The Sir Barry Jackson Trust funds small-scale, touring and educational theatre projects in the West Midlands. Based on money left by Sir Barry Jackson (founder of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre) the Trust now administers three different funds.
Due to Trustee retirement, the Trust is currently undergoing a period of change. We are looking for new Trustees to support this development as part of a process which will include the appointment of a new Chairman and Treasurer.
The aims, purposes and criteria of the three funds are as follows:
The County Fund funds or assists the presentation of high-standard productions of plays which fulfil some or all of the following criteria
- Suitable for urban audiences with little or no previous theatre experience
- Intellectually challenging and artistically inventive
- Touring predominantly or extensively in the metropolitan districts of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton
In addition grants from the County Fund may occasionally be devoted to:
- Developing the abilities and understanding of young people in the art of drama through educational work based in schools and colleges in the above area
- Expanding the awareness and appreciation of live theatre
The Hornton Fund is dedicated to the development of talent in children and young people in the West Midlands, particularly in the arts, and we administer those funds dedicated to theatre. Grants under the Hornton Fund go to projects which are:
- Based in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton
- Particularly but not exclusively concerned with enabling children and young people (25 and under) from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop talents in the theatre crafts (including acting and writing)
The Sir Barry Jackson Trust Fund (“the traditional fund”) is dedicated to the promotion of the art of theatre in the historic counties of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire. In the past this fund has financed:
- Purchases connected with Sir Barry’s memory
- Equipment at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre
- Education work with new writers
- New play commissions
Brief Synopsis of the Trustee Role
- To work with the Board of Trustees to ensure that all applications are managed in line with the above criteria
- To broaden awareness of the charity’s values and priorities; and increase its
visibility across a wider audience - To share expertise and knowledge in developing support available to West Midlands theatre projects
- To honour and maintain the legacy of Sir Barry Jackson in supporting and challenging the work of the Birmingham Rep
Time Commitment
- Attending three Trustee meetings per year, plus additional meetings where required
- Maximum one to two hours per month on routine matters including reading board papers and communications
Please note all Trustee roles within the Trust are voluntary and unpaid.
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please get in touch with Linda Morgan on sbjt@outlook.com with the subject line Trustee Recruitment.