Artistic Director Role
For 25 years Kestrel has been creating original pieces of theatre, film and performance with people with experience of the criminal justice system. We use industry professionals - actors, directors, writers and technicians - to progress the ideas and potential of those both in prison and on the outside too. Working ‘through the gate’ and supporting our alumni after they are released is a crucial part of our mission.
For the last four years our Artistic Director El Henderson has developed a programme taking in prisons such as HMP Pentonville, Downview, Five Wells, Bullingdon, Elmley, Swaleside, Aylesbury, Springhill and Grendon, as well as delivering public performances with Kestrel alumni in places as diverse as London’s New Diorama Theatre and Garsington Opera Studios. She has now taken up a position at the National Theatre and we are looking for someone to continue her pioneering work. This will involve:
Reporting to the Chair and Board of Trustees, the role is to create and resource an annual programme of events, building on past success to continue to expand and develop the Kestrel offer.
Coordinating with our existing practitioners to ensure all projects are appropriately staffed.
Representing the charity at events and seminars and in discussions with donors and prison authorities.
Leading discussions with respective organisations in order to retain existing and seek out new collaborations.
Ensuring Kestrel retains a spread of artistic offers, including drama, filmmaking, literacy skills, scriptwriting and puppetry.
Managing spending for all Kestrel projects in line with production budgets and donor funding where applicable.
Seeking out, recruiting and training new practitioners to help run Kestrel programmes.
Keeping up to date and ensure that all collaborator staff are aware of the Kestrel methodology and procedures for working in prisons.
Taking charge of the charity’s communications, including the website and newsletter.
This is a part time role, for which the remuneration is £20,000 for 85 days work per annum. This will be a one year contract initially.
Also, for an additional pro-rata fee, there is the opportunity to direct as many Kestrel programmes as are appropriate within the constraints of outside work commitments.
To apply, please send a covering note, explaining why you would be the ideal new AD and a CV to: KestrelAD25@gmail.com
Deadline 31 August 2025