Producer

Working closely with the Head of Producing, the Producer is responsible for the practical, logistical and administrative coordination of productions and projects, ensuring activity is delivered efficiently, collaboratively and to a high professional standard. They act as a key point of contact for artists, creative teams and external partners, supporting the management of budgets, schedules, contracts and resources, alongside the wider planning and administration of the Theatre’s programme.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, they contribute to the smooth running of the Theatre’s producing function and the realisation of its artistic ambitions and strategic objectives.

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.