Welcome to the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company. We’re delighted that you’re part of our group. This handbook provides all the key information you should need about who we are, how we operate, what we expect, and our policies and procedures.
This handbook is for performers and pupils, their parents and/or carers, volunteers, contractors, employees and creatives involved with Co-op Juniors Theatre Productions Ltd and Co-op Dancing Classes Ltd, trading as Co-op Juniors Theatre Academy. For the avoidance of any doubt, both companies are referred to as ‘Co-op Juniors’ throughout this handbook.
We have divided this handbook into 5 sections. Unless specified in the text, the information in each section and the policies are relevant for all those involved with the Co-op Juniors. There is a supplemental appendix to this handbook for employees. Contractors should refer to their contract for details specific to their engagement.
For clarity in this handbook, the roles above are defined thus:
● Performers are any individuals performing in a Co-op Juniors Theatre Company production (of any age). Frequently these references will refer to the parents/carers of performers under the age of 16, as relevant.
● Academy students are any individuals undertaking classes with the Co-op Juniors Theatre Academy
● Volunteers encompasses everyone who helps us on a voluntary basis (including anyone with a designated role)
● Employees are individuals employed by either Co-op Juniors Theatre Productions Limited or Co-op Dancing Classes Limited
● Contractors are paid professionals providing services to either company
● Creatives are members of the production team fulfilling a creative role in a voluntary or paid capacity.
It is expected that all performers (or their parents/carers), parents/carers of Theatre Academy pupils, volunteers, contractors, employees and creatives will ensure they have read and understood this handbook, and agree to abide by the policies and procedures detailed herein, as part of their contract or agreement with the Co-op Juniors.
If you feel you require clarification on anything contained within this Handbook, please ensure you direct your questions to the Chair of Trustees, as soon as possible.
MISSION & OBJECTIVES
The Co-op Juniors Theatre Company provides training for young people in dance, music and drama to develop performance skills and present distinctive productions at top regional venues.
The Co-op Juniors Theatre Academy offers broad-based training in dance & performance and the opportunity to perform in an annual showcase. We plan to extend the range of available options with vocal training and additional half term workshops.
By creating a safe, inclusive environment for training in the performing arts, the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company & Academy aims to be the benchmark for youth training in the arts in Suffolk.
The Co-op Juniors Theatre Hire offers unique production resources at our Warehouse Studios provided by East of England Co-op Society, including costume, props, sound and scenic hire with rehearsal spaces, workshops and storage.
OUR ORGANISATION
We are Co-op Juniors Theatre Productions Limited, a charitable Community Benefit Society, building on our ‘co-operative’ heritage and ethos.1
The society is owned and controlled by its members, who all commit to having an active interest in our operations and development. If you are involved and aged over 16, we invite you to apply to become a member. Applying is simple: complete an application form, which is available from our membership secretary, and if this approved by our board of trustees, you are eligible to vote at the society’s general meetings.
We also have Associate Members, may be invited to attend general meetings but are not eligible to vote. These are anyone involved in our productions but who does not wish to become a member. Those under 16 nominate a parent or legal guardian as an Associate Member on their behalf.
Our board of trustees2 is responsible for the long-term strategic success of the Co-op Juniors, while our Management Committee oversee our operations. Our Artistic Director has day-to-day leadership of the Theatre Company, and our Education Director leads our Theatre Academy.
However, with the breadth of our activities, many others have a leading role in day-to-day operations and head our various departments. This work is overwhelming done by volunteers, whose contribution of time and energy enables the Co-op Juniors success.
1 Co-op Juniors Theatre Productions Ltd it a community benefit society registered with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (30764R) and recognised by HMRC for charitable status (Registration Number: XT21457)
2 The board of trustees, often referred to as either “the board” or “the trustees” are those people appointed as both the directors of the society and trustees of the charity.
WHO’S WHO
The following outlines some of our key people and is accurate as of Sept 2025.
Trustees
| Dan Cocksedge (Chair) | dan.cocksedge@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Georgy Jamieson | |
| Brad Carlin | |
| Lisa Mallitt |
Management Committee
(management@coopjuniors.co.uk)
| Paul Lofts (Treasurer / Chair) | paul.lofts@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Jeannie Ingram | jeannie.ingram@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Dan Sloane | dan.sloane@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Alan Ayres (Technical Director) | alan.ayres@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Chris Willett (Society Secretary) | chris.willett@coopjuniors.co.uk |
Directors
| Theatre Company Artistic Director | Oliver Brett | oliver.brett@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Theatre Academy Principal | Sarah Cutting | sarah.cutting@coopjuniors.co.uk |
Key officers
| Designated Safeguarding Lead | Emily Holt | safeguarding@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Deputy Safeguarding Lead | Jeannie Ingram | safeguarding@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Health and Safety Lead | Alan Ayres | alan.ayres@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Lead Chaperone | Jaime Brooks | jaime.brooks@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Data Protection Lead | Chris Willett | chris.willett@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Theatre Company Membership Secretary | Sarah Cutting | sarah.cutting@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Uniform Shop | Sarah Cutting | sarah.cutting@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Wardrobe Manager | Rachel Harling | costumehire@coopjuniors.co.uk |
| Buildings Manager |
WHO DOES WHAT?
Trustees
The trustees have ultimate responsibility for the society. Their role is strategic, not operational. They support and challenge the management committee, and provide oversight of the company’s development and policies.
Management Committee
The management committee are jointly responsible for the smooth operating of the society and the management of its business and financial activities. The committee supports the Artistic and Education Directors and has responsibility for the society’s strategic direction and policies – including health & safety and safeguarding.
Theatre Academy Principal
The Academy Principal has overall responsibility for the running and future development of the Co-op Juniors Theatre Academy.
While individual tutors run their own classes and should be the first port of call for queries relating to the class, the Principal can assist with any Academy related queries.
Theatre Company Artistic Director
The Artistic Director is responsible for the development and implementation of the Theatre Company’s artistic vision. The Artistic Director also oversees communications and the operation of the Theatre Company.
This involves appointing and supporting the creative team for each production (including directing productions in some instances). While the individual show director should be the first port of call for any queries related to the show, the Artistic Director can also assist.
The Artistic Director coordinates Technique Classes and manages audition workshops.
COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
Throughout the year we provide a lot of information on productions and classes. We use email as our main means of communication and provide a lot of detailed information, including on rehearsals and class times in the Members Area of our website.
All parents have access to this. We set up accounts with the email address you use to enrol, but if there are any difficulties accessing this, you can use the form on our website to request access.
We use text messages for any last-minute notices and phone if ever there is an emergency.
For our communications to work it is vital that all parents, volunteers, creatives and contractors inform us of any changes to their contact details.