Producer

Main responsibilities

1. Producing and project delivery

• Support the planning, administration, producing and delivery of Exeter Northcott productions, tours, co-productions, projects, festivals, artist development activity and other programmed work.
• Work closely with the Head of Producing, Artistic Director, creative teams, artists, freelancers and internal departments to help ensure productions and projects are delivered to a high standard, on time and within agreed budgets.
• Coordinate key production and project information, including schedules, budgets, contracts, creative team details, rehearsal requirements, technical information, travel, accommodation and other practical arrangements.
• Support the smooth running of rehearsals, meetings, development periods, sharings, technical rehearsals and performances, acting as a key point of contact where required.
• Help maintain clear communication between creative teams, production staff, technical teams, marketing, finance, front of house, sales and other departments.
• Attend rehearsals, meetings, performances and events as required, representing the theatre professionally and helping to resolve practical issues as they arise.
• Support the delivery of press nights, launches, artist visits, networking events and other activity connected to the produced programme.

2. Planning and organisational support

• Assist with research into artists, companies, titles, touring productions and potential future projects.
• Support the delivery of press nights, launches, artist visits, networking events and other activity connected to the programme.
• Responsibility for keeping planning software up to date (we all do that to some extent).
• Work collaboratively across departments to ensure that producing and programming activity is well planned, clearly communicated and effectively delivered.
• Attend internal meetings, production meetings and project meetings as required, taking notes and following up on actions.
• Contribute to organisational planning, evaluation and reporting, particularly in relation to produced work, visiting programme and artist development.

3. Contracts, budgets and administration

• Prepare, issue and track contracts, deal memos, letters of agreement, purchase orders and other project paperwork, working with colleagues as required.
• Support the creation and monitoring of production and project budgets, raising purchase orders, tracking expenditure and ensuring invoices are processed accurately and promptly.
• Maintain clear records of agreements, rights, permissions, payments, schedules, contacts and project documentation.
• Ensure all relevant information is stored and shared appropriately, in line with Exeter Northcott procedures and data protection requirements.
• Support the preparation of reports, evaluation materials, funding information and project updates.
• Help ensure that visiting companies, freelancers and artists receive the information they need in a timely and professional way.

4. General

• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the strategy and business plan of ENT.
• Taking an active role in identifying and removing access barriers for anyone with access needs.
• Attending staff meetings/training as required.
• Adhering to all Exeter Northcott Theatre policies & procedures.
• Always maintaining confidentiality.
• Any other duties which may be reasonably requested by the Head of Producing.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of working in a professional theatre, producing organisation or comparable performing arts environment, with some understanding of theatre production processes.
• Experience of supporting the planning, coordination and delivery of theatre productions, creative projects or live events.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain accurate records.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with artists, creative teams, colleagues and external partners.
• Experience of coordinating schedules, budgets, logistics and administrative processes, with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and confidence in using digital planning and project management systems.
• A proactive, resourceful and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to use initiative, take responsibility and work both independently and collaboratively.
• A genuine enthusiasm for theatre and a commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, alongside a flexible approach to working hours.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a producing theatre or theatre company, particularly on in-house productions or co-productions.
• Experience of taking responsibility for the coordination or delivery of a professional theatre production or creative project.
• Experience of working directly with professional actors, directors, designers, stage managers and other freelance creative practitioners.
• Experience of preparing and administering creative contracts, agreements, budgets and financial documentation.
• Experience of supporting theatre programming, including liaison with visiting companies, producers, agents and promoters.
• Experience of supporting touring productions, festivals, artist development programmes or participatory arts projects.
• Knowledge of theatre industry agreements, rights, licensing arrangements and relevant scheduling or programming software.
• Knowledge of the contemporary theatre sector and the cultural landscape of Exeter, Devon and the wider South West.