Wycombe Abbey - Performing Arts Specialist

Performing Arts Specialist
At the UKLC and Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme, we provide residential and homestay English language and activity programmes for international students aged 11-17 years. Our aims are simple: to Educate, Inspire and Enrich future generations.
We are passionate about providing life-changing experiences for young international learners. As a Performing Arts Specialist, you will lead the planning and delivery of an exciting and inclusive drama programme. Through engaging lessons and dynamic performances, you will help students gain confidence, build skills, and create lasting memories.

Please note that the specialist position can be combined with the EFL or Activity Leader role. If you are interested in working as an Electives Specialist and an EFL Teacher or Activity Leader, please email for more information.

Contract Type: Fixed Term
Reporting to: Excursion and Activity Manager.
Opportunity for Progression: Activity Coordinator or Excursion and Activity Manager.
Pre-Summer Preparation

• Attend the pre-summer online training.
• Attend the company and activity team inductions.

Performing Arts Programme Delivery

• Plan and deliver an engaging performing arts programme ensuring that the students are involved and enthusiastic.
• Ensure all activities are safe and inclusive, fostering an environment of enthusiasm and creativity.
• Collaborate with the Excursion and Activity Manager and Activity Coordinator to align the programme with the overall activity schedule.
• Maintain and manage the equipment and materials, ensuring everything is prepared before and returned after each session.
• Prepare students for the final showcase, ensuring the performance highlights their talents and celebrates their progress.

Teamwork and Communication

• Maintain the good name and reputation of UKLC and the Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme at all times.
• Provide regular updates to the Excursion and Activity Manager and Activity Coordinator on session plans and outcomes.
• Collaborate with other specialists and team members to ensure the smooth running of the programme.
• Work with the team and group leaders if applicable to maintain team and student discipline.

Feedback and Administration

• Feedback regularly to the Activity Coordinator and Excursion and Activity Manager.
• Read, understand and sign off to all risk assessments for the programme.
• Deal quickly and effectively with student and group leader queries regarding the programme.
• Regularly help to update information regarding the programme on the noticeboard.
• Maintain accurate records of activities, including attendance and feedback forms. Provide constructive feedback on the programme to inform future improvements.
• Complete end-of-contract feedback to support programme development.

Safeguarding and Professionalism

• UKLC and the Wycombe Abbey team are committed to implementing our Safeguarding policies and procedures. All successful candidates will need to complete Prevent and Safeguarding e-learning.
• Read and adhere to the Operating and Safeguarding Handbook, Activity Handbook and maintaining good standards of Health and Safety at all times.
• Dress appropriately at all times.
• Maintain an entirely professional manner at all times and in all dealings with students.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of students at all times.
• Adhere to health and safety standards and ensure all activities comply with risk assessments.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions with students and the team, upholding the reputation of UKLC and the Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme.

Working Hours

• You will deliver eight sessions of Leadership & Sustainability per term (2 weeks) for a total of 18 hours per fortnight. Each session will run from 2pm until 4.15pm and will include one 15-minute unpaid break. Teaching may take place at weekends.

Salary and Benefits

• All salaries are paid monthly in arrears.
• Holiday pay added to final pay packet.
• Hourly salary of £18 (£20.12 including holiday pay)
• This is a non-residential position.

Session Breakdown

• 2:00pm - 4:15pm (including one 15-minute unpaid break)

Person Specification
Essential
o Desirable
Experience
Experience of teaching and working with young people.
Experience teaching drama, Musical Theatre and performance.
o Experience of working in a summer school.
Qualifications
Recognised drama/Musical Theatre qualification preferably with pedagogical teaching focused module/s.
o Undergraduate degree or equivalent in drama, Musical Theatre or currently working towards one.
o Relevant First Aid qualification.
Skills and Knowledge
Committed to ensuring the safety of students.
Knowledge of different genres of drama particularly classic and contemporary shows.
Basic knowledge of music, singing and choreographing/staging.
Personal Qualities
Adaptability and flexibility.
Boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Excellent communication and motivational skills.
Willingness to learn and adopt new teaching methods.
Legal Requirements
Full right to work in the UK.
Safer Recruitment Checks
Minimum of 2 reference checks.
Enhanced DBS Check.
Overseas Police Check (if applicable).
Sample Rota: Performing Arts Specialist
As a Performing Arts specialist, you will work eight sessions per fortnight. A session is defined as approximately two hours in the afternoon. Find below a session plan overview:
DATE Session Specifics DAY 1 Getting to know you Dance Studio Start with 15 minutes of games to break the ice and get to know each other (name games, throw the action activity, name in circles) 20 minutes of movement and space awareness (walking around the room, divide into pairs and make one the 'commander' and the other follows and then swap the roles) 10 minutes of vocal quality work (dynamics, intonation and how it changes the meaning) 15 minute break 30 minutes - scenarios to be given to students to create improv scenes (it can be a full scenario or just a key point where/when/why ) 30 minutes of work on a specific text (it would be smart to check if they can handle Shakespeare to arrange then on day 2) DAY 2 Vocal and Movement Assessment Dance Studio Start with a 20 minute physical warm up (two hands on barre exercises, whatever is comfortable for the teacher) 5 minute break 25 minutes of vocal warm-ups (lip thrills, occluded sound sirens, if material needed ask Office) 10 minute break 30 minutes - work on an easy and short song to check pitch, harmony skills and vocal ability (material available if needed) 30 minutes of work on a specific text (continue working on the scene from Day 1 or adjust depending on level and number of students - Office can support with material) DAY 3 Focus on performance Dance Studio 20 minutes - Physical and vocal warm up exercises (it would be smart to repeat some exercises from the past lessons to assess growth and understanding) 5 minute break 40 minutes of work on a musical choral number, a contemporary drama or they can workshop and write a new play (this will vary depending on the number of students, gender, and capabilities) 10 minute break 45 minutes - work on the scene for the final showcase (fix roles, help memorization, start staging and discuss costumes and props)
The final showcase of the pieces prepared during the two weeks will be during the Talent Show.
You will also need to attend in-person company and role specific induction prior to starting your contract. Specific dates and times will be set closer to the time. Induction is paid and will start a few days before the official centre opening dates.