Jobs and volunteering
Youth Theatre Assistant (freelance) – 6.5 hours per week with the possibility of additional hours (see below for details) £12.21 per hour
Dorchester Youth Theatre (DYT), which operates under the umbrella of Dorchester Arts, is looking for a Youth Theatre Assistant to support the Director, Jo Simons, from Monday 12th January – Monday 13th July 2026 (term time only).
The Youth Theatre Assistant assists Jo in the delivery of drama and theatre sessions, supporting the creative process and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the participants. DYT is a highly respected, long-established, thriving youth theatre with more than 70 regular attendees aged between 6 and 19+. As well as weekly sessions during term time, DYT puts on 4 productions a year as well as a week-long musical theatre project every summer.
Regular hours: Mondays in term time 16.30 – 21.00, Thursdays in term time 19.00 – 21.00
Additional hours will be required, including occasional Sundays, and performance/ tech/dress times which will be paid at the same rate.
Responsibilities
Artistic
• Support the Director in weekly sessions and when the group is working towards a production.
• Supervise breakout group work alongside the Director
• Understand and support the aims and objectives of the session/rehearsal
• Ensure that individual voices are heard and responded to
• Offer individual coaching and mentoring to participants at the request of the Director
• Ensure that all sessions are carried out in a safe and inclusive environment in compliance with Dorchester Arts’ Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies
Operational
• Support the Director with welcoming and registering the group
• Support the Director with safe collection/departures at the end of a session including supervising young people who are late being collected.
• You are expected to be an ambassador for DYT and Dorchester Arts and represent the organisation positively at all times.
General
• To attend training courses and development opportunities as required
• Work within DYT and Dorchester Arts’ established policies and practices
• The above duties may involve having access to information of a confidential nature, which may be covered by the General Data Protection Regulation. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.
The post-holder will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
Essential
• A background in and a strong interest in Drama and Theatre
• An interest in Youth Theatre
• A passion for supporting the development of children and young people
• Excellent communication skills
• Reliability and good time-keeping
Desirable
• Experience of Youth Theatre (as a participant or as a professional)
• Experience of workshop planning and facilitation
• An interest in pursuing a career in theatre
Applications by submission of a CV and covering letter explaining why you feel you are suited to the role to jobs@dorchesterarts.org.uk
Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday November 14th 2025 and interviews will take place on Tuesday November 18th.
As this is a freelance role you will be responsible for paying any tax or National Insurance that may be due.
VOLUNTARY ROLES AND TRUSTEES
Could You Be Part of Dorchester Arts’ Reception and Café Team?
Could you spare 3 hours a week to support Dorchester Arts? Dorchester Arts is on the lookout for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to join our team in our new reception area and bar and café at Dorchester Corn Exchange.
This is an exciting time to get involved, as we expand our offering and welcome even more visitors to what is fast becoming a vibrant centre of creativity and community activity. We’re looking for people with a passion for the arts and great people skills to help us deliver a warm and welcoming experience. Shifts for both positions are from 10am – 1pm and 1pm – 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. You can sign up for just one regular shift (or more if you are able to) or just to fill in for people when we have gaps.
Reception and Front Desk Volunteer
You’ll be the first face our visitors see—helping with ticket sales, answering phone and in-person queries, providing information about our performances, classes and events, and making everyone who walks through our doors feel welcome.
Café Volunteer
Supporting our Catering Supervisor, you’ll help keep the new café running smoothly by taking orders, preparing and serving food and drinks, keeping the space clean and tidy, and handling payments. Don’t worry—full training will be provided!
While these are unpaid volunteer positions, we’re pleased to offer some great perks, including:
- Complimentary hot drinks during your shift
- Two free tickets to Dorchester Arts performances
- A Food and Hygiene qualification
Want to find out more?
Full role descriptions are available upon request. Call 01305 266926 or pop in and speak to Sam – we’d love to meet you. Or join us for an informal chat and guided look around the new café space.
Be part of something exciting and help shape the future of Dorchester Arts. We can’t wait to welcome you to the team!
Treasurer
Dorchester Arts is seeking a treasurer to join their Board of Trustees at an exciting time for the organisation. Along with the Chair and Vice-Chair, the treasurer is a senior trustee with primary responsibility for financial governance, the monitoring and reporting of financial matters within the organisation and liaising with key partners such as Dorchester Town Council. The role is voluntary.
Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering for Dorchester Arts please contact Sam at enquiries@dorchesterarts.org.uk or call 01305 266926.
