Careers at CFT

Careers at CFT

A workplace that cares, benefits that count, opportunities to grow

Working at CFT means more than just a job. It means becoming part of a creative, supportive, and forward-thinking community that genuinely cares about your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance.

Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT) is one of the UK's flagship producing theatres, renowned for our bold, innovative programming and commitment to artistic excellence. From world-class performances to community engagement and outreach, we are proud to be a place where creativity thrives. 

Now, we invite you to join us - become part of a collaborative, inclusive, and vibrant team that brings extraordinary theatre to life.

Employee benefits at a glance

Health & Wellbeing
  • Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential support for your mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing. 
  • Spectrum Life Access – Holistic wellbeing platform offering resources, counselling, fitness, nutrition and more. 
  • First Aid Mental Health Colleagues – Trained staff members who can provide support. 
  • Wellbeing Sessions – Monthly sessions to promote your wellbeing  including mindfulness, stress management, nutrition and more. 
  • Staff Yoga – On-site classes to help you unwind, stretch, and recharge. 
  • Menopause Policy – A policy which sets out support available during this transition. 
  • A Green Room for staff – weekly fruit boxes, free hot drinks, TV, access to staff intranet and kitchen facilities, (microwaves, ice maker, fridges, freezers), enclosed area with Picnic benches.  It has been known for the ice cream vendors (aka our executive team!) to walk around in particularly hot weather to offer a sweet treat!
Lifestyle & Perks (dependant on contract type)
  • Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money while staying fit and reducing your carbon footprint. 
  • Tech Scheme – Spread the cost of new technology with this salary sacrifice benefit. 
  • Subsidised Gym Membership – Discounted access to Everyone Active Chichester to support your fitness goals. 
  • Theatre Tickets – Complimentary tickets to Previews in the Festival Theatre and Press Night Party tickets 
  • Free Friends membership – Get early access to our Theatre Tickets sales 
  • Birthday Off – Celebrate your special day with a paid day off. 
  • Discounted Marketplace with BenefitHub – 300+ National Discount Providers and 1,000 local deals. 
  • Discounts on Food & Beverage - Through ‘ Caper and Berry’, the onsite catering company, 25% discount during the day at the Theatre Café and 10% at other times.
  • Complimentary Staff Parking – Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  • Enhanced Pension Scheme – CFT contributes 5%, and employees contribute 3%.
Family & Flexibility
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay – We support you through life’s major milestones. 
  • Parental Leave – Generous leave policies to help balance family life. 
  • Holiday Allowance -  20 days allowance and earn extra leave each continuous year of service, up to 25 days per annum, plus bank holidays.
  • Buy up to 3 days  holiday per annum (pro-rata for part time) – depending on your type of contract.
Learning & Development

Whilst we aim for any role to be a learning opportunity, whether you are here as Seasonal Staff, Apprentices, Fixed term or Permanent, we have training opportunities depending on your type of contract:

  • Continuous Learning Opportunities – Access to training, courses, and development sessions to support your career. 
  • Personal Development Plans – Tailored to your goals and ambitions.

What our staff say...

CFT is a very good place to work - made so by the wonderful people that work there

CFT is an amazing workplace and I have never been involved in an organisation like it, so do realise how lucky I am to be here.

It's always very friendly at CFT. My dept works with lots of people throughout the organisation, so we get to know a lot of people. It feels like my second home!!