The Other Way Works – Board Recruitment

The Other Way Works is currently recruiting Non-Executive (voluntary) Directors to join its Board of Directors. This is a great opportunity for your skills and experience to make a real difference to the development of an energetic and distinctive not-for-profit arts organisation. We’re looking for people with a passion for theatre, the arts, and innovation, who will help steer, support and advocate for the company.

• Who we are

“The Other Way Works is one of the leading UK companies exploring the frontiers of interactivity in theatre.”
John McGrath, Director, National Theatre Wales

The Other Way Works is a Birmingham, UK based theatre company formed in 2001. We create highly interactive performance experiences, frequently for an audience of one at a time. Our theatre is playful and draws the audience into the very heart of the experience.

“The Other Way Works is a dynamic young company that is successfully exploring the possibilities of what theatre can and might be.”
Lyn Gardner, Theatre Critic, The Guardian

The Other Way Works offers a fresh and distinctive approach to theatre production, knowledge exchange, innovation, and sector development. We bring a distinctive energy backed up by a proven track record for delivering innovative projects since 2004 as regular recipients of Arts Council England funding. Never shy of a challenge we are positioned at the leading edge of innovation in theatrical practice. Participation is at the heart of our offer, we give agency to our audiences, and provide a sense of ownership to participants and volunteers. We are passionate about developing the performing arts sector, guiding theatre towards digital innovation, and playing a wider leadership role in civic society.

Company website: www.theotherwayworks.co.uk

The current Board of Directors is: Katie Day, Liz Jones, Andrew Tims & Chris Unitt. Click here for short biogs.

• What we’ve done in 2011

1. Developed a new production – Avon Calling
2. Presented Avon Calling in Birmingham and Edinburgh with a tour being booked for 8 UK locations in 2012
3. Presented Complimentary at Hatch:Fresh in Leicester
4. Developed a new project – Bandstand
5. Took part in First Bite at mac Birmingham, presented at the ISAN conference in Glasgow, sat on a panel at the Hello Culture event in Birmingham.

• What’s coming up for the company – our 3 year plans

Our Strategic Objectives 2011–2015

1. Deliver excellent theatre experiences that re-imagine the theatrical form
2. Reach wider and more diverse audiences through touring and digital platforms
3. A more skilled, collaborative, and networked sector, focusing on digital engagement
4. Successful integration of emerging technologies with our theatre practice
5. An effective and sustainable business model

2012/13
New work – Creation of Bandstand, a collection of located audio experiences
Touring – A national tour of Avon Calling
2013/14
New work – Creation of iPhone App to accompany the Black Tonic Tour
Touring – A national tour of Black Tonic (created in 2008/9)
Sector Development – Delivery of a Theatre & Technology Summer School for theatre makers
2014/15
New work – Creation of Antique, an interactive performance in an antique shop using smart objects
Sector Development – Delivery of a Theatre & Technology Summer School for theatre makers

• Who we are looking for & why

We are looking for at least four new Directors to join our Board, and for one of these people to take on the role of Chair.

We are seeking enthusiastic, reliable, committed and well-networked individuals who are keen to put their skills and experience to good use in the support of our organisation and planned programme of activity. We’re after people with a passion for theatre, the arts, and innovation.

Following a skills audit of our current Board we are looking to strengthen and expand our Board by recruiting people with the following areas of skills and experience.

New Board Members would be expected to have skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

1. Business skills & Experience – Private Business, connections within the Business scene – Chamber of Commerce etc
Example Person: MD of local company / Business Consultant

2. Financial – Experience of Financial planning and management, ability to analyse Accountant-produced end of year financial statements
Example Person: Finance Director of regional cultural organisation

3. Profile Raising & Brand Identity – Marketing, Branding and/or PR skills and experience at a management level
Example Person: Director of PR Agency / Marketing Manager

4. Technology Education / Skills Development – Higher Education context, technology in a media/arts context, links with Technology Business/Research
Example Person: Course Leader of a university technology/media course

5. Fundraising – Bringing money into the organisation through contacts, fundraising from grants, trusts & foundations, individual/corporate giving, or sponsorship
Example Person: Development Manager at regional cultural organisation / Fundraising Consultant

• Practicalities

- The Other Way Works’ Board of Directors provide their time in a voluntary capacity;
- We meet quarterly in a variety of Birmingham City Centre locations;
- Additionally there may be further meetings with specific objectives that you may be required to attend;
- We expect Board Members to be active advocates for the Company, and to pro-actively volunteer their skills and advice in support of the Company’s work;
- Directors become members and have statutory responsibility to ensure that the operation of the company remains legally and financially sound, with a personal liability limited to £1.

• What you get out of it

- Seeing the contribution of your skills and advice making a real difference to the development of this fresh and distinctive theatre company;
- The opportunity to see the workings of a theatre company from the inside, get to know the artists, and receive priority invites to all company productions and events;
- A chance to network with other professionals who are also passionate about the arts;
- Opportunities to represent the company at relevant events/conferences.

• How to Apply

Expressions of interest should be sent by email to Katie Day, Artistic Director at info@theotherwayworks.co.uk by 29th February 2012 and include the following:

- Why are you interested in this position?
- What are your skills & interests?
- What will you bring to the board?

Please also include a CV/Biog/link to your website.

If you’d like some more info, have any questions, or would like to have an informal chat about the opportunity, please get in touch with Katie via email in the first instance.