A Theatre Education Manager is someone who works within an education and learning department with a theatre. They create programmes that make links to schools and young people and ensure that young people further engage with the current production. They are passionate about drawing young people into the theatre through a programme of workshops and activities. 

You can search for opportunities in education using The Stage Jobs here. 

What are the main responsibilities of a Theatre Education Manager?

• Create and organise school theatre activities and workshops
• Schedule meetings at schools with teachers and staff and any participating students
• Provide professional and confidence support for teachers to carry out the activities
• Coordinate, hire, train and manage staff
• Prepare and report necessary information to the appropriate departments
• Create and develop a long term plan for the education department to focus on
• Create goals for the education department
• Evaluate programmes on a regular basis for effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and the ability to repeat results
• Design resources for current production for teachers 
• Plan and facilitate youth theatre programmes like summer schools etc.

What qualifications do I need to be a Theatre Education Manager?

Depending on the organisation, some require you to have a degree with general administrative and organisational work experience. They may also require you to have a teaching license.

Read up on the qualifications you can gain to work in education with our blog 'What does a Drama Teacher do?'

What skills do I need to be a Theatre Education Manager?

• Knowledge, experience and a strong passion for theatre
• Excellent writing skills, communication and presentation skills
• Organised and flexible
• Ability to lead and manage staff
• Ability to interact in an effective and professional manner with a wide variety of people, including board, donors, staff, volunteers, the general public and of course children
• An understanding of arts education policy

Search opportunities in education on the Get Into Theatre website here. 

What does a career in theatre education look like?

Many of those who work in theatre education have worked in different areas within the theatre industry before working within the education department. If you can gain a position within a theatre organisation preferably in an admin position you can learn transferable skills that would make you an ideal candidate for a Theatre Education Manager. 

Find all careers advice here. 

References:

https://ccskills.org.uk/careers/advice/article/working-in-theatre-education

https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2017/how-to-be-a-theatre-education-projects-manager/

Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 27 August 2019