NT : Go Backstage : Departmental Glossary : Departments D to G
Departments D to G
Articles published in our programmes, that look at a backstage area in greater length, are published in Departmental Profiles.
Development (fundraising) encourage financial support from the private sector (companies, trusts and individuals) in order to maintain the National's programme of work and help the Theatre undertake major new initiatives. The work is supported by the National's Board and Development Council, which also help to develop fundraising strategy and practice. Development manage a number of sponsorship, membership and grant-receiving programmes. They deliver a wide-ranging benefit programme to acknowledge and thank the National's supporters and run a number of new business initiatives to encourage new support.
The Directors' Office is the base for the Director, Nicholas Hytner; Executive Director, Nick Starr, and Associates of the National Theatre. Decisions on repertoire planning and Company strategy are made from this office. It is the central point of co-ordination for all departments of the National and the main contact for other members of the theatre industry. The producing process is carried out by the Directors' and Planning Offices. Commercial transfers to the West End and America are managed by the Executive Director and Assistant Producer.
NT Associates are Simon Russell Beale, Alison Chitty, Bob Crowley, Declan Donnellan, Jonathan Dove, Edward Hall, Mark Henderson (lighting consultant), Alex Jennings, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Adrian Lester, Phyllida Lloyd, Patrick Marber, Helen Mirren, Katie Mitchell, Michael Morris, Mark Ravenhill and Zoë Wanamaker.
Discover encourages access to the National's main-stage productions and provides an introduction to theatre-making and the theatre profession via a range of participatory schemes.
Designed principally for young people, students and teachers, the year-round programme of teacher training courses, new writing programmes and productions for young audiences encompass a variety of arts disciplines including theatre arts, music and new media.
The department also publishes free background material on productions.
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/discover
Engineering oversee the internal and external maintenance of the fabric of buildings occupied by the National. This includes the operation, care and maintenance of the services (electricity, water, gas, heating, air conditioning, automatic fire detection systems, lighting, drains and sewers and ventilation equipment); the purchase of electricity, gas and other utilities; and the development and maintenance of automated stage machinery. The department liaise with statutory authorities to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, and controls all alterations or additions to the building structure.
The Finance department are responsible for the National's accounting, finance and budgetary arrangements, including the recording and monitoring of income and expenditure, maintenance of adequate financial controls, preparation of budgets, internal and external financial reporting and compliance with tax and other regulations. The work of the department is varied and includes giving professional financial guidance to other departments; processing payments for set and costume components; ensuring actors and management staff are paid; counting cash from the restaurants, bars and bookshops; and producing statutory accounts to be filed with Companies House.
Fire & Security are responsible for all security-related issues for the Theatre, including assets, staff security, access control, lock up, issue of keys, lost property, traffic control, crime investigation, CCTV, security alarms, anti-theft initiatives and police liaison. The Local Authority licenses all shows at the National Theatre and provides a Production Certificate, which covers the use of real flame, smoke machines, pyrotechnics, special effects and the use of weapons on stage. Fire fighters cover every production on stage, providing operational fire fighting support and fire safety requirements, and ensuring entertainment licence requirements are observed. Fire fighters are also the main first aid providers at the Theatre.
The General Manager's Office has overall responsibility for the care and maintenance of the National Theatre building and for the staff working within it. Specific areas of responsibility are Engineering and Theatre Management - which includes Fire and Security, the safety and comfort of the public, and the management of the car park. Health and Safety is a key responsibility, as is the administration of the National's insurance. The General Manager is also responsible for the Studio refurbishment project, which is currently underway.
Graphics design, schedule and arrange printed material for the whole theatre. This includes production-related print such as programmes, posters, leaflets and front-of-house displays; print for fundraising and corporate events, and a variety of other material for departments across the theatre. Graphics also develop NT branding and update the NT website. Everything is designed in-house.