Chair and Trustees

Ardent Theatre Company is a registered charity with a mission to end class inequality in theatre. We aim to produce theatre, provide training and remove barriers to ensure at least 50% of actors employed in theatre are from working-class backgrounds and that anyone who wants to access theatre as an audience member has that opportunity.

After a successful 10 years, Ardent Theatre Company is looking for new passionate and committed trustees who are able to dedicate time, energy and skills to drive the charity forwards as we deliver our new 10-year strategy and work towards ending class inequality in theatre.

Although London-based, we are keen to also hear from people outside of London to bring a broad regional perspective and knowledge to our work. We aim to be flexible in working remotely and in-person with costs reimbursed for travel in and out of London.

We are especially interested in trustees with knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following areas. This list is not exhaustive as you may have thought of something we have not.

• Finance
• Fundraising, especially donations and sponsorship
• Artist/actor development and training
• Audience development, partnership building and community arts
• Theatre producing
• Access and inclusion
• Company management including policies, contracts and HR
• Environmental sustainability, especially the Theatre Green Book

We are also seeking someone who is passionate and driven to take a leadership role as the Chair of the Board; someone with a passion for class equality and who is able to lead its Trustee and Creative Directors as we deliver and develop our next 10-year strategy.

We are always seeking to achieve a diverse Trustee board, and particularly welcome expressions of interest from people traditionally under-represented in charitable trusts.  Our own board lacks diversity in terms of regional representation, dis/ability, neurodiversity and transgender perspectives but we welcome all applications regardless of background and identity.  Previous experience of being a trustee is not necessary as training can be provided but the need is the willingness to listen, share ideas and offer time and energy to both support and scrutinise the work of the two Creative Directors.

Our focus when recruiting new board members is to draw on current skills and experiences – we really do see the role of trustee as an active one and desire committed individuals who will volunteer time and energy and who share our commitment to ending inequality in the arts.

HOW TO APPLY:

View the full Trustee Recruitment Pack:
https://www.ardenttheatre.co.uk/opportunities

To apply, please submit your CV and a written statement (maximum 1-page) outlining:

• Why you want to become a trustee of Ardent Theatre Company.
• What skills and expertise do bring.
• Why you are interested in helping end class inequality in theatre

If you are applying for the position of Chair, please tell us why you think you might be the best person to lead Ardent through the next 10 years. Please feel free to add 1 additional page if applying for chair.

Applications can also be submitted as a video or audio recording of maximum length 2 minutes (4 minutes if applying for Chair).

Videos in British Sign Language are also welcome.

If you would like any of this information in a different format or would like to have an informal chat first, please let us know by emailing the Creative Directors Mark and Andrew.

DEADLINES:

Deadline for applications is Friday 22nd November 2024.

Applicants will be shortlisted and offered an in-person chat during December 2024.

Applicants will be informed by Friday 13th December 2024.

The next trustee meeting is on Saturday 18th January 2025. Going forward, further dates will be agreed with the new board of trustees and is expected to move to evening in-person meetings.