Organisation Overview

Fifth Word is an award-winning theatre company based in the East Midlands, founded in 2007. We are passionate about discovering, supporting, and producing the most exciting playwrights of today. We work closely with communities that are often overlooked, supporting people to tell their own stories through different art forms.

We produce and tour plays that are powerful, bold, and accessible, connecting particularly with young people (ages 14–25) and under-represented communities across the UK. We aim to shift perspectives, bring people together and inspire a love of theatre.

Our community projects connect closely with our productions and are shaped by the people who take part.  We focus on breaking down barriers, supporting creative ambition, developing new talent and creating space for new voices to be heard.

Previous Productions

Our world premieres include:

• Pop Up Plays: TRANS IT by Tabby Lamb, directed by Bryony Shanahan and LAD by John Booker directed by Daniel Bailey (in collaboration with Derby Theatre/Curve, with support by Fuel)

• LIBERATION SQUARES by Sonali Bhattacharyya, directed by Milli Bhatia (co-produced with Nottingham Playhouse/in association with Brixton House/National Tour 2024)

• WE NEED NEW NAMES adapted by Mufaro Makubika, directed by Monique Touko (co-produced with New Perspectives/in association with Brixton House/National tour 2023)

• LAVA by James Fritz co-directed by Laura Ford & Angharad Jones (co-produced by Nottingham Playhouse 2018; Soho Theatre/National Tour 2022)

• ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS by Jane Upton, directed by Laura Ford (Nottingham Playhouse/Arcola Theatre/ National Tour 2017 – Writers' Guild and OffWestEnd nominee)

• WRECK (2017), AMATEUR GIRL (2014), and BONES (2011/12)

Community & Participation

Over the last six years, we’ve run 12 major participation projects alongside partners including, Nottingham City Libraries, Mansfield Museum and Nottingham Playhouse.

Key recent projects include:

• OUR STORY: Our flagship community engagement programme capturing and preserving the untold experiences of Nottinghamshire's trans and gender diverse community through oral histories, photography, and film, alongside a series of original audio plays (funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund)

• SEE ME: A touring exhibition and podcast series created by young Muslim women in Nottingham, documenting inspiring local figures (funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund).

• YOUR VOICE: A film project with disadvantaged young people in Mansfield, equipping them with creative skills and producing two short films (funded by Arts Council England, Awards for       All, Make Notts Safe Community Chest Fund and Evan Cornish Foundation)

• WE NEED NEW STORIES: A project with young people of African and migrant heritage in Nottingham, gathering oral histories of Zimbabwean migrants, leading to a pop-up exhibition and       podcast series. (funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund)

Writer Development

We’re industry leaders in writer development, launching initiatives like Fifth Word Playwrights group and our previous Most Promising Playwright Award with Nottingham Playhouse. We’ve supported writers like George Devine Award winner Jane Upton and UK Poetry Slam Champion Toby Campion with their first productions.

Role Details 

Fifth Word is looking to appoint three new Trustees to join its Board.

Fifth Word is a newly registered charity with a Board of Trustees who provide strategic oversight, make sure we meet our legal responsibilities, monitor our progress and oversee our finances. Day-to-day leadership and artistic work are led by Laura Ford, Artistic Director & CEO, working alongside a wider staff and freelance team. The Board works closely with the Artistic Director and Executive Producer, bringing their experience and expertise as well as providing constructive challenge and support when needed.

Our Trustees are strong supporters of Fifth Word’s work and our role in the theatre sector. They regularly attend performances and events to support the company and help build relationships with partners and supporters.

Our current trustees are Ellen O’Hara (current Chair), Jo McLeish, and Amanda Wallace.

All Trustees share responsibility for decisions made by the board. Each term lasts three years, with the option to renew for up to nine years total (or longer if the Board agrees).

Please note, this is a volunteer, unpaid role, but we cover reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Trustees can live anywhere, as long as they are legally allowed to be a charity trustee in the UK.

New Trustees will receive an induction and support to help them understand Fifth Word and their responsibilities.

Skills and Experience 

We are looking for trustees who:

• are committed to advancing Fifth Word’s vision and mission, and upholding Fifth Word’s values;

• can think creatively and strategically and work collaboratively as part of a team

• are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion

• are willing to understand and uphold the responsibilities of being a charity trustee

• can commit the necessary time and energy to the role

• have an interest in and enthusiasm for theatre and the arts

We welcome applications from a broad range of candidates. At this point, we are particularly looking for candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Finance and Accounting

• Fundraising, particularly individual philanthropy

• Legal

• HR

• Diversity and inclusion

• Programming and producing

•  Partnership building / working with high-level partners (public or private sector; venues, arts organisations, academic institutions, local authorities, community organisations, other charities)

We welcome expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We actively welcome interest from people who are currently under-represented in the arts and cultural sector.

Attendance: Trustees attend four Board meetings a year. Meetings last two hours and are usually held online, though we aim to meet in person at least once a year if possible. If you can’t attend an in-person meeting, you can always join online. We send out the agenda and reading materials one week before each meeting. 

Time Commitment: Trustees are expected to generally advocate for and champion Fifth Word’s work; and to provide specialist advice and expertise as required and as appropriate on an ad-hoc basis outside of Board meetings. In total, Trustees usually commit the equivalent of 6-7 days per annum to their role.

To apply for or express an interest in this position, please email bicenquiries@weareadvocate.org.uk