Job Description

The Old Vic is unique: a 200-year-old independent, not-for-profit producing and commissioning theatre, inspiring over 300,000 visitors each year. Its influence on theatre is both historic, as the birthplace of so many of the country’s leading arts institutions, and current as the originator of new work and innovative revivals. Running a ground-breaking producing house with a social mission is challenging. The Old Vic relies on £9m in ticket and bar sales and a further £3.6m from fundraising to break even each year. And, unlike most of its competitors, The Old Vic has no regular government funding to bridge the gap. This precarious existence will only be made sustainable if it acts now to secure its physical and artistic future. 

To continue to make an invaluable contribution to the cultural life of the UK, and attract audiences from around the world, The Old Vic needs to invest, transform and renew. Over the next three to five years we plan to address the physical limitations of our historic building; upgrade facilities and technical equipment; create a new education, community and artist development wing; and secure a new rehearsal complex. The immediate operational benefits are a greatly-enhanced visitor experience and disabled access, new education and community spaces within the building, and improved working conditions for staff. The Old Vic further projects that there will be increased income generation through an improved and extended front of house offer in the proposed new annex, while technical improvements will ensure the theatre continues to attract the best creative talent. 

We are seeking to recruit a number of new Trustees who will be a key part of helping the theatre to deliver its objectives and be committed to supporting the creation of the education, community and artist development support. 

We want to broaden our Board’s skills base, knowledge and networks and seek people who can help us think long term and strategically and who can motivate, support and challenge us as we move ahead. You will have the personal presence, influence and connections to drive our ambitions forward and build support for the organisation. While sector experience is not essential, we are keen to hear from professionals who have a background or expertise in any of the following:

• Development and Fundraising,

• Education, Community and Outreach,

• Creative Talent/Commercial Production

We welcome applications from candidates with the relevant skills and experience to undertake the role effectively, who have an interest in and understanding of the arts and who are eligible to act as a charity trustee. We are also committed to increasing the diversity of the Board and to recruiting Trustees who are currently under-represented, especially people from a BAME background and disabled candidates.

Appointments will initially be for 3 years and Trustees are eligible for a further two consecutive terms before retirement.