Freelance supporting Practitioner-SHC - #188302

Freelance Supporting Practitioner – Summer Holiday Club

Duration: 5 days (17th - 21st August 2026) and additional 1.5 hour briefing meeting, date and time of briefing TBC (July/Aug) at Norwich Theatre, Stage Two

Hours: 9:00-5:00pm

Pay: £875 fee for 5 days (£175 per day) - £100 fee for briefing meeting attendance

DBS Check: Enhanced Required

Location: Norwich Theatre, Stage Two

Reports to: Creative Engagement & Audiences Manager
Working with: Lead Practitioner and Member of Norwich Theatre Creative Engagement Team – to deliver Summer Holiday Club for young people

Role Purpose

The Support Practitioner will support wellbeing of participants and the smooth running of Norwich Theatre’s week-long Summer Holiday Club for ages 7-13. They will help create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment by supporting participants during sessions, encouraging positive behaviour, enabling participants’ full potential, and assisting artists and facilitators with workshop delivery.

Summer Holiday Club

The Summer Holiday Club is a five‑day theatre‑making programme for young people aged 7–10 and 11–13, introducing them to a broad range of skills including drama, design, movement, puppetry and technical theatre. Centred on the theme of Courage and Bravery, the programme aims to develop confidence, creativity and teamwork through inclusive, flexible workshops delivered at age‑appropriate levels for the two groups.

Each day combines warm‑ups, skill‑building and creative exploration, including 60‑minute masterclasses, frequent breaks, daily outdoor time, and choice‑based activity options. Wellbeing and accessibility are embedded throughout the structure, with sensory resets, quiet spaces, tiered task difficulty and a clear behaviour‑support approach ensuring all participants can engage positively.

The week culminates in a flexible, low‑pressure sharing that celebrates exploration rather than polished performance. Intended outcomes include increased confidence, creative curiosity, stronger ensemble skills and a broader understanding of theatre‑making roles, with outputs ranging from devised scenes and movement pieces to model boxes, costume elements and soundscapes shared with families.

Key Responsibilities

1. Participant Support

• Provide practical support to children and young people during sessions.
• Help participants feel confident and welcomed in the space, as a key contact.
• Encourage engagement in activities, ensuring every child feels able to take part.
• Offer reassurance and individual attention when needed.

2. Positive Behaviour Support

• Help practitioners regulate participants’ behaviour through positive guidance strategies, in line with Norwich Theatre policies and values. You will be briefed on this in advance.
• Help maintain a positive, calm, and safe space for all participants.
• Model respectful, inclusive, and supportive behaviour.

3. Workshop & Artist Support

• Assist artists and practitioners in setting up, running, and packing away workshop activities.
• Help distribute materials, organise the space, and support transitions between activities.
• Communicate with artists/facilitators about any participant needs, concerns, or access requirements.
• Contribute to creating an energised, collaborative and creative atmosphere.

4. Safeguarding & Wellbeing

• Support the physical and emotional wellbeing of all participants.
• Identify and report safeguarding concerns in line with Norwich Theatre policies.
• Promote an inclusive environment where every participant feels safe, respected, and able to express themselves.

5. Teamwork & Communication

• Work collaboratively with the Creative Engagement team, facilitators, and other support staff.
• Participate in daily briefings/debriefs.
• Share observations throughout the week to help improve session delivery and participant experience.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience working with children and young people in an education, arts, or community setting.
• Confident supporting children with diverse needs, including SEND.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and positive in busy or challenging moments.
• Understanding of safeguarding and commitment to best practice.
• Reliable, punctual, and well-organised.

Desirable

• Experience in performing arts, creative activities, or workshop delivery.
• Familiarity with positive behaviour-support strategies.
• Previous experience supporting holiday schemes, camps, or group activities.

Practical Details

To apply, please supply a short letter of expression of interest, and your CV.

• Deadline for applications: Monday 15th June 2026
• Interviews: Monday 22nd June 2026