British Youth Music Theatre

Arts Council; Leeds, Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

An arts organization is seeking a Programme Leader to oversee the 2026 Creative Work Placement Programme. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in educational module creation and performing arts, along with excellent organizational and communication skills. Responsibilities include managing participant recruitment, program planning, and administrative support, ensuring a positive experience for all involved. This role involves flexible working options from Leeds or London and is essential for empowering emerging theatre professionals.

Qualifications

• Experience in creating educational modules for theater arts.
• Track record in performing arts projects, preferably backstage.
• Ability to manage and lead educational programs while collaborating effectively.

Responsibilities

• Plan and support execution of the 2026 CWP Programme.
• Handle administrative tasks including scheduling and cohort communication.
• Act as liaison between teams and external partners.

Skills

Creative facilitation

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Budget management

Education

Experience working with students at undergraduate level

Job description

Job Summary

BYMT is seeking an enthusiastic and self-driven Programme Leader, with demonstrable experience of writing, designing and delivering theatre training modules and learning processes, to work closely with the Creative Director and Production Team on our Creative Work Placement (CWP) Scheme.

Job Description

In the past 10 years, BYMT's Creative Work Placement (CWP) Programme has supported emerging theatre professionals in taking their first steps into the industry by providing practical placements on our New Music Theatre Productions. BYMT's CWP Programme is UK-wide, drawing on students, recent graduates and young people who may not have access to formal training in the arts.

BYMT has been successful in gaining funding to innovate and diversify their current programme, to include virtual learning modules, frequent check-ins and detailed feedback after the programme has commenced.

Our vision is to unlock the full potential of the BYMT CWP programme, reaching and empowering those who need it most through creative upskilling, hands-on practical experience and blended learning, driven by growth innovation and sustained support for entry level positions in the creative arts sector.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a suitably qualified, skilled and ambitious Backstage professional to lead the programme to:

• Support BYMT to launch the 2026 CWP Programme and Recruit Participants
• Review, assess and improve the full participant journey
• Write, develop, design and implement a comprehensive 6-month education programme
• Create a virtual learning environment
• Strengthen outreach and expand access to the programme
• To evaluate the success of the 2026 Programme
• Provide verbal and written feedback to CWP cohort.
• A freelance contract with BYMT
• 2 days (16 hours) a week from February to September 2026
• Based at either the BYMT head office in Yorkshire Dance, Leeds, or BYMT London office in Mountview, SE15. Flexible working from home possible, with office visits planned at least every second week.

For full details, please download our Recruitment Pack.

Job Requirements

• Education Knowledge: Experience of working with students at the equivalent of undergraduate or foundation level degree (Levels 3 to 4) and involvement in creating modules
• Technical Knowledge and Experience: A strong track record in performing arts projects, with experience in creative facilitation, ideally in backstage functions.
• Ideally have experience in at least one technical function, having worked within the theatre industry
• Project Management: Ability to lead an educational programme, manage workloads, support collaboration and manage any conflicts
• Organisation: Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and project actions simultaneously
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of people
• Financial literacy: Experience with budget management and financial administration

For full details, please download our Recruitment Pack.

Job Responsibilities

• Programme management: Plan, track, and support the execution of the project, ensuring the project stays on schedule and within budget
• Administrative support: Handle administrative tasks including using and designing virtual learning environments (VLEs), managing schedules, communicating with cohort and mentors and assisting with financial administration under the direction of senior management
• Team coordination: Act as a liaison between the production team, mentors, CWP cohort and any external partners
• Budget management: Assist in the creation and monitoring of budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources
• Communication: Effectively communicate with all project stakeholders, and work with the marketing team to promote the programme
• Health and safety: Ensure compliance with health and safety protocols, including safeguarding and other relevant legislation, during all programme activities.

For full details, please download our Recruitment Pack.

• Artform: Theatre
• Role: Teaching
• Contract: Contract
• Location: UK-wide

How to Apply

To apply, please send us your CV (no more than two sides of A4) plus a cover letter (up to two sides of A4) telling how your experience and interest make you the perfect person for this role. Alternatively, please send a video up to 3 minutes in length.

Send your CV and accompanying statement/video to [emailprotected] by midday on Monday 12th January 2026.

We will be in touch with everyone who applies and plan to hold interviews in Leeds/London in January 2026, with a start date in early February.

If you would like further information or to have a conversation about this position, please get in touch with BYMT. If you would like support or have any queries regarding the format of this pack, please contact us at [emailprotected] or call 0113 320 1018.

British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT) is the largest commissioner of new musicals in the UK, working with theatre professionals to offer unique opportunities and high-quality training for young people.

Their vision is to transform perceptions of musical theatre, be the leading voice in youth music theatre and be internationally recognised as the UK’s most prolific creator of new musicals.