Theatre volunteer roles

About Proteus

Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.

The Role

Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.

Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.

Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.

Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.

Who Proteus is Looking For

Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.

Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:

• Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.

• Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.

• Support fundraising activities where possible.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.

• Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.

• Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.

• Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.

Join Taunton Brewhouse Board as Finance Trustee, develop skills in charity finance and support us in bringing entertainment and culture to our community.

Having grown substantially over the past 12 years, we are moving into a new era of development.   This includes and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the theatre which takes place in 2027.

Our current Trustee for Finance retires shortly, and we seek a new Finance/Director to take forward this key area.

As Trustee responsible for Finance, you will have specific responsibilities for

• providing financial guidance to the Board on matters put before it
• chairing quarterly meeting of the F&GP Committee
• oversight of financial management through monthly meetings with senior finance team
• liasing with professional advisers as necessary

You will share with other trustees the regular responsibilities for all:

• agree strategy and goals for the charity and Taunton Brewhouse
• appoint and set salarie for senior management
• give oversight and support to management
• ensure due diligence in regulatory matters including safe-guarding
• pay attention to financial management
• ensure a robust approach to the management of risk.

Apart from time commitments indicated for Finance, the Board meets quarterly on Monday evenings with other meetings as necessary (sometimes on line).  There is an annual 'away-day' for trustees and the AGM which takes place in November.

We are seeking an experienced professional to volunteer as a Contract & Compliance Advisor. This role is ideal for someone with significant experience in law, compliance, procurement, or contract negotiation, who would like to use their expertise to support a values-led charity.

Key Responsibilities

• Review contracts, agreements, and supplier documentation
• Identify potential risks, liabilities, and areas requiring clarification
• Highlight key terms, conditions, and small print in clear, accessible language
• Provide guidance on compliance, procurement, and contractual best practice
• Support staff to understand contractual implications (non-legal advice)
• Offer input on negotiation points where appropriate

This role is advisory and does not involve acting as Chickenshed’s legal representative.

Taunton Brewhouse is looking for trustees from all backgrounds.  Key is sharing our vision for a bold, brilliant cultural venue in Taunton, adding to our existing skills and expedrience and prepared to to play an active role in meeting the challenges ahead.

If you have experience in general management and/or in HR, marketing or fundraising do get in touch.   We also seek a lead trustee on finance - please see separate announcement.

As a trustee, you'll share responsibility for:

• agreeing strategy and goals for Taunton Brewhouse
• appointing and setting salaries for senior management
• giving oversight and support to management
• paying attention to financial management
• ensuring due diligence in all regulatory matters including safe-guarding
• ensuring a robust approach to management of risk.

You'll attend Board meeting although much work is carried out in projects or committees.  You'll be an ambassador for Taunton Brewhouse and support our wider endeavours through attending press and community events.

There are 5 formal meetings pa held in evenings at Taunton Brewhouse.  Other meetings are generally in the day and are organised around the diaries of those involved.  We also aim for an annual 'away-day' to enable trustees time to reflect, plan and develop the organisation and themselves.

Please note that exceptional expenses are paid by prior agreement.

We aim to be in touch quickly both those who make a full application and those who prefer an informal initial discussion. 

Join Chain Reaction as Treasurer!

The award-winning Chain Reaction is looking for a dynamic Treasurer to join our inspiring team of Volunteer Trustees. Our skilled and diverse Board guides our strategy, ensures financial and legal compliance and promotes our vital work with young people. They are a lively and positive board who bring energy and commitment to an upbeat youth-focused arts organisation.

As Treasurer, you’ll oversee financial management, ensuring robust controls and policies are in place. The day-to-day finances are handled by our office team using QuickBooks. The company’s financial structures and systems are well established and we have a long history of efficient financial management. The role involves five meetings a year (3-4 in Bromley-by-Bow, 1-2 online).

About Us

Currently celebrating 30 years of using theatre and media to ignite personal and social change, Chain Reaction produces high quality, emotionally engaging projects that transform the way people relate to themselves, their community and to wider society.

Working with vulnerable young people across London and Essex is at the heart of what we do. Our innovative projects respond directly to the current needs of young people and tackle the most acute social problems, including youth unemployment, gangs, social exclusion, youth violence, teenage pregnancy, conflict resolution, mental health, radicalisation, substance misuse, bullying and drugs.

Over the years we’re proud to have engaged over 415,000 young people through transformative projects that make a huge difference to those who need it most.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, join us!

Spare Tyre Theatre Company are recruiting voluntary non-executive board members with a passion for participatory theatre arts. New trustees will be joining us at an exciting time for the company, as we implement our next 3-5 year strategy; prepare for our 50th anniversary year in 2027; continue our year-round programme of creative participatory workshops; and develop two new touring productions: What Will Happen to the Cat? and Vanishing Point.

Spare Tyre is one of the UK’s leading participatory theatre companies. We are an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation and are an artist, disability and female led charity. We make inclusive arts and theatre productions, experiences and projects in arts venues and non-traditional arts spaces with people that are under-represented in arts, culture and society’s wider decision making. Built on nearly 50 years’ experience, our work is participatory, collaborative, immersive, taboo-busting and above all responsive to the passions and talents of the people who make it. 

We are recruiting 2 – 3 voluntary non-executive board members. We do not require trustees to have specific experience in the arts, and are seeking to increase the experience and diversity of our board, particularly in the areas of:

• Lived experience and/or a professional background working with people in the Care sector and/or people living with dementia and/or long-term health conditions

• Experience of, or a desire to, engage with inclusive working practices 

• Participatory arts practitioners

• Environmental responsibility

• Digital and social media

• Marketing and PR

• Understanding of publicly funded arts at a strategic level

Key Accountabilities of a Trustee are to:

• Act as ambassadors, champions and advocates for the organisation

• Approve strategic plans, budgets, annual accounts and policies

• Be willing to contribute your time and share your knowledge

• Provide advice and support for the Executive team

• Sit on committees and panels as required

• Engage in the fundraising strategy and development activities wherever possible

• Attend performances and other events by Spare Tyre and peer companies

• Understand the commitment required to join the Board

• Understand the legal requirements of being a charity Trustee: Gov UK have prepared some 5-minute guides for charity trustees that can be accessed here

Key Characteristics of a Spare Tyre Trustee are to:

• Promote and model Spare Tyre’s culture of inclusion, openness and collaboration

• Monitor and evaluate progress against targets and ACE Investment Principles

• Be passionate about the company’s work

• Be ready to challenge and provoke

• Be excited to promote an inclusive culture 

Mountview is one of the UK’s leading drama schools, and we are passionate about developing the next generation of creative talent. In our 80th birthday year, we are excited to invite applications for new trustees to join our Board and help provide strategic direction to the charity.

We are committed to maintaining and strengthening the diversity of our Board and particularly encourage applications from individuals from traditionally under-represented backgrounds, as well as those who live or work locally to our home building in Peckham, South East London. Applicants should have knowledge of, or a strong interest in, the performing arts and education.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:                                                           

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

We are looking for a Treasurer with an accountancy background and Board level experience to join our Board to support our small but mighty charity to bring the joy of reading to primary school children across the country.

Location: Online
Salary: Voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed
Deadline for applications: 31st January 2026

About Us:

The Children’s Bookshow is a national charity that inspires children with a love of books and reading through an annual programme of inspiring theatre and digital performances and engaging creative workshops. We showcase some of the best authors and illustrators of children’s books from around the world, and celebrate children’s literature in translation. 

We are an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation that has been running successfully for 23 years. Each year, we deliver 15 events in venues ranging from iconic theatres such as The Old Vic in London to community spaces and smaller scale theatres such as the New Wolsey in Ipswich, plus a programme of 60 creative workshops in primary schools. We target areas of high socio-economic deprivation, support environmental sustainability through our programme, and partner with local authorities, libraries and education providers. Every child who attends our theatre performances receives a free copy of the author’s book to take home and keep. This is integral to our offer - putting excellent books directly into the hands of children.

“Having Frank Cottrell-Boyce in for a free workshop really did make such a difference to our school and to our children. Frank was able to inspire every single child to write, no matter their need or ability, and children who would normally be reluctant to share their ideas in front of the class were confident to do so. Every single one of them went home talking non-stop about the amazing author they had met - with many now inspired to become authors. I can't put into words how grateful we are or how much of an impact those couple of hours have had on both the children and staff.” 
Teacher, Winyates Primary, Peterborough 2024

The opportunities:

If you think you have the expertise and passion to support our work and help us to deliver the kind of impact and change experienced by Winyates Primary, then we would love to hear from you!

Thanks to successful fundraising The Children’s Bookshow is financially stable for the next two years. Iterative growth and continued financial sustainability are crucial for us to fulfill our aspirations for the future: 

• Give more primary school children the invaluable experience of a live author event at a local theatre
• Enable children to work creatively with a world class artist in their own classroom 
• Increase book ownership by putting a free book into the hands of every child who attends one of our performances

We are recruiting a Treasurer to join our Board of highly-skilled, committed and friendly Trustees to guide and support us in achieving these aims.

The Role:
Trustees share oversight of The Children’s Bookshow’s artistic programming, operations, fundraising and finances, to ensure good governance in compliance with our governing document and with UK charity and company law.

Time commitment: around 4-6 days per year.

Treasurer:
We are seeking a new Treasurer to ensure high standards of financial governance and decision-making, and to act as a key sounding board for the Co-Directors in the financial planning, management and reporting of our charity. This will include overseeing our annual budget and cashflow and quarterly management accounts, and advising on how best to invest our reserve fund. 

We are looking for a qualified accountant with Board level experience with a UK charity and an interest in our work.

A background in children’s literature, publishing or theatre would be an advantage, but not essential.

The Children’s Bookshow is committed to creating a collaborative Board of Trustees that is inclusive and representative of our society. We actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and from all sections of society to apply. 

Meetings:
There are typically four Board meetings a year lasting around an hour. Three of these meetings take place online and we endeavour to meet in person once a year in central London for a meeting followed by lunch. We welcome Trustees to attend our theatre performances and online events wherever possible to directly experience our work. 

We also have a Finance and Operations Committee that occasionally meets online and reports to the Board, which Trustees are invited to opt into to share their expertise in specific areas such as Finance, Fundraising and Development. 

How to apply

Please email your CV and a covering letter (each a maximum of 2 sides of A4) detailing your relevant expertise and experience for the role of Treasurer, and why you would like to be part of The Children’s Bookshow. We look forward to hearing from you. 

INVITING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE ROLE OF CHAIR

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair with Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT). 

This is an exciting time in the evolution of the organisation. As we prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2027, we are reflecting on our impact – past, present and future – while working towards a more comprehensive creative offer for young theatre-makers across Scotland.

Reaching the end of his tenure on the board, our outgoing Chair has been crucial to the company’s navigation of the most challenging times in our sector and the remodelling of the company. The new Chair will come into an organisation with a committed board and small industrious staff team with big ambitions.

Current priorities:

• Grow the artistic programme for the benefit of more young artists with different needs and aspirations across Scotland
• Amplify the company’s profile and increase awareness of the work and priorities of SYT now
• Broaden and deepen relationships with partners, allies and funders
• Secure additional resources to realise our ambitions

What we are looking for

• Previous experience in a governance or leadership role in the charitable sector (previous experience as a Chair is not essential but knowledge and familiarity with charity governance requirements is essential)
• An enthusiasm for theatre and supporting young people in their development as artists
• Ability to offer an impartial perspective and take a collaborative approach that draws on the collective wisdom of the Board
• Clear understanding of the distinction between the role of trustees and senior staff
• Alignment to our company values
• Firm understanding of the financial undertakings of charities and associated legal requirements
• Committed to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion

Role of the Board

Board members are non-executive directors of the company and trustees of the charity. They have corporate and individual responsibilities under company law and charity law.

The Board is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Scottish Youth Theatre, supporting the staff team to deliver on the company’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities of the Chair

Provide leadership to the board and chair board meetings

Work with fellow Trustees to ensure compliance with legal, financial and environmental requirements Maintain an overview of the board’s performance, appraising individual and collective performance Maintain an overview of the composition of the board in skills and diversity and to lead on refreshment and succession planning.

Supporting the CEO

Appoint the CEO, in conjunction with the board, and monitor their performance

Line manage and support the CEO and be a point of liaison 

Lead on appraisal of performance of the CEO

Time Commitment

Board members are required to attend four meetings per year plus the AGM which are usually held online via Zoom. Once a year we bring together the Board and full staff team for an in-person joint planning and review session. Supporting our young artists through attending performances is also appreciated.

There is one permanent sub-group of the Board for finance. Individual Board members may also be asked to bring their expertise to specific pieces of work or policy development and some are the identified leads for areas of policy e.g. safeguarding, fundraising, environment. 

The Chair of the Board acts as line manager to the CEO, maintaining regular contact to keep up to date with progress and offer support (on average one meeting per month and email correspondence).

All Directors may serve a maximum of three terms of office, each term being 3 years (9 years maximum).

Timeframe

Deadline is 9.00am on Tuesday, 3rd February

We will let you know no later than 17th February if we would like to proceed to an informal conversation.  The final stage will be more formal with members of the Board.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD) is the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers.

We are seeking a new Co-opted Committee Member with finance expertise and an interest in dance to join our welcoming and experienced Finance, Audit & Risk Sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees. Our ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the requirements of charity governance and risk.

For full details, including how to apply, please download the role information pack from our website. 

Application deadline: Monday 9 February 2026.

We are seeking someone who has experience of being a Treasurer or Finance, Audit & Risk Committee Member (preferably in the charity sector) and has a good understanding of the requirements of charity accounting and governance.

If you are excited by this opportunity and resonate with DCD’s values, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.

Grand Union Orchestra is a music-led charity that brings together world-class artists and diverse communities to create powerful, socially engaged work through collaborative, cross-cultural performances. Through a wide range of productions, recordings, and educational programmes, we celebrate cultural heritage while empowering new generations of artists.

As we enter 2026, we are embarking on a new structure to expand our impact and define a long-term strategy to create new live music, foster creativity, and stand up against intolerance.

As a Trustee, you will play a pivotal part in ensuring the charity is meeting its goals and has a solid operational base.  We are looking for candidates to take an active role, and share expertise in income-generation, marketing, communications and community engagement. 

We would particularly welcome applications for the role of Treasurer to take responsibility for overseeing our finances, and helping with budgeting and management accounts. Knowledge of Charity finance would be extremely beneficial to us.

Art Explora is a non-profit arts organisation that aims to share arts and culture with everyone - locally, nationally and internationally - and inspire new encounters between arts and audiences.

Arts at Home supports older people to access arts and culture by encouraging conversation and connection through art. We are looking for volunteers to participate in our "Arts at Home" sessions in residential care homes. In these sessions, you will introduce works of art of your choice and facilitate conversations around the artworks with residents. No prior professional experience is needed; we will provide you with the necessary training.

You will need to be able to travel to Birmingham locations independently (pre agreed local travel expenses paid). 

Why you'll love it:

• You will meet new people & alleviate feelings of loneliness through creativity and connection.
• You will be offered spaces on trips to galleries and theatres with our care setting residents as part of our ‘Art Explorers at...’ project. 
• You will learn about art, heritage, and history, through your research and other volunteers.
• You will develop communication and public speaking skills
• You will gain experience working with vulnerable adults and build an understanding of how art can support a sense of community and wellbeing. 

If you are a confident communicator and passionate about arts, we would love to hear from you!

We’re looking for a passionate drama or amateur dramatics teacher/facilitator to help our young people (aged 16–25) create a fun and inclusive production. If you have experience in theatre, performance, or creative arts and can spare a couple of hours on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday afternoon, we’d love your support. Even if you can only offer limited time, your creativity and enthusiasm could make a huge difference!.

When do I need to be available? The role is flexible, if you can only give us a few hours a week on either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday afternoon we would really appreciate it. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

As a weekly activity support volunteer, you will need to provide us with two references and a DBS. By volunteering with us you will be helping local people with a learning disability have fun, learn new skills through activities, and you will be making a huge difference!

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.