Norwich Playhouse Archivist (Freelance) Contract : 20 days from Oct 2025 – Mar 2026 Fee : £200 per day based on a 7.5-hour day Location : Norwich Playhouse Offices Main objectives of the post The Project Archivist is an exciting opportunity to transform public access to Norwich Playhouse archives and heritage. The role holder will lead in the research, development and safeguarding of the Norwich Playhouse archive, spanning from 1995 to today, leading towards the 35th year anniversary celebrations in 2030. The Norwich Playhouse is a much-loved building, a cultural and social hub in our city, steeped in fond memories, and an early platform for many now nationally renowned comedians, artists and productions. The Norwich Playhouse archive consists of uncatalogued documents on site from its conception, through to today, including original planning documents, marketing materials, reports, correspondence, photographs, old plans of the building and changes throughout the years. We are looking for an archivist to: Archive for posterity – arrangement and description of the existing historical documents. Protect the archive – storage and preservation of the Norwich Playhouse archive, including through the collection of oral histories. Identify the key narratives – capture some core threads throughout the archive that will be of public interest. Make the archives accessible – ensure the archive is accessible for a light touch creative programme of engagement activities, in collaboration with the Creative Engagement team, which shares a selection of the content. This work will create the foundations for an exciting new programme of events, co-created projects, and exhibitions which will bring to life the Norwich Playhouse story onsite and across the city. Outline of key responsibilities • Sorting, cataloguing, and rehousing the archive, leading basic conservation and preservation work when needed. • Advising and supporting in developing and maintaining ‘best practice’ standards in archival care. • Leading ‘re-boxing’ and preparation of material for restorage, including some digitisation. • To develop a basic ‘collections policy’ outlining future collecting and simple archiving procedures for organisational maintenance. • To comply with all legislation including GDPR and IP for this project – liaising with external partners including Norfolk Records Office and Heritage Centre, if needed. • To support the Creative Engagement team in leading the scoping, development and creation of a public memory collection project and contributing to the broader engagement programmes with older adults and young people, including the creation of an activity pack and resource. • To support in developing and delivering activities and workshops – public heritage events aimed at engaging the community in our archives and heritage. • Support in some public participation events. • To create a comprehensive report that lays out the archives content, themes/key narratives, opportunities and advisory next steps. • Protect the existing archive and ensure it is safely stored and preserved. General Responsibilities • Attend key meetings and training sessions when required • Act at all times in accordance with Norwich Theatre’s Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies in addition to all other relevant policies. • To always represent Norwich Theatre positively and act in accordance with all policies and procedures. • To undertake any other associated duties that may reasonably be expected by the Head of Creative Engagement. Please see attcahed documents for the full outline of the role. This is a fixed term freelance opportunity. This role will close for applications on the 13th October 2025 but Norwich Theatre reserves the right to close a vacancy earlier than the stated date.