Go Live Theatre Projects is an educational charity that uses the power of theatre to create inspiring experiences and unlock possibilities for young people.
We are seeking new Trustees for our Board of Trustees, specifically those who have knowledge and experience in the areas of state education, disabilities and neurodiversity and community arts. We also welcome applications from young professionals in the creative industries.
About Go Live Theatre Projects
Go Live Theatre Projects (formerly Mousetrap Theatre Projects) was founded in 1997 as an independent theatre education charity dedicated to creating opportunities for young people who have limited resources, opportunities, or support to enable them to engage with the best of London’s theatre.
All children and young people should have the chance to benefit from the life-enhancing and enriching experience of seeing and participating in theatre, but many young people can’t access theatre either as a participant or audience member. The high cost is an obvious factor, but just as significant are social and cultural barriers and the lack of support for those with disabilities.
Go Live sets out to change this by offering highly subsidised trips to London’s world-class theatre to schools, families and youth clubs, opening up this magical world. We also provide specialist support to those who have SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
Importantly, the charity runs innovative drama-based education projects that encourage creativity and use drama as a tool to develop personal skills, take risks, transform confidence and self-esteem, broaden horizons and help young people on the path to a successful future. Go Live focuses its school projects on students in London state schools (mainstream and special) with a high percentage of students on Free School Meals. Its community projects are run in London-wide youth and community centres and support young refugees, young carers, young care leavers, young people who are NEET (Not in Employment, Education and Training), homeless youth and those with additional needs.
Each project is specialist and unique, devised by listening to the needs of the young person, teacher, youth leader or family member, but all projects include a visit to the theatre at a highly subsidised ticket. As an independent charity, MTP is able to negotiate exclusive offers with theatres and producers throughout London, which enables it to offer a diverse range of shows and opportunities, identifying the relevant production for the specific group of young people, family or education project.
One of its hallmarks is its pioneering work with young people with SEND, recently winning a major award for its playwriting project for deaf and hard of hearing students. It pioneered relaxed performances in the West End for families with children with SEND in 2012 at Shrek the Musical. Since then, it has offered 11 additional relaxed performances and now provides consultation to theatres seeking to offer relaxed performances. Click here to know more about the charity’s Relaxed Performances, which are fully-supported performances adapted especially for young people with autism, learning difficulties and communication needs.
The charity also provides training and skills-share events for teachers, theatre practitioners, youth leaders and young people, and leads cooperative educational initiatives with theatres and arts organisations across London and beyond. It has had an active Youth Forum since 1999, comprised of young people aged 15 – 23, who advise the charity on a range of issues as well as running their own events. Two Youth Forum members are Youth Representatives on the Board of Trustees.
For the most recent audited accounts search Go Live Theatre Projects on:
http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission
Person specification
Go Live Theatre Projects is seeking three new Trustees, who are aligned to its mission and have the relevant knowledge to specialise in one or more of the following areas to support the charity with its growth:
Education: Go Live is keen to maintain and strengthen its partnerships with state schools (mainstream and special) and therefore seeks a Trustee who has knowledge and experience with state education and can provide guidance, advice and support for Go Live’s school-based creative learning projects.
Disabilities and neurodiversity: This Trustee would have considerable experience of championing the rights and participation of young people with SEND. This person will have the ability to provide strategic input to Go Live’s various SEND projects and can assist with recruiting staff and drama practitioners with physical impairment and/or neurodiverse.
Community Arts: This Trustee will represent an interest in socially-engaged artistic practice and expertise in measuring the social value of community-embedded theatre/arts programmes. The candidate could come from any creative arts background, but has a strong understanding of the value of developing and running arts projects in the community.
Current Trustees
Charles Prideaux (Chair)
Robert Davis MBE
Ashley Herman
Adam Kenwright
Phyllida Lloyd CBE
Karen Napier
Jonathan Sayer
Andrea Sullivan
Cliff Siegel
Christopher Tabor
Roy Williams OBE
To read the biographies of current Trustees: https://golivetheatre.org.uk/trustees/
Diversity
Go Live welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. It is particularly keen to improve the diversity of the Board and ensure that it is representative of the communities it supports. As those from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
Terms of Appointment
This role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are four Board meetings per year and ad hoc sub-committee meetings that the Trustees will be expected to attend. The current sub-committees are: Finance Committee, Strategy, Nominations Committee and Fundraising/Development Committee, however additional committees are established when needed.
Travelling for some in-person events, such as observing creative learning projects, is encouraged and would be greatly appreciated to maintain and strengthen the culture of the Board.
Terms of Office
Trustees serve for a three-year term, renewable for two additional terms. In extenuating circumstances, the third term may be extended by an additional year.
Trustee Requirements
All Trustees are asked to have a current DBS check (which the charity can provide) and undertake a 90-minute course in Child Safety and Protection.
Trustees are expected to attend quarterly meetings in person. Some meetings may be able to be attended by Zoom. Trustees are also strongly encouraged to see the charity’s work ‘in action’ by attending education events, end of project sharings, short performances, etc.
To Apply
Please send a one-page letter stating your interest in becoming a Trustee, highlighting any relevant experience plus a current CV by Friday, 22nd September 2023 to the Chief Executive: Susan.Whiddington@golivetheatre.org.uk. Interviews will be held in late September/early October.
For more information, please feel free to contact Susan Whiddington by email or telephone: 020 7632 4114.