Are you passionate about the performing arts and committed to shaping the future of theatre training? The British American Drama Academy (BADA) is seeking to recruit a new Chair and up to three new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the strategic direction, financial sustainability and artistic vision of our internationally acclaimed drama academy.
Our Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance of the Academy. Trustees are also directors of the company. The Board meets four times a year, and Trustees may also serve on committees, including Finance and Operations, Academic and Artistic, and Fundraising. The Chair is supported by a Deputy Chair, appointed by the Board from among the current Trustees. Day-to-day management is delegated to a small executive team, who report to the Board regularly.
While governance is at the heart of the Board’s role, BADA is a small and ambitious organisation with a lean executive and administrative team. This means that, when needed, Trustees have the opportunity to contribute their skills in a hands-on way, working collaboratively with staff to help the Academy thrive. You will be joining an engaged and dynamic Board where your expertise can make a real impact.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those whose perspectives and lived experience are under-represented on our Board and across the theatre and education sectors.
We are looking for a Chair who shares our passion for theatre, theatre education and intercultural learning, and who will lead the Board with clarity, warmth and ambition. You will bring a strong understanding of strategic governance and an inclusive leadership style, welcoming challenge and debate while fostering a collaborative Board culture.
You will work in close partnership with BADA’s executive leadership, offering support, sound advice and constructive challenge, and may be expected to advocate for and represent the Academy with partners, alumni and supporters in the UK, the US and beyond.
We are looking for a Chair with a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities of a charity board, who can provide thought leadership on governance and organisational strategy. Previous experience of chairing a board is strongly desirable. A strong personal commitment to equity, anti-racism, diversity and inclusion is essential.
Vacancies
One
Remuneration
Voluntary and unpaid; reasonable expenses reimbursed
Time Commitment
Four Board meetings a year, plus regular contact with the executive team, committee work and representing BADA at key events. Around 2-3 days per month with more at busy times.
This role is supported by a Deputy Chair role appointed from current Trustees.
Term
Three years, renewable once
Location
London, with annual events in Oxford
Start date
From Spring 2027 with a suitable handover period
Closing date
12 noon (UK time), Friday, 4 December 2026
Joining BADA’s Board presents a unique opportunity to influence the future of theatre education. As a Trustee, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction, financial sustainability and artistic vision of an academy renowned for its commitment to excellence, and in nurturing the next generation of theatre practitioners.
Vacancies
Up to three (3)
Remuneration
Voluntary and unpaid; reasonable expenses reimbursed
Time Commitment
Four Board meetings a year (weekday late afternoons or early evenings), plus preparation, possible committee membership and occasional away days. Around 1-2 days per month.
Term
Three years, renewable once
Location
London, with annual events in Oxford
Start Date
Spring 2027
Closing Date
12 noon (UK time), Friday, 4 December 2026
You can apply in writing or by sending a short video. Please tell us which role you are applying for: Chair, Trustee, or both. If you apply for the Chair role, you are welcome to ask to be considered for a Trustee role as well.
Your application should include:
A written statement (no more than two sides of A4) or a short video (no more than five minutes), telling us why you are interested in joining the BADA Board and how your experience relates to the role, drawing on the relevant role description in this pack.
An up-to-date CV.
A completed equal opportunities monitoring form. This is used for statistical purposes only and is separated from your application on receipt, so it plays no part in the selection process.
Please email your application to BADA’s Executive Assistant, Dawn Brown, at recruitment@bada.org.uk to arrive no later than 12 noon (UK time) on Friday, 4 December 2026.
Closing date for applications
12 noon (UK time), Friday, 4 December 2026
Shortlist notifications
We will aim to notify shortlist by mid-late December
First-round interviews (via Zoom)*
Friday, 15 January 2027
Final interviews (in person, London)*
Monday, 1 February 2027
Appointments confirmed
February 2027
First Board Meeting (in person, London)
Monday, 5 April 2027
* If you are unable to make either of the dates, please let us know in your application.
If there is anything we can do to support your application, or to make the interview process as accessible as possible for you, please let us know.
Please email your application to BADA’s Executive Assistant, Dawn Brown, at recruitment@bada.org.uk to arrive no later than 12 noon (UK time) on Friday, 4 December 2026.
Informal conversations
We would be very happy to talk to you informally before you apply. Please reach out to Dawn Brown, Executive Assistant at BADA, recruitment@bada.org.uk who will put you in touch with one of our Board members.
All appointments are subject to confirmation that candidates are eligible to act as a charity trustee and company director. We will use the information you provide only to manage this recruitment process.
