Job Title: Tyne Theatre Voices Choir Director
Reports to: Head of Community Engagement & Participation
Appointed by: Interview and Observation of work
Period of Appointment: Sept 2025 – July 2026
Salary: £120.00 per weekly session with additional payment for concert days and planning meetings
Purpose of Role
To conduct Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s new community choir, Tyne Theatre Voices, launching in September 2025.
Tyne Theatre & Opera House Mission
Tyne Theatre & Opera House (TTOH) wishes to enrich and inspire communities by presenting outstanding touring productions and fostering inclusive cultural participation, while preserving our historic venue as a vibrant hub for the arts.
“We want to be inclusive, encompassing, exciting and entertaining, for everyone. We believe in creativity as a force for change and a human right. Our focus on restoring and developing our theatre for future generations to enjoy and participate in quality multi genre entertainment, community development, learning and fun will enable us to inspire and give joy to the communities we serve”
Vision
Tyne Theatre Voices vision is to be an adult community choir company that fosters creativity and community in the West End of Newcastle. It will be a supportive space where adults are given the opportunity to sing with others, creating feelings of wellbeing, connection and satisfaction. TTV will also contribute to Newcastle’s cultural growth, helping to revitalise the West End and supporting the Theatre’s long-term legacy.
The Choir
Tyne Theatre Voices will be administrated and managed by TTOH under its Community Engagement strand. Sessions will take place on Monday evenings from 7.00-8.30pm, broadly following the academic year. We intend that as many sessions as possible will take place at the theatre, however due to our production calendar, some may need to be moved to another central Newcastle location.
The repertoire will be wide-ranging, from classical & sacred music to contemporary hits. The choir will be open to all, with novices encouraged to join alongside seasoned singers. We will offer scores and learning tracks to support members if required. As the choir develops, specialist workshops in particular genres such as opera and folk will be offered encouraging members to try new music and expand their musical knowledge. Performance opportunities will be provided during the year, with at least 2 concerts at TTOH (in the 1867 Hall or Main Auditorium), as well as collaborations with other arts organisations across the city.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading weekly sessions at the agreed venue and working towards performances as agreed with the Head of Community Engagement & Participation (E&P)
- Conduct the choir in performances, including occasional weekends
- Planning sessions and liaising with accompanist to agree repertoire
- Participating in planning and evaluation meetings at TTOH once a term
- Supporting TTOH E&P team in sourcing music scores and learning tracks where appropriate
- Work with the E&P team to secure specialist leaders for occasional workshops
- Acting as an ambassador for the choir in the North East, nurturing relationships with other choral groups and NE organisations
Role Requirements:
- An outstanding musician with a high degree of specialism in conducting
- Ability to lead rehearsals from the piano where necessary
- At least 1 year experience of working with adult community choirs
- Strong communication and relationship building skills and a consistently professional attitude
- Will share in the TTOH’s commitment to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults by being fully compliant with the venue’s Safeguarding Policies, in addition to all other relevant venue policies.
Applications
Closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 20 June 2025. Please submit a CV and accompanying letter explaining how your professional and life experiences align with the requirements and responsibilities of the role. Your letter should also tell us where and when we can observe your practice. Please send applications via email with the subject title ‘CHOIR DIRECTOR’ to [email protected]
