About Seven Dials Playhouse

Seven Dials Playhouse is the West End’s home for the development of professional theatre and artists.  With a flexible 100-seater theatre, 50-seater studio theatre, and rehearsal studios, in the heart of the west end of London, Seven Dials Playhouse presents a year-round programme of world-class quality theatre. This consists of contemporary text, plays, and new writing, as well as an Associated Programme of workshops, masterclasses, debates, and events created in tandem with, and responding directly to, the themes of each production.

The ethos of Seven Dials Playhouse is centred on support for all professional artists, and creatives, a house of play to do exactly that. The building is open six days a week, 12 hours a day as a safe space in the heart of London for all professional artists, and creatives to network, to gather, to be.

The model is centred on the idea of collaboration, we facilitate opportunities for those working/wanting to work in the industry to be successful, those measures of success are self-defined hence communication/collaboration is key.

We present an eclectic mix of original, evocative, diverse, and challenging work that attracts a wide and varied audience. Our first season (February-June 2022) received critical acclaim, and several four- and five-star reviews.

Seven Dials Playhouse is a rebrand of The Actors Centre (established 1978), following an extensive overhaul of its business model and programming. As part of this we have disbanded the membership. This means that anyone who wants to use the space is more than welcome and encouraged.

Seven Dials Playhouse is both a limited company (1353824) and registered charity (275934). The organisation is not publicly subsidised hence our business model is derived from theatre, workshop, masterclasses, seminars, studio, and corporate hires, ticket sales, and bar income. We are about to embark on a fundraising and development journey with the implementation of a new strategy that seeks to diversify the current income model. This role will be instrumental in helping to achieve these aims.

Our Vision is a world leading theatre industry that is understood, needed, and valued by the general public.

Our Mission is to be the West End’s creative home for the development of professional theatre, artists, and creatives. We will do this by creating opportunities and possibilities for people to collaborate on bold, challenging, high-quality work.

The role

We are looking for a passionate Head of Programming to work in collaboration with artists, and creatives, to curate/deliver an ongoing artistic programme.

The role will provide the opportunity to work creatively, and as part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) with our Chief Executive and Head of Marketing and Communications, to deliver impactful and high-quality theatre productions and oversee the Associated Programme.

You will have a thorough understanding of artistic and/or commercial theatre, excellent knowledge of the industry, a good reputation and network of contacts. Negotiation skills and a sound grasp of finance are essential, together with the ability to work under pressure. You will be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, and be comfortable working with people at/from all levels, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. The ability to build and maintain relationships is essential, as is a strong interest, or track record, of working within a theatre/arts organisation.

You will have an eye for creative opportunity, a flair for business and the ability to lead, support and work alongside a wide range of artists, and creatives, in a demanding environment. You will be central to our continued growth and have substantial creative freedom to shape Seven Dials Playhouse’s artistic programme.

This is an exciting time to be joining the organisation in a senior role during an exciting phase of change and redevelopment.

Deadline for applicants – 10am, Tuesday 30th August 2022

Interviews, in person or via Zoom – Tuesday 6th – Thursday 8th September 2022 (*we will agree a time to meet within this period as opposed to you needing to be available for the entire three days. If you are unable to attend an interview during this week, please note this within your application).

To apply please send a CV and covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) to ma*****@se*****************.uk.

For more information, please download the full job description below.

Should you want to talk through any of this role in advance of the deadline, please do contact us on ma*****@se*****************.uk and we can arrange a time to talk.