Theatre Programmer

Job Summary The Quay requires a Theatre Programmer to produce a year-round programme of work for a thriving community arts venue, covering all disciplines and art forms. Job Description To curate and manage a dynamic, diverse, and financially sustainable programme of live performances, film screenings, and community events that reflect the Quay Theatre's mission to be an accessible, creative hub for Sudbury and the surrounding community. This is a part time role with the expectation of a few hours in the venue per fortnight,…

Job Summary

The Quay requires a Theatre Programmer to produce a year-round programme of work for a thriving community arts venue, covering all disciplines and art forms.

Job Description

To curate and manage a dynamic, diverse, and financially sustainable programme of live performances, film screenings, and community events that reflect the Quay Theatre’s mission to be an accessible, creative hub for Sudbury and the surrounding community.

This is a part time role with the expectation of a few hours in the venue per fortnight, but also with the expectation that the post can contain an element of hybrid working. The expectation is that the role is a freelance position, and the company are happy if the post holder holds a similar position with another organisation.

Quay Theatre Mission Statement

To be the best theatre and cultural hub for the people of Sudbury and beyond, offering a broad and diverse programme of professional events, complemented by works produced by the community, for the community.

Responsible to:

Board of Trustees

Rate of pay:

Flat rate – £10,000 1-year fixed term contract with potential to extend

(Freelance – Ideal arrangement)

(Salaried – would consider for the right candidate)

Hours of Work:

7-12 Hours per week (averaged across the year) To be discussed further at interview

An expectation of an average of one office visit per fortnight (agreed with the venue management team), the remaining work done remotely at the post holder’s discretion.

Job Requirements

Essential:

• Proven experience in programming live events, ideally in a theatre or performing arts venue.
• Strong knowledge of current trends in theatre and live performance.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Financial literacy with experience in managing event budgets.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement.
• Computer literate including Office 365 systems

Desirable:

• Familiarity with Ticketsolve
• Experience producing season brochures/print
• Existing industry contacts with agents, companies, or touring networks.
• Experience programming for regional theatre
• Knowledge of the local cultural landscape in Suffolk or East Anglia.

Job Responsibilities

• Deliver a year-round programme including, but not limited to – theatre, music, comedy, dance, film, and spoken word
• Maintain a balanced programme that caters to local audiences while exploring new creative opportunities
• Liaise with agents, companies, and artists to book shows in line with budgetary and artistic goals
• Schedule performances and events working with venue teams to ensure logistical feasibility
• Negotiate contracts, fees, and terms with artists
• Create and send all contracts before each season to promoters
• Monitor event budgets, ensuring targets are met or exceeded
• Forecast sales, set pricing, evaluate financial risk and return
• Work with marketing staff to create compelling campaigns to promote events
• Analyse data and feedback to inform programming decisions
• Maintain up-to-date schedules, contracts, and artist information
• Input show data onto Ticketsolve for all events
• Collate copy/image for each production
• Create brochure for production before each season