Chair – Chichester Festival Theatre, UK

Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the UK’s flagship theatres, renowned for the exceptionally high standard of its productions as well as its work with the community and young people.

Situated in a cathedral city in West Sussex between the South Downs and the sea, the Festival Theatre’s bold thrust stage design makes it one of England’s most striking playhouses equally suited to epic drama and world-renowned musicals.

Its studio theatre, the Minerva, is particularly noted for premieres of bold new writing alongside intimate revivals.

The Theatres’ architecture was designed to be democratic : everyone mingles in the same spacious foyers and the auditoriums allow and uninterrupted view of the stage from every seat.

That spirit of inclusivity remains at the heart of our work, on stage and off.

Over the past five decades, myriad productions originated at Chichester whether in the 1300-seat Festival Theatre or the 300-seat Minerva Theatre have transferred to the West End or toured nationally and internationally.

• During 2020 (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic) productions originating from Chichester were due be seen across the globe. Laura Wade’s new play The Watsons, adapted from the unfinished novel by Jane Austen, was scheduled to run at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre;

Caroline, Or Change was due to transfer to New York’s Roundabout Theatre, with Sharon D. Clarke recreating her Olivier Award-winning performance as Caroline (now scheduled for autumn 2021).

An autumn UK tour of Quiz was planned as well as Singin’ in the Rain at Sadler’s Wells and Japan.

• Recent transfers from Chichester (as originating producer) include Caroline, Or Change (London’s Hampstead Theatre and the West End’s Playhouse Theatre 2018 / 19);
• Ian McKellen in King Lear, which transferred to the West End’s Noël Coward Theatre in 2018 and was broadcast to cinemas internationally by NT Live;

and Daniel Evans’s production of Quiz, a new play by James Graham, which also transferred to the West End’s Noël Coward Theatre in 2018.

Rooted firmly in its community, the Theatre runs a Learning, Education and Participation (LEAP) programme that is a beacon of excellence and inspiration to its local audience, as well as being home to one of the country’s largest youth theatres with over 750 members.

An extensive range of activities, workshops and events for people of all ages, abilities and social backgrounds, combined with a vibrant outreach and community partnerships programme, involve over 62,500 participants every year.

Following the completion of 11 successful years as a trustee and Chair of the Board, Sir William Castell is retiring from the Board.

He will remain in post until December 2021 to allow a smooth transition to his appointed successor.

Chichester Festival Theatre has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 26th February 2021.

To apply, please send a comprehensive CV setting out your career history, alongside a short supporting statement / cover letter (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) giving evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for the role.

All responses should be sent to . The role title and reference 2012-069L should be noted in the email subject line.