Barbican Theatre Plymouth | Barbican Theatre Youth
Contract: Freelance, fixed-term project
Project period: December 2026 – April 2027
Fee: £2,500 for the full project
Location: Barbican Theatre, Plymouth

Apply by: Wednesday 25th November, 11:59pm 

Interviews taking place: W/C 30th November 

About Barbican Theatre Youth

Barbican Theatre Youth provides opportunities for young people to develop their creativity, confidence and performance skills through theatre-making and live performance. We are currently rebuilding our youth theatre offer, creating opportunities for young people to collaborate, develop their skills and take part in ambitious theatrical projects.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative Musical Director to support our upcoming youth theatre production, ‘Icebreakers’, working with young performers and youth musicians to develop the musical elements of the show and prepare for three performances in April 2027.

‘Icebreakers’ is a new musical written for young people, being performed as part of National Theatre’s Connections Festival- a nationwide youth theatre festival. 

Role Overview

The Musical Director will lead the musical development of the production, working closely with the Director, young performers and youth musicians throughout the rehearsal process.

The role will include supporting auditions, developing the musical elements of the production, coaching performers in vocal technique and musical performance, and facilitating collaboration between the cast and musicians.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with young people, can adapt their approach to different levels of musical experience, and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment in which young people can develop their skills and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Musical Development

• Work collaboratively with the Director to develop and deliver the musical elements of the production.

• Contribute to the planning and preparation of the musical content, ensuring it supports the creative vision of the show.

• Identify the musical needs of the production and plan appropriate rehearsal activities.

• Prepare and organise musical material as required, within the agreed project scope, working with the existing score and lyrics. 

Auditions and Casting

• Attend planning meetings in December 2026.

• Support auditions, helping to assess the musical and vocal abilities of young performers where required.

Rehearsals and Vocal Coaching

• Lead musical rehearsals, working with performers to develop vocal technique, confidence, ensemble singing and musical interpretation.

• Adapt vocal coaching to accommodate different levels of experience, confidence and individual learning needs.

• Work collaboratively with the Director to integrate music into the wider rehearsal process.

• Support young people to develop their understanding of musical performance and ensemble work.

Working with Youth Musicians

• Work with participating young musicians to develop their musical contributions to the production.

• Support collaboration between musicians and performers, helping to establish effective ensemble working.

• Facilitate musical rehearsals and support young musicians to develop their confidence and performance skills.

• Identify and communicate any additional musical or technical requirements to the Director.

Intensive Rehearsals and Performances

• Attend agreed rehearsals during February half-term and the Easter holidays.

• Support the preparation and integration of all musical elements ahead of performance.

• Attend agreed technical and dress rehearsals and three performances in April 2027.

• Work collaboratively with the production team to ensure the musical elements are ready for performance.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

• Help maintain a positive, inclusive and supportive rehearsal environment for young people.

• Follow Barbican Theatre's safeguarding policies, procedures and professional boundaries.

• Communicate any safeguarding concerns promptly through the appropriate channels.

• Work sensitively with young people with different needs, experiences and levels of confidence.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience as a Musical Director, vocal coach, music facilitator or equivalent practitioner.

• Experience working with young people in a creative, educational or performance setting.

• Confidence leading vocal and musical rehearsals.

• Ability to support performers with different levels of musical experience.

• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively with a Director and youth musicians.

• A flexible, encouraging and inclusive approach to working with young people.

• Good organisational and communication skills.

• Commitment to safeguarding and creating a positive environment for young people.

Desirable

• Experience working on youth theatre productions or musical theatre projects.

• Experience working with young musicians in a performance setting.

• Experience arranging music or adapting existing musical material.

• Experience supporting young performers with additional access needs.

• Knowledge of inclusive vocal coaching and ensemble development.

Project Schedule

The project will run from December 2026 to April 2027, with the following anticipated commitments:

• December 2026: Initial planning meetings and auditions.

• January–March 2027: Weekly rehearsals.

• February half-term: Three intensive rehearsal days.

• Easter holidays: Intensive rehearsals in preparation for performance.

• April 2027: Final rehearsals, technical preparation and three performances.

Exact dates and working hours will be agreed with the successful applicant.

Fee and Contract

The total freelance project fee is £2,500, covering all agreed Musical Director responsibilities across the project period.

The fee will include attendance at agreed meetings, auditions, rehearsals, intensive sessions and performances, alongside the necessary musical preparation and planning associated with the role.

As this is a fixed-fee freelance contract, applicants should be comfortable working within an agreed allocation of hours and responsibilities. The final schedule and scope of work will be agreed before the contract begins.

The successful applicant will be responsible for their own tax and National Insurance arrangements. Any travel or other expenses will be agreed separately before the project begins.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and a short supporting statement outlining your relevant experience, your approach to working musically with young people, and why you are interested in this project.

We welcome applications from practitioners with a range of professional backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for young people and artists alike.

Apply by: Wednesday 25th November/ Interviews taking place: W/C 30th November 

For further information about the role, please contact sally@barbicantheatre.co.uk

Barbican Theatre welcomes enquiries from individuals interested in joining our Board of Trustees. We are committed to an open and inclusive process, seeking people who share our passion for creativity, community, and positive change. Whether you have experience in finance, fundraising, governance, the arts, or bring fresh perspectives from other sectors, we’d love to hear from you. If you're curious about what being a trustee involves and how you could contribute, get in touch—we’re always open to conversations about shaping the future of Barbican Theatre together. Email claire@barbicantheatre.co.uk to arrange an informal chat.

Are you passionate about Theatre? Do you enjoy varied artistic tasks? Do you have a flair for working with people? Do you enjoy being part of a creative team? Then a volunteering role at the Barbican Theatre Plymouth may be just the ticket!

As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to:

✨ Support live performances and events

✨ Welcome and assist audiences

✨ Gain experience in a dynamic theatre setting

✨ Meet like-minded people and be part of our creative community

No two days at the Barbican Theatre are ever the same, from diverse performances, incredible youth and community theatre, as well as exciting outdoor events, being a Volunteer will provide you with opportunities to learn more about the arts, become part of a team and to support and develop a local charitable arts organisation!

If you fit the bill, please fill in this form. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

(Volunteers must be aged 18+ and will need to undertake a DBS check prior to starting)

As an organisation, we are committed to following our Safer Recruitment policy in order to ensure the safety and protection of all participants. Barbican Theatre Plymouth ensure that:

It is the policy of Barbican Theatre, Plymouth that all employees, contractors and volunteers who will work with young people undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Baring Service.

All applicants to any paid or volunteer roles must have an existing DBS or provide information for us to process a DBS.

No individual may work or volunteer with Barbican Theatre Plymouth without the return of a clear and current DBS

Barbican Theatre considers a recent DBS to be one done in the last 2 years

If an employee, trustee or volunteer does not have a clear DBS, they will

Any concerns about the suitability of applicants during the recruitment process must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer who will investigate the claim

If concerns arise once a staff member or volunteer has started their role, they will be temporarily suspended from working with young people and vulnerable adults whilst the claims are investigated

All new staff and volunteers must undergo Safeguarding and Child Protection training prior to starting their role