Associate Dramaturge

The Bush Theatre is looking for an experienced, passionate and highly organised Associate Dramaturge to join the Bush’s Literary team and play a crucial role in assisting and collaborating with the Literary Manager & Lead Dramaturge on writer and new play development, production dramaturgy, the nurturing of emerging talent and the administrative management of the department.

At a glance

Hours: 21 hours per week, across at least 3 days excluding a 1 hour unpaid meal break. Regular evening and occasional weekend 

work will be required for this role.

Salary: £31,500 per annum pro rata (equivalent to £18,900 per annum)

Holidays: 30 days including Bank Holidays per annum pro rata (equivalent to 18 days per annum)

Rising to 31 days after two years’ service

Rising to 32 days after four years’ service

Probation: Three months 

Contract Type: Permanent

Key dates

Deadline for applications: 23.59 on Wednesday 11 February 2026 

First Interview date: Monday 2 March 2026

Second Interview date: Monday 9 March 2026

Purpose of the role

The Associate Dramaturge is a crucial role in the Bush’s Literary team, assisting and collaborating with the Literary Manager / Lead Dramaturge on writer and new play development, the nurturing of emerging talent, production dramaturgy and the administrative management of the department. As a part of the wider Artistic team, the role involves meaningful input into artistic planning and relationship-building as well as holding dramaturgical responsibility on specific projects and productions.

How to Apply

We want you to have the opportunity to really tell us about yourself and explain why this position is right for you in whatever way feels most appropriate. Send one of the following, alongside a basic CV:

• A personal statement (500 words max)
• Presentation – Keynote or PowerPoint
• Short video or sound file (5 minutes max)

All applications will be judged on content not on format. We have suggested some options above, but if you would like to suggest an alternative let us know.

All applications should address the following:

• Tell us about your experience, skills and knowledge that mean you meet the person specification outlined in the Job Description; include demonstrative examples and achievements
• Tell us why this position interests you
• Tell us what dramaturgy means to you
• Tell us what you would bring to this role and the Bush Theatre

• Read the Job Description and Person Specification.

• Apply through our recruitment portal Breathe HR. Include a CV.

You can upload video or sound files using the We Transfer service https://wetransfer.com/. When using this service, please include the We Transfer link in your Breathe HR attachments by including the link in your CV or submitting it on a separate document.

• Complete our Equal Opportunities Monitoring form. This helps us to better understand if our recruitment practices are accessible and equitable to all.

If you have any need for this information in a different format please contact our People & Culture Administrator, Dorothy Ekema-Walla by email jobs@bushtheatre.co.uk or phone 0208743 3584.

Equal Opportunities

The value of equal opportunities runs through the heart of the organisation. Our diverse team and their range of experiences are vital to the Bush’s success, but we still have work to do to make sure that Bush staff represent the communities we serve. We actively encourage people with different backgrounds to join us. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of colour and disabled people who are currently underrepresented in our team. All disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to interview. If you would like to apply through our Minimum Criteria Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please let us know. You can state anywhere in your application: ‘I would like to apply through the Minimum Criteria Guaranteed Interview scheme. If you have any questions or need any of this information in a different format, please contact our People And Culture Administrator, Dorothy Ekema-Walla, by emailing jobs@bushtheatre.co.uk or phone 0208743 3584.

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