Pleasance Edinburgh Festival Volunteer Programme 2019 - Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd is a registered Charity in England, Wales and Scotland ...
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Pleasance Edinburgh Festival Volunteer Programme 2019 Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd is a registered Charity in England, Wales and Scotland. Charity Nos 1050944 and SC043237.
“Who you meet, what you learn and what you gain make this one of the most invaluable experiences of your year.” Richard, Venue Manager
Join Us An unforgettable month at the very heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Previous participants have cited the awaits! development of new skills, building confidence in social and diplomatic situations, the The Pleasance Festival Volunteer Programme opportunity to put existing experience into provides a platform for people of all backgrounds practice and creating a professional network and ages to hone their skills in the creative as just some of the benefits of joining. Not to industries through playing an important part in mention having an unforgettable experience in the daily operation of the Pleasance’s 23 Fringe an unparalleled hub of creativity and energy. venues, each at the centre of the largest arts festival in the world. Everyone starts somewhere and there are hundreds of established theatre practitioners As a not-for-profit charity, the Pleasance Theatre throughout the world who would count Trust is recognised as a leading cultivator a challenging, fast-paced month with the of talent on the Fringe, with each festival Pleasance on the Fringe as an important offering an opportunity to nurture the skills of moment in their careers. There are Pleasance those working off the stage, as well as those t-shirts in every corner of the Globe. Many performing on it. volunteers return year-after-year, taking on new roles or bringing their own productions Now in its 35th year on the Fringe, the Pleasance’s to our programme. Many of those working in reputation as the festival’s friendliest and most the industry full time or at the Pleasance itself exciting venue hasn’t come about by accident. started in these roles. Each year we are joined by some 230 volunteers who act in dedicated positions with genuine What follows is an outline of the roles that are responsibilities. Their passion and drive are available in 2019, what to expect and how to what gives the venue it’s unique energy, and get involved. we look to create an environment where every volunteer feels engaged, valued and inspired. We hope you’ll join us. Volunteers join us from Friday 26th July (Thursday 25th for Technical volunteers) to Thursday 29th August. A wide range of opportunities are available; from technical support to guest and industry services or marketing. Our voluntary team includes those of all levels of experience, from individuals with years of industry knowledge to relative newcomers who exhibit the right attitude and want to take part. The Festival Volunteer Programme is about hands on experience and peer to peer learning. Whether you are willing to impart knowledge or are keen to accept it, there is a place for you on our team. Often demanding and always fast-paced, a month on the Fringe can be an eye-opening experience. What you put in we hope you get back.
Pleasance Alumni “Volunteers from the Pleasance have gone on to work in major theatrical institutions throughout the UK and across the globe. These include The National Theatre, The Arts Council, The RSC, Cheek by Jowl, Complicité, Punchdrunk, Kneehigh, Fuel, The Adelaide Fringe, The Melbourne Festival, The Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Oxford Playhouse, The Opera House, The English National Opera, Battersea Arts Centre, The Almeida, Southwark Playhouse, The Royal Albert Hall, The Bridge Theatre, New Diorama Theatre, Festival Republic, The Gate Theatre, Ballet Rambert, The Lyceum, The Playhouse, Chichester Festival Theatre, The Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Soho Theatre, Gecko Theatre Company, The Royal Court, Really Useful Theatres, The Sydney Opera House, Stomp, The Vault Festival, even Marvel Films, The BBC and Netflix. They have gone on to set up technical firms, scenery workshops and audio companies, work in ticketing, marketing, PR and journalism. They produce, direct, act, write and make films…. these volunteers represent a who’s who of our entire industry. … One of those volunteers even became Director of the Pleasance!” Anthony Alderson Director Pleasance Theatre Trust
Overview The Pleasance Festival Volunteer Programme Volunteers work on a daily rota throughout the encompasses a variety of disciplines. Volunteers festival, on a schedule that varies according are dedicated to a specific role for the duration to their role. All departments ensure that of the month, which fall under 4 main teams: adequate breaks are provided for rest and enjoying the festival. Typical shift patterns are Technical discussed in more detail during interview. Venue Managers Prior to opening, all volunteers are involved Venue Crew (Sound / Lighting / Stage) in the Get-In, during which we undertake departmental training, get everyone up to Guest Services speed with what to expect in the coming month and ensure that the site is ready for Box Office performing companies and the public arriving. Front of House Kidzone After the venue closes, the final couple of days are spent assisting the Get-Out, where we Industry Services dismantle and pack up the venue for another year. Arts Industry Reception Press Office Brooke’s Club Hosts Marketing Street Team Media Futures (Content Producer / Videographer / Photographer) All roles have a unique set of responsibilities, which are outlined in the pages that follow, but have in common the stimulating, challenging environment in which they operate. The pace of the Fringe has to be experienced to be properly understood and with the support of the team around them, those who give their all thrive within it. Technical volunteers join us in Edinburgh from Thursday 25th July, followed by all other volunteers on Friday 26th July. All depart on Thursday 29th August. The venue is open to the public from 31st July - 26th August inclusive. 2
What the Programme Offers In addition to what we hope is an invaluable and • Access to training opportunities, information exhilarating experience, all volunteers receive; sessions and networking events to further your career. • A subsistence of no less than £680 as a contribution to your living expenses. This can • The opportunity to include your time with the be paid in two parts (50% in the middle of the Pleasance on your CV and request references. festival, 50% at the end) or in one lump sum at the conclusion of the run. • Exclusive ticket offers and discounts for the Edinburgh Preview Season at Pleasance London • For those who require accommodation, a in June & July. single private bedroom within close proximity to the venue at no cost to yourself. Each room Our aim is to provide volunteers with safe, secure is in a 4 - 6 bedroom apartment that is shared lodgings, the means to enjoy the festival for the exclusively with other Pleasance volunteers. month and the chance to develop their industry knowledge. All you need to do is arrange your • A Pleasance Pass, which gives free access to own travel if you are joining us from outside of any show in the Pleasance programme, as well Edinburgh. as discounts at various restaurants, cafes and bars throughout Edinburgh. A peer and managerial support network is available to all volunteers throughout the • Weekly parties and get-togethers, so that you festival. Dedicated mechanisms to provide can relax, have fun and get to know the great feedback on your experience are available to all team of people around you. volunteers both throughout the festival and at its conclusion.
How to apply To apply, simply complete the online form at: If you have any queries or wish to follow up on your http://bit.ly/PleasanceFestivalVolunteers2019 application at any point, or require the application form in an alternative format, please do not hesitate to We also ask applicants to complete the Equal contact us: Opportunities Monitoring Form at: http://bit.ly/PleasanceEqualOps Email: jobs@pleasance.co.uk Phone: 0207 619 6868 In the application form you will be asked to Address: Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd provide information about yourself, why you wish Carpenters Mews to be considered, what position(s) you wish to be North Road considered for and a copy of your CV. London N7 9EF Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview at one of our Open House Recruitment Sessions in Equal Opportunities: London, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and Dublin. These sessions will include an introductory group The Pleasance Theatre Trust is an equal opportunities presentation and Q&A discussing life on the Fringe, employer and welcomes applications from all sections followed by a short one-to-one interview with each of the community. candidate. Each Open House will be tailored to a specific department, per the schedule on the next page. Where possible, additional interviews will be scheduled with candidates who cannot attend the Open House dates or locations. These will predominantly take place via Skype. If there are positions remaining on the team following each round of Open House Sessions, further interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. As such, there is no set deadline. As we consider applications on a first received, first reviewed basis – we advise all candidates to apply as soon as possible to maximise your chances. We welcome applications from anyone, with any level of experience.
Open House Recruitment Sessions Schedule 2019 Technical Teams Round Department Location Date Round 1 Technical London Monday 15th April Technical Edinburgh Monday 13th May Technical Manchester Wednesday 15th May Technical Leeds Thursday 16th May Technical Dublin Friday 17th May Round 2 Technical London Monday 20th May Technical London Tuesday 21st May Guest Services, Industry Services & Marketing Teams Round Department Location Date Round 1 Guest Services London Wednesday 8th May Guest Services London Thursday 9th May Marketing London Monday 13th May Industry Services London Tuesday 14th May Guest Services Manchester Wednesday 15th May Industry Services Marketing Guest Services Leeds Thursday 16th May Industry Services Marketing Guest Services Edinburgh Monday 20th May Industry Services Edinburgh Tuesday 21st May Marketing Round 2 Guest Services London Monday 10th June Guest Services London Tuesday 11th June Industry Services London Wednesday 12th June Marketing
“A great opportunity to work with new people and develop skills that can be used in pursuing a career in technical theatre.” Stephanie, Venue Crew
Technical Teams Technical teams opperate across 23 performance spaces ranging from 48 to 750 seats in size on two sites, the Courtyard and Dome. Each performance space has a dedicated crew, consisting of a venue manager and a team of between 2 and 7 crew members. Each team are responsible for providing first class support to their venue’s performing companies, ensuring that performances start on time throughout the day and maintaining Pleasance’s reputation for outstanding levels of company care. What you can expect: • To learn about technical theatre alongside a great range of creative and technical talent. • To work closely with performing companies. • To work in close proximity with the same company and team members every day. • To manage quick turn-around times, with as little as 10 minutes between performances. • To be public-facing, assisting with seating audiences and managing them in the venue. • To problem solve, troubleshoot and think on your feet, often with little or no warning. • To work intensively whilst productions find their feet before beginning a rota structure.
Technical Venue Crew Stage • A knowledge and passion for current stage The Venue Crew are the primary point of contact technology and backstage theatre practises. for all performing companies, working as part of a close-knit team to ensure the smooth running of • Proven experience in constructing and building their performance space and dealing with any issues sets, setting up stages and coordinating turnaround that may arise. or fit ups. We look to have a balance of knowledge in sound, • The ability to work under pressure within pressing lighting and stage in each venue. Crew members are time constraints. placed in venues so that their skills suit the needs of the space and so that each of these elements are • Strong communication skills. covered. • Basic skills in carpentry & other scenic construction Our venues range in size and technical complexity. methods are desirable. Training will be provided, however beneficial experience may include: The ideal candidates will have some level of transferable experience in one or more of the areas above, but this is by no means essential. We consider Sound candidates with all levels of knowledge and often • Basic understanding of the principles of live sound, temperament and enthusiasm is as important a including the use of digital and/or analogue sound factor as any. Being self-motivated, patient and a desks. strong team player are essential. • The ability to maintain accurate paperwork. • Basic fault finding and troubleshooting skills. • Attention to detail is paramount in this position. Lighting • The ability to rig and focus generic and intelligent lighting fixtures. • The ability to maintain accurate lighting paperwork. • Basic fault finding and troubleshooting skills. • The ability to program and operate digital lighting consoles. • Attention to detail is paramount in this position.
Technical Venue Manager A Venue Manager is really the front line of technical support and a great deal of responsibility is Working closely with their crew, the Venue Manager entrusted to ensure that Pleasance’s high standards is ultimately responsible for their performance space, are being met at all times. A perfect Venue Manager the daily schedule and resolving the multitude of should be confident, approachable, mature, situations that may arise during the Fringe. equipped with a positive attitude and have a real air of professionalism. As well as maintaining a first class level of technical support, they ensure that excellent relationships are A qualification in First Aid is preferable, but not retained both with the performing companies and essential. within their team. * Technical specs and 360° videos for all venues can Beneficial experience may include be found on the “Spaces” section of the Pleasance website: • Production Management or Stage Management of https://www.pleasance.co.uk/edinburgh-spaces a venue or live performances. • An understanding of current health and safety principles and regulations. • Managing a team in a high-paced, high-pressure environment. • Broad understanding of technical theatre, suited to your performance space. • Resilience, an infectious calm and unrelenting good humour.
“Challenging and engaging in all the right ways.” Thomas, Front of House
Guest Services Teams The Pleasance welcomes over 550,000 audience What you can expect: members every year and our Guest Services teams play a key role in giving them the most memorable • To be part of the festival buzz, interacting with experience possible. As the departments that the hundreds of shows and thousands of people. most frequently interact with the audience, the Box Office and Front of House teams really are • To work closely with the general public. the public face of the Pleasance - greeting guests, connecting them with shows, and answering nearly • To work in a busy, constantly changing environment. any question imaginable. • To interact with everyone from children to late- Working in teams of approximately 40 people, both night revellers. departments operate amidst the buzz of the venue, where they have to keep their wits about them in • To deal with challenging situations every day, such order to support the smooth running of the 200 or as latecomers or sold-out shows. so performances that may be taking place that day. • To play a key part in the timely running of shows The Kidzone team work in our dedicated family area through audience management. with the festival’s smallest and most demanding clientele; toddlers! • To work as part of a close-knit team on a rota that changes every day.
Guest Services Teams Box Office The Box Office Exchequer works as part of the Operator team and has the added responsibility of Positions Available: Box Office Operators undertaking a daily count of all Box Office takings Box Office Exchequer on behalf of the Finance department. This takes Box Office Assistant Managers place every morning and must be 100% accurate without fail, despite the hustle and bustle of the The Box Office is the ticketing nerve centre of our working environment. As such, an eye for detail festival operation. Working across manned counters, and a head for numbers is crucial. Once the count is ticket collection booths, information points and a finished, the Exchequer may be deployed on shift as phone room, Box Office Operators sell tickets for all an Operator. productions in the Pleasance programme - catering to those who know exactly what they want to see, Box Office Assistant Managers undertake Duty and those who are looking for a steer on something Management shifts as part of a small management that might suit their tastes. team at each point of sale, supporting the Operators as well as acting as a principal point of contact for Beneficial experience may include: the general public and any issues that may arise. In addition to the skills noted above, having some form • Customer service in a venue, restaurant, shop or of management experience is preferable for these other public-facing business. roles, as is a working knowledge of a the Fringe or a Box Office operation. • Use of computerised tills, databases or similar systems. • Working with a broad range of the general public. • Staying focussed in a busy, boisterous and high pressure environment.
Guest Services Teams Front of House Positions Available: Front of House Assistants Front of House Assistant Managers Front of House Manager Front of House Assistants are in the thick of the festival action day-in, day-out. They manage incoming audiences, making sure that customers are in the correct queue, for the correct performance, on the correct day and time. Working closely with the venue crew, they are an essential component in the maintaining the performance schedule - ensuring that ticket-holders are ready to enter the performance space as soon as the house is opened. They also operate as a mobile information-booth, answering questions from a range of audiences as well as dealing with the occasional issue that may arise. Beneficial experience may include: • Ushering or people management within a venue or live events environment. • Time management. • Remaining energetic whilst on your feet all day. • Working outdoors, with a resilience to the potential elements of the Scottish “summer”. The Front of House Assistant Managers and Manager take overall responsibility for the smooth running of the on-the-ground operation, working in a hands- on capacity as part of the team, motivating them and taking charge of any issues as required. For these roles, experience of managing a small team in a busy environment and working closely with the general public are ideal. Direct experience of this type of work at the Fringe itself, or in a venue or theatre, is preferred but not essential.
Guest Services Teams Kidzone Beneficial experience may include: Positions Available Kidzone Assistant • Organising or leading activities for children. The Kidzone is our dedicated family area at the heart • Working collaboratively in a small team. of the Courtyard, which offers children a place to play and get creative, whilst parents enjoy a coffee • Understanding the needs of a demanding young and take a load off. The fantastic programme of clientele. practical activities, suitable for all ages, includes award-winning music workshops, story hours, face- • Working with a diverse range of the general public. painting, and a dedicated arts, crafts and play area (with plenty toys!). • Remaining energetic whilst on your feet all day. As a Kidzone Assistant, you are part host, part Front Naturally, a love for children and desire to work with of House and part playtime pro. You oversee the them is essential in this role. play tents, helping the workshop leaders to keep the army of pocket-sized Fringe-goers entertained whilst making sure the area remains presentable at all times.
“The single most wonderful month that allowed me to develop skills in an environment that was supportive and full of great theatre!” Ella, Media Futures
Industry Services Teams Behind the scenes of the public-facing side of our What to expect: festival operation is our Industry Services teams, who provide support to the hundreds of companies • To work closely with performing companies, artists taking part in our programme. They provide a crucial and other professionals, learning about the Fringe link between the shows and the world’s press, media and creative industries. and arts industry, who all descend on Edinburgh in their thousands. By providing additional resources • To work in a highly administrative environment, to companies, we hope not only to support their utilising tools such as shared databases, shows whilst in Edinburgh but also in their future spreadsheets, emails, etc. life beyond the Fringe. Working in small, dedicated teams, the Industry Services departments are • To retain acute attention to detail in an intensive administrative underpinning of the festival and vital fast-paced environment. to the daily operation. • To deliver the high standard of service that is expected from an exacting clientele. • To remain calm, composed and friendly when others are at their most stressed. • To be part of a small team whose mutual support is essential to its success.
Industry Services Arts Industry Reception Beneficial experience may include: Positions Available: Arts Industry Officers • Working within industry professionals. The Arts Industry Reception is the principal point • Working in a highly administrative, fast-paced of contact for all companies and performers in the environment. Pleasance programme. The small team of 8 Arts Industry Officers have numerous responsibilities, • Using databases, spreadsheets and scheduling including issuing company ID passes, processing software. complimentary tickets for both the company and third parties, and setting up ticketing deals for • Time management, prioritising and multitasking. productions. They also act as a liaison between the companies and the Pleasance’s management team, ensuring that all messages are passed on without fail and, when time sensitive, acted on quickly. Superior interpersonal skills enable them to maintain a rapport with a regularly demanding clientele of industry professionals. Whilst managing this busy ongoing workload, they are also a public- facing reception point for the venue as a whole, looking after post and answering any questions that come their way.
Industry Services Press Office Posting the top reviews on press boards throughout the venue and working closely with the Street Positions Available: Press Officers Team and Programmers to ensure reviews for all Pleasance-produced shows are distributed The Press Office act as a facilitator between the 270+ amongst the team in a timely manner. shows in our programme and the world’s media. In a small, busy team of 8, they work closely with 3. Broadcast: Managing a schedule of all press and media representatives for each of the authorised filming, photography and audio performing companies to ensure that productions recordings taking place throughout the venue by gain the best possible exposure. Whilst they provide performing companies or third parties. Liaising support to the department’s operation as a whole, closely with all parties, including venue crews each Press Officer is dedicated to one of three main and the management team, to ensure plans and roles for the duration of the Festival: restrictions are communicated clearly. 1. Ticketing: Acting as a point of contact for Beneficial experience may include: members of the press and visiting companies to answer incoming queries, authorise complimentary • Working with the media, journalists or press ticket requests, process tickets using the Box Office representatives. software and provide information on shows as required. • Working in a highly administrative, fast-paced environment. 2. Cuttings: Reviewing print, online and broadcast press every day in order to create an archive of any • Managing databases and online resources with an coverage for all shows in the programme to be used acute eye for detail. by the performing company and venue. • Problem solving and multitasking.
Industry Services Brooke’s Club Hosts Beneficial experience may include: Situated in the Pleasance Dome, Brooke’s Club is • Working in a club or bar. the Pleasance’s very own private members bar exclusively for performers, company members and • Engaging with industry professionals, with a head press. Open every day through till 5am, it is one of for faces and names. the most sought after night spots of the festival. • Remaining friendly and relaxed, whilst maintaining The space is managed by a team of two hosts, the utmost of professionalism. who oversee it every evening through to close - greeting guests and making them feel welcome. • Working late-nights and managing those that They embody the friendliness and approachability come with the small hours. that the Pleasance is known for and must be highly adaptable to interact with the huge range of people from some 270 shows. Given the nature of the role, being a night owl is a must. Whilst experience working in a bar or club is benefitial, the hosts’ responsabilities focus on building relationships and not pouring drinks, so it is not essential.
“The best 5 weeks of my life.” Alex, Front of House
Marketing Teams At the centre of the Pleasance is a huge programme What to expect: of the most exciting shows on the Fringe – each completely unique, with it’s own audience. • To work creatively, finding new ways to promote shows and cut through the noise of the 3000 other The Marketing Team’s remit is to find that audience, productions at the Fringe. either by direct hand-to-hand promotion or by creating engaging content through film, • To work responsively, always with your finger on photography and social media. the pulse, reacting to sales and demand. Working in small teams and buzzing with creativity, • To seek out and engage directly with new these roles are constantly on the move - providing audiences. support to the programme as a whole as well as the 20-30 shows that the Pleasance directly produces. • To remain energetic, enthusiastic and friendly in the knowledge that you are often ‘the face of the Pleasance’. • To be on your feet, bounding to the next show or story. • To be part of a small team whose mutual support is essential to its success.
Marketing Street Team Beneficial experience may include: Positions Available: Street Team • Marketing and promoting live entertainment. Street Team Coordinator • Speaking with the general public. The Street Team work tirelessly to publicise the productions that the Pleasance are directly • Working independently and remaining enthusiastic producing and are an essential force behind at all times. their ultimate success. Typically working across approximately 20 different shows, each with a • Remaining energetic whilst on your feet all day, different genre and target demographic, they drum come rain or shine. up business through hand-to-hand flyering, poster distribution and interacting with the audience in a The Street Team Coordinator leads by example, personal, welcoming manner. More generally, the flyering alongside the wider team, motivating them Street Team are also responsible for the distribution and ensuring that distribution plans are delivered. of marketing materials and print for all 270 shows Working closely with the Marketing Team, they throughout the venue, ensuring that all displays put into action pre-planned strategies and work are maintained and shows are equally represented responsively according to that day’s ticket sales. throughout the Fringe. They also oversee the site’s marketing displays, ensuring that these are maintained at all time. Strong people skills, boundless energy and a good level of administrative acumen are beneficial.
Marketing Media Futures Each role requires someone who is artistic, ingenious, collaborative, and full of creative passion. They Positions Available: Content Producer should be eager to develop their experience in their Photographer chosen area of expertise and looking for that vital Videographer next step up. The photographer and videographer should ideally have their own equipment. With over half a million people visiting the venue to see some 270+ shows throughout August, Whilst primarily engaged for the festival season in the Pleasance is a hive of creativity, colour and Edinburgh, the Media Futures team may also explore excitement. The Media Futures team capture every the opportunity of creating content from Pleasance moment of it. The team spend the month covering London in June and July during our Edinburgh the Fringe’s best acts, finding creative ways to Preview Season. This is not mandatory and subject engage audiences and support the shows. Each to the chosen candidate’s availability. role has their own unique remit, but band together to produce a compelling stream of content that If shortlisted, the Media Futures team will be asked uniquely represents the dazzling array of shows, to supply supplementary material such as examples styles and stories from within the venue. of their work to support their application prior to interview. Content is used as part of the venue’s marketing as well as retained for archival purposes. Content Producer: The Content Producer will delve into the venue’s programme, cherry picking the day’s most exciting stories, conducting interviews, writing editorial and producing quick- fire video content for use in the venue’s marketing. This includes the Pleasance Times blog and other social media channels. Journalistic experience, knowledge of marketing and an unrelenting energy are essential. Photographer: The Pleasance Photographer is placed right at the centre of the action, spending the month capturing images of life in the venue, and spearheading their very own photographic exhibition; The Edinburgh Picture Show. The will devise, shoot and edit all photographs, regularly delivery images for use in the venue’s marketing campaigns and, if applicable, maintain a physical exhibition space. Videographer: The Pleasance Videographer works as part of the small content team, shooting and editing an array of short form content that may be used in marketing, social media and our online channel, Pleasance TV. This creative self-shooter will have an excellent eye and a proven ability to delivery quick, compelling edits that will capture an audience’s imagination.
“What you learn in a month could take you years elsewhere.” Lauren, Venue Manager All photos part of the Edinburgh Picture Show created by the Media Futures Photographer Photographers: Anna Bruce Heather Pasfield Jassy Earl Neil Hanna Eleanor White
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