We now have an exciting opportunity for a freelance artist to work with the Learning department on our Gentleman Jack inspired secondary education project.
We are seeking someone who is creative and has a proven track record of facilitating young people to explore costume design through in-school practical workshops.
Northern Ballet is the UK's foremost narrative ballet company. We tell unexpected stories that move audiences across the country and online. We aim to reach as many different people and places as possible with our passionate storytelling, mastery of classical dance technique and live music. Our Learning Team is committed to creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to join in and learn about dance. We work in schools, theatres and community settings across the UK to bring the joy of ballet to as many people as possible.
In Spring 2026, we are premiering a new full-length ballet for the first time since 2022. Gentleman Jack is a major new ballet based on the life of Anne Lister (1791-1840), the Yorkshire diarist, landowner and businesswoman, who inspired the hugely popular and critically acclaimed BBC/HBO series, Gentleman Jack. Anne Lister, was one of the most interesting women of the 19th century, often referred to as ‘the first modern lesbian’. Presenting the narrative of this fiercely independent woman, who challenged the societal norms and expectations of her era, creates a unique opportunity and is part of the wider vision of our Artistic Director, Federico Bonelli, to broaden the range of stories represented on the classical ballet stage. The production will push artistic boundaries – adapting the traditionally gendered language of classical ballet technique to convey Lister’s story.
The main purpose of the post
Northern Ballet is seeking to appoint a creative, approachable, and highly skilled Freelance Costume Design Facilitator to join the Learning Department for our Gentleman Jack Secondary Education Project. This is a key role in the design, delivery, and evaluation of the project to ensure that our new full-length ballet reaches its organisational mission to engage with young people around the themes of the production.
This role will work closely with the Learning Team to plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging costume design workshops, inspired by the productions’ protagonist, the prolific diarist, Anne Lister. Your workshops should encourage young people to reflect on how societal trends and pressures can impact, and even influence how we choose to dress, then empower them to express their thoughts and feelings about their own identity through the design of their own signature costume.
Other useful information about the role
As this project is inspired by Northern Ballet’s new full-length ballet, Gentleman Jack, we will be inviting all creatives to attend various training opportunities, including:
- at least one training session around language and terminology within the context of this project
- a session to learn more about the life of Anne Lister
- project development sessions with artists from Scottish Ballet, who have done extensive work in schools around themes of self-identity and allyship.
Further project development and planning sessions will be scheduled alongside Northern Ballet and other artists involved in the project, as well as a co-planning session with teachers to highlight and develop curriculum links.
Timeline
- Application deadline: 9am, Monday 14 July
- Interview dates: w/c 21 July
- Initial planning: TBC (August)
- Training session: TBC (Autumn)
- Further planning: TBC (Autumn)
- Delivery & evaluation: Various dates between 7 January – 17 March
- Theatre visit: Thursday 14 March (matinee)
Fees
- Planning/training/evaluation sessions paid a set fee of £50
- Delivery rates at £100 for half days, £165 for full days
- Return travel fare to schools will be reimbursed.
Other useful information
All artists will be required to hold a full enhanced DBS, registered on the update service.
Northern Ballet’s follows strict safe recruitment practices, therefore two references will be required.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter to recruitment@northernballet.com
Application deadline 14 July 2025 at 9am
We also ask applicants to complete our equal opportunities monitoring form.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Northern Ballet strives to understand, respect and champion diversity in all its forms. We believe in embracing diversity within our workforce, repertoire and practices and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Please contact us to talk through any access requirements you may need at any stage of the recruitment process so that we can ensure reasonable adjustments are in place. Adjustments could include providing documentation in alternative formats (large print, braille, or audio), adapting the interview environment, or allowing additional time for responses.
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Header photo taken by Amy Kelly.