Salary: £17,672.72 per annum, plus benefits and accommodation
Hours: Full time
Contract: Fixed Term Contract, 1 year
Location: Uppingham
Uppingham School is a co-educational, full boarding school for 840 pupils aged 11–18, supported by 120 teaching staff and a wide range of professional services. We have the highest ambitions and aim to be the School of first choice in the UK, offering a holistic education that reflects twenty-first-century values.
This role is ideal for a dance or performing arts graduate looking to develop skills in dance, choreography and performing arts production. The one-year post suits a recent graduate pursuing a career in dance or performing arts education and offers mentoring, practical experience and accommodation throughout the year.
The performing arts thrive at Uppingham. Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of onstage and backstage activities. The Theatre stages major School productions, including musicals and classic plays. This new role highlights our commitment to dance. The successful candidate will design and deliver a weekly dance programme across the school, catering for all interested students. A major dance show will be produced in Lent term, with further opportunities to showcase work throughout the year. The role also includes choreographing the School musical. We seek a strong dancer and choreographer across major dance disciplines who can inspire and support students.
Facilities include a 300-seat proscenium arch theatre with one of the largest stages in the country, the versatile Williams Studio (seating 180), and two contemporary dance studios. Three full-time technicians support high-quality productions, and visiting practitioners regularly deliver workshops and masterclasses.
Job Purpose
The Dance Graduate Assistant supports the co-curricular and practical work of the Theatre and performing arts programme, including all aspects of dance and theatre. They will also serve as a tutor in one of the School’s boarding houses.
Key Responsibilities
Dance and Performing Arts
Provide administrative support to the Director of Theatre
Assist with movement and choreography for main School productions
Design and deliver the weekly Dance Academy programme (modern, ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre)
Choreograph and produce the whole school dance show and choreograph the School musical
Assist with Front of House, costumes, props and makeup
Support LAMDA and Mountview examinations
Assist with marketing and events for visiting shows
Support GCSE Drama and A Level Theatre Studies practical work
Supervise private study periods and evening rehearsals
Provide cover lessons and assist with lower school performing arts lessons
Support theatre/dance outreach events
Contribute to workshops or talks as part of the scholars’ programme
Tutoring
Weekly one-to-one tutorials
One weekly duty evening in the house
Completion of administrative records
Attendance at house lunches and tutor meetings
At least one tutor trip per term
Support house events and Speech Day
Communication with parents as required
General
Adhere to the staff code of conduct
Meet safeguarding responsibilities
Support marketing and communications when required
Ensure compliance with health and safety protocols
Qualifications & Experience
Honours degree in the performing arts
Successful choreography experience across disciplines
Experience with secondary-aged pupils (desirable)
Understanding of backstage/technical theatre
Good IT skills
Personal Qualities
Strong communication skills
Confident classroom presence
Team-focused, supportive and motivating
Flexible and solution-focused
Positive outlook and sense of humour
Benefits
School holidays (with limited work in key periods; no term-time holiday)
50% contribution to private health scheme
Free Westfield Healthcare
Free Sports Centre membership (£25 joining fee)
Free staff lunches in term-time
School fee discount for staff children
Retail and leisure discounts
Cycle to Work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Occupational Health services
Free flu jabs
“Disability Confident” and “Mindful” employer status
Discounts with local nursery and coffee shop
Complimentary tickets to selected performances
Safeguarding
The post-holder must promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils and report any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Headmaster.
You may have experience in the following: Dance Graduate, Dance Assistant, Dance Graduate Assistant, Dance Teacher, Dance Instructor, Dance Coach, Choreographer, Choreography Assistant, Dance Facilitator, Performing Arts Graduate, Performing Arts Assistant, Performing Arts Coordinator, Performing Arts Technician, Dance Academy Instructor, etc.