Freelance Assistant Youth Drama Facilitator at Progress Youth Theatre

Role: Freelance Assistant Youth Drama Facilitator
Hours: Mondays 4.45-10.15pm, 10 weeks each academic term
Fee: £12.75ph

Progress Youth Theatre has been running workshops for young theatre-makers and aspiring actors for over 75 years. We are recruiting for a dynamic and positive freelance assistant youth drama facilitator to assist the lead facilitator with the following groups from September 2026:

Floodlights Group (School years: 9, 10, & 11) on Mondays 5pm – 7pm

Our Floodlights sessions are based in our working theatre. We offer participants the opportunity to delve deeper into theatre practices: investigating practitioners, processes and performance. Workshop sessions explore improvisation, devising and scripted work and participants will learn from the masters of classical text and contemporary writing to inform the development of new work of their own. Through this, young people can strengthen their technical skills as actors and enhance their capabilities in literary analysis and critical thinking.

Blinders Group (School years: 12 & 13) Mondays 8pm – 10pm

Our Blinders sessions are based in our working theatre. Participants are encouraged to think deeply and analytically about all aspects of the theatre-making process. During sessions, a friendly and focussed atmosphere is established and all participants have the opportunity to learn in an environment where they are supported to challenge themselves. Improvisation tasks and acting exercises allow Blinders to devise meaningful original pieces as well as apply their skills to the development of scripted work.

Responsibilities

You will be required to assist the lead facilitator with delivering the weekly workshops. Responsibilities will include:

Working alongside the lead facilitator to deliver Floodlights and Blinders workshops, ensuring a safe and creative environment for young participants.
Assisting with activities such as improvisation, character development, scene work, and playwriting, depending on the specific workshop focus.
Responsible for engaging with young people, encouraging their participation, and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Setting up and managing the workshop space, organizing materials, and ensuring smooth transitions between activities.
Assisting with supervising arrival and departure of participants.

Your assistant drama facilitation should develop a passion for theatre in our young people, stimulate their imagination, and help develop their enthusiasm and confidence to ask questions about the world around them. We aim to produce at least one show a year that is open to the public, as part of these workshops.

A current DBS check is required and can be arranged by Progress if required.

Experience Desired:

Prior experience of working with young people in creative activities.
Communicating effectively and confidently to children, young people and to their parents/carers.
Conducting yourself in a professional, warm manner at all times.
Generating a safe and welcoming environment.
Knowledge of texts, dramaturgy and designs from marginalised identities.
Knowledge and/or experience of supporting Neurodivergent young people to participate in creative activities.
Display both knowledge and understanding of child protection, equality and diversity and a commitment to treating all children as individuals and with equal concern and respect.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter outlining your experience in relation to the list above to [email protected].

Closing date: 13 August at 10am

Interviews are anticipated to take place between 5pm-8pm on the following dates: 24-27 August 2026