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LITERARY ASSOCIATE (PART-TIME)

We are the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. We produce bold and relevant world-class theatre. We are committed to being vital to, and representative of, our local community and to being a major force in London and UK theatre. We develop and nurture the next generation of talent, and provide opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to discover the power of creativity. Right in the heart of Hammersmith, your beautiful theatre is here for everyone.

HOW TO APPLY To apply for the post, please:

Complete an application form in type or black ink. Use the Supporting Information section on the form to explain why you are interested in this role and how your experience and skills match the person specification.

Return the application form and equal opportunities monitoring form by email to jobs@lyric.co.uk.

Do not submit CVs, as these are not accepted. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 10am on Monday 06 December 2021. If you would like to submit your application form in another format or require this information pack in a different font or format, we would be happy to accommodate this. Please contact the Administration & HR Team on 020 8741 6822 option 2 or jobs@lyric.co.uk to discuss a suitable alternative.

Rhys Taylor as Fairy Fredbare in Cinderella. By Jude Christian. Directed by Tinuke Craig. Photo by Helen Maybanks.

Tripti Tripuranani as Mrs Lahiri. Anjana Vasan as Niru in A Doll's House. By Tanika Gupta. Directed by Rachel O'Riordan. Photo by Helen Maybanks.

Fode Simbo as Snow. Polly Frame as Kris Kelvin in Solaris. By David Greig. Directed by Matthew Luton. Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic.

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DESCRIPTION FOR THE POST OF LITERARY ASSOCIATE RESPONSIBLE TO: Associate Director WORKS CLOSELY WITH: Artistic staff, Comms team, Producing team as well as

Playwrights, Directors and Designers CONTRACT: This is a permanent, part-time (2 days per week) SALARY: £12,500 per annum (£31,250 pro-rata) HOURS: Core office hours are 10am-6pm, Monday to Friday.

However, individual departments may introduce or operate individual work patterns specific to their needs. The post-holder may be expected to do some evening and weekend work to fulfil the requirements of the role. The Lyric has a House Agreement that details our approach to annualised hours for all staff.

We welcome conversations around flexible working and job shares.

HOLIDAY: 28 days per annum inclusive of public holidays, with an

additional day added for each year of service, up to a maximum of 33 days.

NOTICE PERIOD: Two months

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six months PENSION: 3% pension contribution after qualifying period OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE: Season ticket loans, Cycle to Work Scheme, Employee

Assistance Programme, Staff Ticket Scheme including complimentary and discounted theatre tickets, and staff catering discounts

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Literary Associate supports the work of the Artistic Director, and works closely with the Artistic Team and Producers to develop, support and present work at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. The Literary Associate will read and evaluate plays for the Lyric, providing literary support on new plays produced by the Lyric and make suggestions to the rest of the Artistic Team about future plays and/or projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist the Artistic Director with the season planning process, including attending, Artistic Team meetings and providing scripts to facilitate script reading

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Reading and discussing scripts with Artistic Director, Associate Director and Artistic Associates

Attending and assisting with R&D of new work and scripts being developed for production

Attending Artistic Programming meetings for Lyric Main House shows and other work

The management and administration of all scripts – solicited and unsolicited – received by the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre including logging and monitoring progress of submissions on the scripts database

Acknowledging all script submissions where necessary; communicating with playwrights, agents and others about the status of submitted scripts

Ensuring that any recommended scripts are brought to the attention of the Artistic Director and Associate Director

Preparation of standard return letters with the support of the Executive Assistant Supporting writers; managing, logging and reading incoming scripts and working

with the Associate Director on day to day administration of the scripts as required Support creation and editing of education and show resource guides as required Oversee the creation of show descriptions and other promotional language for the

season in consultation with the communications department With the Associate Director, develop a solid and transparent methodology for

narrowing down options for development (from commissions to programming) Providing support for readings, workshops and events linked to the producing

team, assisting events as required Attending theatrical performances and readings outside of the theatre as a

representative of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre artistic team (in addition to attending performances of Lyric Hammersmith Theatre productions)

Organising and attending events for writers as required Communication with IT support on any issues associated with script submissions

General

To regularly attend Lyric Hammersmith Theatre shows and other events, including press nights and development events

Attending internal and external meetings as required To adhere to the Lyric’s Equality Policy, Diversity Action Plan and any other policies or

plans the Lyric may introduce in the future, and to play an active and positive role in our anti-racism work

To work at all times in accordance with the Lyric’s Green Policy and ambition to be net-carbon zero by 2030 and to proactively develop and encourage environmentally sustainable practice

To take an active role in your continuing professional development, identifying relevant training and professional development opportunities

To act always in the best interests of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre To undertake any other duties as agreed with the Associate Director, as is appropriate

to the post This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required of this role. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential skills and experience

Experience of working with writers and supporting the writing process

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Excellent script development rigor, including understanding and applying dramaturgical structures and tools to shape their work to a high standard

Experience as a writer or editor Experience working with writers Experience with literary and dramaturgy departments in a professional theatre A demonstrable interest in playwriting and a good knowledge of theatre in the UK and

beyond Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with excellent attention to detail Ability to plan and meet deadlines and proactive problem-solving capabilities Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with established and emerging

writers, artists and theatre professionals High level of computer literacy, including MS word, excel and outlook and some

database experience Ability to respond quickly and reliably to internal and external enquiries Flexibility and experience of communicating effectively across departments Highly organized and self-motivating Genuine understanding of and support for the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s artistic

vision

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY The Lyric values and promotes diversity and is committed to equality and opportunity for all. We are working actively to be an anti-racist organisation. Everyone who works with us is required to comply with and actively promote our Equality Policy, and no job applicant or member of our workforce will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, class or socio- economic background, trade union activity or political activity or opinion. The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview. We may use positive action, in cases where candidates are equally qualified, to increase the employment of under-represented groups at the Lyric. The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an official Partner of Parents in Performing Arts (PiPA).

APPOINTMENTS All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references, proof of eligibility to work in the UK and are subject to an enhanced or standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure.

LYRIC CONTACT DETAILS If you have any questions about this role, you can contact the Lyric’s Administration & HR Team on 020 8741 6822 option 2 or jobs@lyric.co.uk.

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We look forward to receiving your application.

Photo by Helen Murray Photo by David Tett Photo by Helen Murray