Why work with us?

A career with Orchard Theatres is never dull, often challenging but at the same time fun and rewarding.

• Our business model is unique and our specialisms are broad.  You will learn and grow with us. 
• Our teams are super people to work with – we know because they regularly tell us!
• We expect staff to express their views, to listen to ours and to be part of decision-making processes.
• We’re proactively committed to diversity and equal opportunity for all.
• We’re very supportive of our staff achieving a happy work-life balance.
• Our vision is quite simply to be the UK’s premier provider of live entertainment and hospitality and we know that our people are our most important asset.

Students

Working with the Orchard Theatre is popular with students as we offer a range of casual opportunities within hospitality, technical and marketing that can work around your studies.

Types of Roles

Hospitality

Providing an innovative dining, drinking and conference facilities with theatrical flair requires a range of talented chefs and friendly servers over a range of levels and employment types.  

Ticket Office

The approachable Ticket Office team provide excellent customer service while proactively selling tickets in this customer-facing role offering fun and flexibility.

 

Technical

Often the hidden function of a theatre, these heroes make the show happen from assisting with the ‘get-in’ to managing the sound and lighting. 

 

Marketing

The marketing and promotions teams ensure our customers know about the broad-range of incredible events within the venue in this busy but exciting department.

 

Administration and Management

Off the stage a gifted group of administrators, finance and management teams ensure the venues run smoothly. 

Current Jobs

Commis Chef 

The Commis Chef will provide support to the Head Chef and team in the general running of the kitchen at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford. Service from the kitchen includes (but is not limited to) a 60 cover Restaurant, hot bar snacks, sandwiches, buffets, 250+ cover events and private functions

Our ideal candidate: As part of the kitchen team you will be working to maintain high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene whilst assisting with the preparation of food.

For an informal discussion contact: Stuart Collyer, Head Chef scollyer@orchardtheatre.co.uk
Closing date: 24th November 2019
How to apply: Send your application form and a covering letter to stagedoor@orchardtheatre.co.uk. Tell us why you think you are suited to this role, why it interests you and how we’ll benefit from having you on board!

Job Description 
APPLICATION FORM  

Kitchen Assistant 

If you would like to send in a CV speculatively please email admin@orchardtheatre.co.uk. 

Do you love theatre and the arts?

Have you ever considered Volunteering?

There are lots of reasons why people volunteer. It may be that you want to make use of your skills (or learn new ones). Perhaps you would like to broaden your work experience, give something back to your community...or perhaps you simply want to meet people and make new friends. Whatever the reasons, volunteering with the Orchard Theatre is a really rewarding experience!

As a Orchard Theatre Volunteer Usher you’ll be the face of the theatre, meeting and greeting our guests and ensuring that they have a fantastic experience when they visit us. We’ll train, guide and support you so that you can volunteer for us with knowledge and confidence. We know that everyone has commitments in their lives, so we’re flexible about when you volunteer. 

Volunteering with the Orchard Theatre is an opportunity to taste, first hand, life in a theatre environment. If you have time to spare and would like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply via email

Meet the team

We’re committed to training and developing our staff, preparing them for their next step in whichever direction that might be. Here’s the proof.

 

With a passion for theatre but limited knowledge and skills in the industry, Thomas started his journey at The Orchard Theatre as a Technical Apprentice in 2014.  After successfully completing a ‘Theatre Sound, Lights and Stage’ Level 3 NVQ he was employed as a full time member of staff within the Technical Department. Tom has gone on to design lighting for shows both at the Orchard and other theatres, as well as explore and develop the skills necessary to build a career in the industry.

Thomas says “The theatre has taught me many valuable skills that I will continue to develop as my career grows.  It’s a great feeling going from an apprentice to someone who has a lot of responsibility within the theatre.  It really is a family unit here and feels like home.”
 

Jess started her journey at The Orchard Theatre in 2014 after finishing her A Levels where she undertook an apprenticeship for a Level 2 NVQ in ‘Marketing’, as well as doing casual shifts in Ticket Office and on Stagedoor. Jess loved her time at The Orchard Theatre so much so that she stayed on to do her Level 3 NVQ too. After completing her level 3 NVQ she was offered the role of Marketing Assistant where she took on more responsibility in the team, handling larger marketing campaigns and more involved in social media. A year later she was promoted to Marketing Officer and now leads on Groups Marketing, Business Club and the Gift Vouchers seasonal campaign.

Jess says ‘The Orchard Theatre is a great place to work, I have made so many friends and love my job. I am also on the Social Committee where we organise fun nights out for the staff such as bowling, quiz nights and the annual summer party! I have been given the best opportunities and am so thankful.’

Kay Hadley

Kay started her theatre career in 2005 when she began as a Ticket Office Assistant at The Orchard Theatre. During the past 11 years she built relationships with customers and learnt every aspect of the theatre’s Ticketing System. Kay later went on to become the Groups’ Co-ordinator and built the Groups’ Club which now enjoys over 2000 members. She is now the Senior Marketing Officer and has a passion for theatre and communicating to the public about The Orchard Theatre’s programme of shows.

Kay says, “I love working at The Orchard Theatre. I’ve been here for many years now and have enjoyed every opportunity I’ve been given. The whole team is like a second family.
I’ve learnt so much about the world of theatre and no two days are ever the same!”

 

Matt Holt

Matt started at The Orchard Theatre in 2013 as a Casual Ticket Office Assistant. He later became a permanent member of the Ticket Office Team. Matt then became the Groups And Development Officer, before combinding the roll with Assistant Ticket Office Manager. Matt is now the Ticket Office Manager and also works as a Duty Manager at show times, working closely with colleagues from every department, front of house and backstage. 

Matt says, “I didn’t have any experience of working in theatre when I started at The Orchard, but I’ve come to love the atmosphere and the team and meeting so many new people. I’m so lucky to have a job that I genuinely enjoy and that gives me a sense of pride.”

 

Jayne Wellbrook

Jayne began working at The Orchard Theatre as a Casual Ticket Office Assistant, while also working part time for a well-known supermarket. She later became a full-time employee and is dedicated to creating a fantastic customer experience from first phone call to show time. Jayne also became an Orchard Ambassador and encourages the local community to come to the theatre. Working at The Orchard Theatre has also offered Jayne the opportunity to host a charity ball in the main auditorium and she is excited by the new challenge of producing an event.

Jayne says, “My favourite part of the job is meeting and talking to customers, helping them to plan their visits. I enjoy working at the Orchard so much, I jumped at the chance to become an Ambassador. I get to attend press launches and meet cast members. I love spreading the word about what a fantastic place this is.”