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Access and Wellbeing Drama Assistant
Organisation: Platform Theatre Arts
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Contract Type: Freelance, Fixed Term
Hours: 2.5 hours per weekly session (Tuesday evenings)
Plus occasional additional rehearsals and performances at weekends.
Reporting to: Directors
We are looking for an Access and Wellbeing Drama Assistant who will support the delivery of inclusive youth theatre sessions by ensuring that all young people feel safe, supported, and able to fully participate. The role focuses on providing pastoral support, assisting young people with additional needs, and helping to create a positive and accessible learning environment.
Working closely with the lead facilitators, the Assistant will help remove barriers to participation for young people experiencing anxiety, neurodiversity, or other access needs, ensuring sessions remain welcoming, inclusive, and responsive to individual wellbeing needs.
Fee and Dates
Weekly sessions: £35 per hour x 2.5 hours sessions x 32 weeks = £2,800
Weekend rehearsals and performances: £180 per day x up to 6 days = £1,080
Meeting and planning time: £16 per hour up to 12 hours = £192
Total fee: £4,072
Start date: 6th October 2026
Delivery:
Term 1 | 6 Oct - 15 Dec 2026
Term 2 | 5 Jan - 23 Mar 2027
Term 3 | 13 Apr - 6 July 2027
Final Evaluation: July-Aug 2027
Performance dates: 26th and 27th June
Sessions run every Tuesday 5:30-8pm at Kings Road URC, Westcliff
Key Responsibilities
Participant Support
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Provide pastoral and emotional support to young people during sessions and inform Platform Theatre Arts of any potential concerns.
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Support the facilitating team and provide one-to-one support to participants with additional needs, including neurodivergence, anxiety, or long-term health conditions.
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Help young people feel comfortable participating in group activities and creative exercises.
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Offer one-to-one support when needed to help participants regulate emotions or re-engage with sessions.
Inclusion and Accessibility
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Help create an inclusive and welcoming environment where all young people feel valued and respected.
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Assist facilitators in adapting activities to ensure accessibility for participants with varying needs.
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Support clear communication and understanding during workshops and rehearsals.
Wellbeing and Safeguarding
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Support the implementation of safeguarding and wellbeing practices during sessions.
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Recognise when young people may need additional support and communicate this with the lead facilitator or director.
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Help maintain a safe and supportive group environment.
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Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and risk assessments, maintaining a secure working environment for all participants.
Programme Support
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Liaise and collaborate with other members of the Creative Team, as appropriate, during project planning and delivery.
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Assist with practical session delivery, warm-ups, and creative activities.
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Support participants during rehearsals and performances.
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Contribute to feedback and evaluation activities where appropriate.
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Deputise for the Lead Facilitators and provide cover in their absence where appropriate.
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Attend meetings as required with Platform Theatre Arts and project partners to ensure smooth communication and coordination.
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Assist in the logistical and administrative aspects of workshop delivery, including setting up materials, managing participant engagement, and troubleshooting technical aspects of the project.
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Engage fully in the evaluation process by collecting feedback, reflecting on session outcomes, and contributing to project reports.
Person Specification
Essential
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Experience of facilitating or assisting drama workshops for young people.
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Experience of working with young people aged 13–19 in a youth, education or community setting.
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Experience of working with young people with SEND and/or additional needs.
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Understanding of inclusive practice and how to support individual access needs.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with young people.
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Calm, patient, supportive and approachable manner.
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Commitment to safeguarding and creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel valued and able to participate.
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Ability to work collaboratively as part of a creative team.
Desirable
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Experience of working within a youth theatre or performing arts setting.
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Experience of working with young carers, home-educated young people or other groups facing barriers to participation.
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Experience of supporting young people with their wellbeing or mental health.
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First Aid or Mental Health First Aid training.
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Current Enhanced DBS check.
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Up-to-date safeguarding and child protection training.
Safeguarding
Platform Theatre Arts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to hold or obtain an enhanced DBS check and follow all safeguarding policies and procedures.
How to Apply
We welcome & encourage applications from people under represented within our industry.
To apply send a covering letter (max 500 words) or video (max 2 mins) plus CV & contact details of two referees to platformtheatrearts@gmail.com
Closing date to apply: Fri 25 Sept at 5pm (please let us know if there are any times you will not be available.)
If you require any further information, have specific access needs or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Michelle at platformtheatrearts@gmail.com.
Contact name
Michelle Barrington
Contact Email