Choir Leader – The Events, October 2024

Overview

Cumbernauld Theatre invites applications for a Choir Leader to join the team for the highly anticipated production of The Events Written By David Greig. Directed by Jack Nurse, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead a choir through a journey that is as fulfilling as the performance itself. We are in search of a collaborative, warm, and engaging individual who is passionate about creating high-quality contemporary theatre while also shaping an enriching process for community members involved.

Cumbernauld’s new cultural home for theatre, cinema, music, comedy and dance offers state of the art facilities alongside performing arts classes and community creative learning projects. With a 270-seat main auditorium, 100 seat studio theatre, 80 seat cinema and dance studio this is an exciting opportunity to help us to build and enhance Cumbernauld Theatre Trust’s relationships with organisations and individuals living and working in the Cumbernauld area and to further cement the new arts venue as a cultural hub for the whole community.

about us

Cumbernauld Theatre is a leading arts venue and production company, known for delivering compelling performances and engaging the community in the transformative power of the arts. “The Events” By David Greig is a powerful play that explores themes of community, tragedy, and resilience, making the choir’s role pivotal to the production’s emotional impact.

A Message from Director Jack Nurse

“One of the reasons I was so excited to direct this play is because of the opportunity to build a fulfilling experience for the community members of the choir in the lead up to the performance itself. For me, if this project is to be a success we need to achieve the twin aims of creating a high-quality piece of contemporary theatre as well as shaping an enriching process – they are of equal importance. This role will be at the heart of both. We’re looking for someone to work weekly with a choir who will be recruited specifically for this experience. This person will be responsible for not only practising the music in the piece but also fostering a sense of togetherness and holding the space for everyone in an empathetic, sensitive, and open way. Ultimately, we want the process to be fun for people to participate in (otherwise, what’s the point!) and that starts with the choir leader.”

role overview

As the Choir Leader, you will be responsible for assembling, training, and conducting the choir throughout the production of “The Events.” Your mission will extend beyond musical excellence; you will be pivotal in creating a cohesive, supportive, and enjoyable environment for all choir members. This involves not just rehearsing music but also fostering community, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose among the group.

Main duties & Responsibilities

• Fostering Community: Create an inclusive, supportive atmosphere that prioritises joy and togetherness among choir members.
• Musical Excellence: Lead regular weekly rehearsals (moving to twice weekly towards the performance), focusing on both the quality of music and the process of coming together to create something impactful and meaningful.
• Collaboration: Work closely with our Director and Sound Designer/Composer and the rest of the production team to ensure the choir’s integration into the wider vision of the play.
• Empathetic Leadership: Be attentive to the needs and dynamics of the choir, ensuring a process that is enriching, sensitive, and open for everyone involved.
• Performance: Conduct the choir during all performances, ensuring high-quality musical standards are maintained.

• Logistics: Coordinate with the production team on schedules, space, and any special requirements for the choir.

skills / Experience

• Demonstrated ability in leading choirs with a focus on both musical quality and community building.
• Strong musical proficiency, including conducting and vocal training.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate.
• A collaborative mindset, with a willingness to work closely with the production team and cast.
• Flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of the production.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage warmly and effectively with diverse groups.
• A commitment to creating an enjoyable and fulfilling rehearsal process for all.

• Experience in theatre or a keen understanding of integrating choir performances within a theatrical context is desirable.

Contract Details

Fee: £2700

Choir Rehearsal Schedule to be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate. Our intention is that Choir recruitment will take place April/May, with weekly rehearsals taking place from June – Mid-August. Rehearsals will then become twice weekly from Mid-August/September. Tech week will commence on Monday 23^rd September, with performances from Saturday 28^th September – Saturday 5^th October, for which the Choir Leader will be required at all performances.

How to Apply

Submit your CV, a cover letter expressing your interest and alignment with the ethos of this production, and any relevant samples of your work (e.g., video or audio recordings) to Creative Producer, Fraser Morrison on recruitment@cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 28 February 2024 at 5pm

Shortlisted Applicants will be informed by Friday 1 March 2024.

Interviews to take place on Tuesday 5^th March 2024.

Cumbernauld Theatre is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

More Information

For any questions please email Creative Producer, Fraser Morrison on recruitment@cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk