Senior Acting Tutor

This post is a senior appointment within the School of Musical Theatre at ArtsEd, one of Britain’s leading drama schools. We are committed to changing the way that performers are trained for the modern industry. The person appointed must have a balance of professional and teaching skills in order to ensure that ArtsEd remains a leader in the world of professional Musical Theatre training. The School of Musical Theatre currently offers a BA (Hons) and Cert HE in Musical Theatre which are validated by City, University of London. The current intake is 54 BA (Hons) & 30 Foundation students per year, with some funding via the Dance and Drama Awards scheme.

We aim for successful applicants to be invited to an initial interview in w/c 17 June. Second-round candidates will be invited to teach a class with our students, followed by a shorter interview, aimed between 27 June and 5 July.

Main Duties

Working alongside the Head of Acting (School of Musical Theatre), the Senior Acting Tutor will:

• Deliver the efficient, safe and effective provision of high-quality acting training, teaching across all BA and Foundation Musical Theatre courses / year groups as required.
• Manage, appraise and record the progress of students in acting, and give feedback to students after assessments and projects, and at other times where required.
• Source and edit play material for Y1 and Y2 Acting Projects and classes
• Direct in-house projects on the BA and Foundation courses.
• With Head of Acting (School of Musical Theatre), plan and deliver end of Year Assessments, including the direction of scenes.
• Teach Critical Reflection to all years, with a view to both improving their critical thinking and learning abilities, and to inform their process and understanding for written submissions.
• Mark academic written work across all years.
• Undertake tutorials within the personal tutor system.
• Monitor student attendance.
• Support the Head of Acting with logistical, admin, creative and strategic responsibilities across the remit of the department and deputise when necessary or as required.
• Take part in auditions for the selection of students for the incoming cohort.
• Ensure the curriculum and course structure matches the requirements of both the Foundation and the BA Degree courses, the National Qualification, and the professional accrediting bodies.
• With the Director of the School of Musical Theatre & Head of Acting (School of Musical Theatre), formulate and review plans for the delivery of the acting curriculum in advance of the academic year.
• With the Head of Acting (School of Musical Theatre) and in consultation with the Director of the School of Musical Theatre, contribute to finding directors for Y1 and Y2 Acting Projects.
• Assist the Director of the School of Musical Theatre and Head of Acting (School of Musical Theatre) in the maintenance of discipline amongst the student body.
• Liaise with Student Services to ensure relevant learning support for Musical Theatre Students as required.

Secondary Duties

• This role may include Year of Head responsibilities and will involve further pastoral responsibilities included within the personal tutor system at ArtsEd.

Qualifications and Knowledge

• A relevant degree
• Requirements of the BA and Foundation Course Programmes from City, University of London, Trinity and CDMT. (Desirable)
• Curriculum and course structure of the Degree, the National Qualification and the professional accrediting bodies. (Desirable)
• Understanding of equality legislation. (Desirable)

Experience

• Teaching at BA level or higher.
• Working with / teaching students in a similar environment.
• Working in a professional capacity and using professional connections to develop students and provide opportunities.

Skills and abilities

• A broad and adaptable approach to different areas of actor training, with an attention to detail and depth.
• Teaching Acting for Camera / Screen Acting.
• Teaching Song Workshop / Acting Through Song.
• Strong practical knowledge of diverse contemporary and modern plays suitable for drama school text work.
• Confidence in directing scene work, song performances, and Acting and Singing projects in a drama school environment.
• Creativity and the ability to express yourself both orally and in writing.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivation and the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• The ability to work as part of a team.
• Adaptability, time management, and prioritising skills.
• An awareness and understanding of technical issues, the workings of a theatre and the process of performance and acting.
• The ability to develop innovative ideas and to solve problems creatively and practically.
• Organisational and research skills.
• Knowledge of relevant safeguarding and health and safety legislation and procedures.

Personal competencies and qualities

• Ability to work as part of a team (this role sits at the Executive level at ArtsEd).
• Motivation to work with young people.
• Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with young people.
• Emotional resilience.
• Positive attitude to use of authority and maintaining discipline
• Commitment to continued professional development of both self and others.
• A keen interest in developing pedagogical and creative approaches to actor training, with an eye on diversifying methodologies and material.
• Commitment to the highest standards of behaviour in adherence with the staff code of conduct.