preparation and planning of evaluation and advocacy
• Ensure effective and safe working practices at all times in line with Activate core policies, safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, equal opportunities, health and safety, environmental and diversity policies
• Report to stakeholders and ensure effective communication within the team including various partnerships
• Contribute to ongoing reporting expected as a publicly funded organisation
• General administrative support and event planning work.