Volunteer A new chair to lead implementation of our new three year strategy

What will you be doing?

Blue Apple Theatre is a highly ambitious theatre company that brings all the benefits of taking part in theatre to learning disabled performers and enables them to present high quality productions to the widest possible audience. Our current chair, Professor Edward Rochead, prepares to retire from the board of trustees after three years leading the charity through a period of unprecedented growth in the number of people it works with, its renewal as Company in Residence at the University of Winchester, and consolidating the learning gained during the Covid 19 pandemic from which the organisation has embraced operating virtually for some activities. During the current year, the trustees and staff have worked collaboratively to develop a new, even more ambitious, strategy for the coming years, and we seek a new chair with the skills and experience to lead the board during this exciting new phase and potentially support the organisation as it seeks Arts Council England National Portfolio status.

What are we looking for?

Candidates should have experience of leadership, demonstrable strategic skills, administrative competency, and financial integrity.  Experience of the specific challenges facing the theatre arts sector is desirable.

What difference will you make?

This is a vital role, helping ensure Blue Apple can continue to provide opportunities to people who are often excluded from mainstream activities. It is now well known that loneliness and isolation have serious impacts on mental and physical health, but sadly there are fewer options for people with learning disabilities to overcome isolation. Blue Apple supports intellectually disabled people to join in performing arts skills sessions and public performances. Taking part in such activities is often not open to people with learning disabilities – there are simply not enough options available to them which means they can feel excluded and socially isolated. Blue Apple provides a way for people with learning disabilities to engage in acting, dancing, singing and film, enjoy performing with others, build self-confidence and communication skills and showcase their talents. One of Blue Apple’s objectives is to change wider public perceptions of people about the capabilities of people with learning disabilities. By presenting high quality performances in public spaces Blue Apple aims showcase the abilities of our performers, challenging perceptions and changing expectations.  Blue Apple is committed to the development of integrated and progressive opportunities within the arts for people with learning disabilities to raise the ceiling of expectation and advocate for the development of a more inclusive, accessible and equal society. The increase in confidence gained through stage performances has helped Blue Apple participants to enhance their social, personal and artistic skills and achieve public recognition for their talents.