What does an Outreach Manager do?

A theatre Education & Outreach Manager is responsible for the planning of engagement within the wider community. They will work with theatre practitioners, venues, schools and local authorities to build relationships and development between the community and the theatre.

What are the main responsibilities of an Education & Outreach Manager?

Plan events, courses and meetings for community groups
Discuss and design future plans with the Executive Director and Artistic Director
Create opportunities for people to come into the theatre
Manage the project budgets
Manage freelance staff for the projects
Produce any productions with the community
Produce and coordinate workshops with schools, youth groups and community groups
Engage with issues and needs of the community

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What qualifications do I need to work as an Education & Outreach Manager?

While there are no specific qualifications needed for a theatre Education and Outreach Manager, these are some undergraduate and postgraduate courses that can be useful in gaining experience for the role:

Theatre Education
Applied Theatre
Community Theatre
PGCE (teaching qualification)
Theatre Studies

Here are some subjects that you can take at school that will teach you some useful skills for a role within theatre outreach:

Creative Writing
Drama/Theatre Studies
English
Maths
IT
Business Studies

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What skills do I need to work as an Education & Outreach Manager?

Experience in project management
Strong communication skills
Planning skills
Ability to create ideas and lead them
Ability to work as a team and independently
Good time management skills
Multi-tasking skills
Strong writing skills
Experience working with young people/working with people in the community
Teaching skills
Management and leading a team of freelancers and staff

What does a career in theatre outreach look like?

You can start in an Administrator role or another role that delivers and designs projects. Experience working with the community and/or youth groups is beneficial, as well as leading drama workshops.

How much can I earn working in theatre outreach?

Pay for this role can be really varied depending on the scale of outreach or education a theatre company or venue can deliver and the funding available. This is often a full or part-time role, although can occasionally be a short-term contract based on funding. Pay can be anywhere between £24k - £50k.

The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.

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