About Us
About Seven Dials Playhouse
Mission
Our mission is to be the West End’s creative home for the development of professional theatre and artists. We create opportunities for people to collaborate on bold, creative, high-quality work.
Vision
Our vision is to create a world-leading theatre industry that is understood, needed and valued by the general public.
Seven Dials Playhouse is the West End’s home for the development of professional theatre and artists, presenting a year-round programme of world-class quality theatre as well as an Associated Programme of events which respond directly to the themes of each production.
The organisation is a home for bold, creative high-quality work, with a focus on new writing from artists/creatives who offer fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking.
Seven Dials Playhouse is a rebrand of The Actors Centre, following an extensive overhaul of its programming structure and business model. Opening up the organisation to appeal to the entire creative industry will mark the theatre as a truly inclusive and open organisation. Seven Dials Playhouse is a relevant, dynamic and exciting organisation that responds to what the industry needs today.
Our Artistic Policy
Seven Dials Playhouse is a home for bold, creative, high-quality work.
We are looking for work that has something to say about the world we are living in and challenges convention. With a particular focus on new writing, we programme work by artists/creatives who offer new perspectives and new ways of thinking.
We programme work that is bold in terms of its content and structure; unafraid to challenge theatrical traditions and form. We want to see work on our stage that says things differently and asks big questions. Whilst we are interested in work that reflects or rejects a particular socio-cultural, -political or -economic moment, we are also keen to programme work that offers moments of enlightenment, joy and escape.
Our programming policy is non-prescriptive in terms of the career level of artists we work alongside, therefore industry standard definitions of ‘emerging versus established’ are not central to our programming model, as these measures of success are self-defined. Seven Dials Playhouse is, however, an unsubsidised registered charity so while your script will be read on the merit of its writing, it will also be considered in terms of production values, commerciality and viability.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do and we are committed to supporting artists/creatives to stage their work in the West End whilst providing a crucial stepping stone into the industry. All visiting companies receive rehearsal space in-kind as well as access to a production office during rehearsals and the production’s run. Visiting companies also receive in-house dramaturgical, production, marketing and PR support.
Diversity, inclusivity and accessibility are central to our programme at Seven Dials Playhouse. Our programming model is artist/creative-led but it is important that every audience member has the opportunity to see themselves represented on our stage. We are particularly interested in work that sits outside of the received theatrical canon; seeking work that pushes the boundaries and disciplines of the artists/creatives who make it, whilst challenging and invigorating the audiences who experience it.
Details on how to submit your script for 2024 will be announced soon along with submission window deadlines.
Senior Management
Chief Executive & Artistic Director
Amanda Davey (she/her) amanda@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
Programme Director
Katie Pesskin (she/her) katie@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
Programme
Programme Coordinator
Jessica Monaghan (she/her) jess@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
Duty Managers
Allison Heinz (she/her) dutymanager@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
Corinna Herriot (she/her) dutymanager@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk
Front of House Assistants
Amelia Crabtree (she/they)
Luanda Yasmin (they/them)
Olivia Donati Clarke (she/her)
Sarah Carvalho (they/them)
Charlotte Pine (she/her)
Izzy McCole (she/her)
James Allen (he/him)
Harvey Metcalfe (he/him)
Amy Rushent (they/them)
Elihu Ngbodi (he/him)
Tobias Engelbrektsson (he/him)
Florian Saturley (he/him)
Board
Andrew Subramaniam (Acting Chair)
Stuart Boxall
Faye Castelow
Reece McMahon
Irfan Mughal
Ian Nicol
Jamie Wilkes
Marketing and Communications Manager
Salary Band:
£35,000 per year (depending on experience)
Contract:
Full-time, permanent
Hours:
40 hours per week (evening and weekend work will be required)
Reports to:
Chief Executive
You will be an experienced Manager who will lead the marketing, communications, press and brand activities at Seven Dials Playhouse and oversee the development and implementation of marketing and communications, and audience development strategies across the organisation/charity.
The successful candidate will develop and execute production marketing campaigns, lead on social media strategies, audience development and press engagement, and act as the organisational lead for strategic brand partnerships both for programmed productions and the organisation more broadly.
This role also sits on the Senior Management Team (SMT), working alongside the Chief Executive, Programme Director, and General Manager.
How to Apply
Please download the pack below which contains the job description and person specification for the role of Marketing and Communications Manager at Seven Dials Playhouse. To apply for the post please provide a CV (no more than two sides of A4), a cover letter explaining why you want the role, and what skills you possess to be able to complete the role (no more than two sides of A4).
We are an equal opportunities company so please also anonymously complete our Equal Opportunities monitoring form here.
Deadline for applicants – 10am, Monday 24th of February 2025.
Interviews, in person – week beginning the 10th of March 2025 (exact dates and times tbc). If you are unable to attend an interview during this week, please note this within your application.
To apply please submit your completed documents to Amanda Davey, Chief Executive on amanda@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk in advance of the deadline.
General Manager
Salary Band:
£35,000 per year (depending on experience).
Contract:
Full time, Permanent.
Hours:
40 hours per week (evening and weekend work will be required).
Reports to:
Chief Executive.
We are seeking a General Manager who is organised, efficient, proactive, and empathetic to oversee the smooth running of Seven Dials Playhouse. You will assist the Chief Executive in managing daily operations, providing support on organisational finance, HR, administration, governance, and reporting. The General Manager plays a key role in anchoring the team, supporting successful planning, and the delivery of the organisation’s mission and vision.
This role also sits as part of the Senior Management Team (SMT), working alongside the Chief Executive, Programme Director, and the Marketing and Communications Manager.
How to Apply
Please download the pack below which contains the job description and person specification for the role of General Manager at Seven Dials Playhouse. To apply for the post please provide a CV (no more than two sides of A4), a cover letter explaining why you want the role, and what skills you possess to be able to complete the role (no more than two sides of A4).
We are an equal opportunities company so please also anonymously complete our Equal Opportunities monitoring form here.
Deadline for applicants – 10am, Monday the 24th of February 2025.
Interviews, in person – week beginning the 10th of March 2025 (exact dates and times tbc). If you are unable to attend an interview during this week, please note this within your application.
To apply please submit your completed documents to Amanda Davey, Chief Executive on amanda@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk in advance of the deadline.
We are always interested to hear from established or newly emerging theatre companies and artists who are looking for studio spaces whether it's for auditions, R&D, rehearsals, workshops or private events.
Our West End location makes it the ideal space for different needs and, when not in use for the Associated Programme, the studios at Seven Dials Playhouse are available to book between 10am and 11pm, Monday to Saturday.
Hourly rates are available for creative freelancers. For corporate bookings, workshops or longer rehearsal periods, a bespoke package will be created. We can offer other services, such as catering and drinks, depending on your requirements. Please contact hires@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk to find out more.
STUDIO 1
Dimensions: 30ft x 16ft
Area: 480 sq ft
Capacity: 40 seated, 50 standing
Studio 1 is our largest rehearsal space and can accommodate a number of space set ups. With a mirrored wall, semi-sprung floors and sound system, this space is particularly suitable for dance and musical theatre rehearsals and workshops.
It can also be used for sharings, auditions, meetings and small conferences and private events, amongst others.
STUDIO 2
Dimensions: 21 ft x 20 ft
Area: 420 sq ft
Capacity: 20 seated, 30 standing
Studio 2 benefits from vinyl flooring and acoustic wall panelling and is the perfect space for rehearsals, R&D sessions, readings, auditions and meetings.
Please note we are unable to accommodate singing and music in this studio.
VOCAL STUDIO
Dimensions: 10ft x 15ft
Area: 150 sq ft
Capacity: 10 seated, 15 standing
The vocal studio is our most intimate space and is popular for singing, small auditions, one to ones, and meetings. This space has a mirrored wall with black curtain and wooden floors.
STUDIO THEATRE
Dimensions: 29ft x 22ft
Area: 638 sq ft
Capacity: 50 seated, 60 standing
Our Studio Theatre is a black box space, perfectly adaptable to different needs, from sharings and performances, to workshops, parties, and training.
This space has a small lighting rig, sound system and removable seating that can be set in your chosen layout, from cabaret to end on to in the round. The Studio Theatre also has its own dedicated dressing room attached to the space.
MAIN THEATRE
Dimensions: vary depending on layout
Area: 248 - 413 sq ft
Capacity: 58 - 96
The black box nature of Seven Dials Playhouse’s Main Theatre means it has the flexibility to transform into a variety of layouts, for theatrical performances, comedy nights, showcases, film screenings, masterclasses and seminars. The Main Theatre is suitable for shows/showcases, film screenings, masterclasses and seminars and is available for private hire during dark periods.
This space comes with a fully equipped tech box with a lighting rig and mixer desk and a projector and screen are pre-set into the rig. Backstage there are laundry facilities and private dressing rooms, each containing vanity mirrors, make-up counters and chairs.
Seven Dials Playhouse benefits from many accessible features including accessible toilet, a lift to all floors and ramps to the bar and Studio Theatre. Our spaces have accessible, flat entrances but our Main Theatre has a small ridge leading into the backstage area.
All spaces have an HVAC air system with adjustable heating and cooling, and tables, chairs and sofas can be provided free of charge. We also have a range of equipment available for hire for a small charge, including pianos, projector and screen, music stands and Sony cameras. Please email hires@sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk to enquire.
When hiring a space from us, you will have access to our beautiful bar area, which makes a great break-out space or somewhere to sit and eat lunch or get some work done. Free wi-fi is available throughout the building.
We look forward to welcoming you to Seven Dials Playhouse!
Feedback from previous visiting companies:
"It was perfect for us, and thanks for all your team's help with organising!"
Donmar Warehouse
"It was a great space and you were all so accommodating! We’ll keep you in mind for the future."
Sonia Friedman Productions
"We are so grateful for your hospitality, support, and patience (where needed) throughout the process. You were all more than welcoming and lovely and it was much appreciated by everyone." East 15
"It was perfect. Thanks to your wonderful team for everything. We will absolutely back. The venue is lovely, really love it." "It was the perfect space for us to rehearse.
Northern Ireland Screen
"Every one of the staff members we met at Seven Dials Playhouse was incredibly helpful, and welcoming – we really appreciated all of the their work."
The Drive Project
"Seven Dials Playhouse hosted our consultancy for a 2-day leadership team meeting which required a central London location and facilities to cater for in-person and virtual attendance in a private setting. From the well-equipped room, quality catering and relaxed ambience of the public spaces, all our needs were met. Special mention goes to the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. Highly recommended."
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