Youth Theatre Assistant: Create, Coach & Stage

Onsite

This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

Please note: applicants already contracted to full time positions within the University are not permitted to undertake additional contracted hours due to the weekly working time directive.

The Youth Theatre Assistant supports the delivery of engaging, safe, and inclusive youth theatre sessions by assisting with workshop preparation, participant registration, and attendance monitoring. Working closely with the Youth Theatre Leader, the role involves building positive relationships with young people, actively participating in creative activities, and providing administrative and practical support during sessions and performances. The Youth Theatre Assistant acts as a positive role model, helping participants develop confidence, creativity, and ownership of their work while ensuring compliance with safeguarding, equality, and health and safety policies. The role also includes contributing to session evaluations, reporting concerns appropriately, collaborating with staff and fellow volunteers, and attending relevant training to support the ongoing success of Derby Theatre's youth theatre programme.

The anticipated interview date is Thursday 6th August 2026.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting young people and helping them thrive in a creative and inclusive theatre environment. You will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build positive relationships with participants, colleagues, and families. Organised, reliable and detail oriented, you will be able to manage responsibilities effectively while working collaboratively as part of a team and following guidance when required.

To be successful, you will demonstrate enthusiasm for theatre, creative learning and youth development, bringing energy and positivity to every session. You will be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, with a clear understanding of professional boundaries and responsibilities. A proactive attitude, excellent punctuality and a willingness to undertake an Enhanced DBS check and relevant training are essential for success in the role.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and Set Up: Arrive promptly (up to 30 minutes before sessions) to assist with setting up the workshop space and understanding the leader's plans.
• Attendance and Safety: Manage the youth theatre register, ensuring all participants sign in/out and enter/leave sessions safely. Participate in safety checks of the workshop space.
• Building Relationships: Learn participant names and develop positive connections with them during sign in/out procedures.
• Attendance Monitoring: Collaborate with the Youth Theatre Leader to create and implement procedures for tracking attendance and individual progress.
• Active Participation: When required, demonstrate and participate in activities with energy and enthusiasm, supporting the Youth Theatre Leader.
• Covering Duties: Deputise for the Youth Theatre Leader's tasks when necessary, during sessions.
• Administrative Support: Assist with photocopying, preparing resources, and handling administrative tasks as needed during workshops.
• Promotion and Support: Work with Derby Theatre staff to promote youth theatre activities and ensure participants receive proper support.
• Role Modelling: Be a positive and inspiring role model for young people.
• Performance Support: Assist in directing, stage managing, or chaperoning during youth theatre performances and presentations.
• Creativity and Empowerment: Help participants make creative choices and contribute to high quality work that reflects their interests.
• Safeguarding and Compliance: Ensure adherence to all Derby Theatre policies, including equal opportunities, safeguarding procedures and health & safety practices.
• Session Reports: Write reports after each session, reflecting on activities, monitoring participant well being and reporting any safeguarding concerns.
• Collaboration: Assist other Youth Theatre volunteers in the workshop space.
• Training: Attend relevant staff training events.
• Experience of working with young people in a creative environment.

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with young people.
• Excellent organisational skills and a detail oriented approach.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and follow instructions.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Enthusiasm for theatre and creative learning.

Business requirements

• Commitment to safeguarding children and young people.
• DBS Enhanced Disclosure check with Child Barred List Check.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

At Derby Theatre we aim to actively champion and celebrate diversity in all its forms. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all of those we work with and encourage applications from individuals regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. We positively encourage disabled people and those who have experienced racism. We are a Disability Confident employer and invite applicants to highlight adjustments they may require to ensure equitable participation in our recruitment processes.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Harry Kingscott, Young Artists & Participation Producer via .