Pleasance Edinburgh Festival Volunteer Programme 2020 - Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd is a registered Charity in England, Wales and Scotland ...
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Pleasance Edinburgh Festival Volunteer Programme 2020 Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd is a registered Charity in England, Wales and Scotland. Charity Nos 1050944 and SC043237.
“A month which will shape my technical career for the foreseeable future.” Adam, Venue Crew
Join Us
An unforgettable month at the very Often demanding and always fast-paced, a
heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe month on the Fringe can be an eye-opening
awaits! experience. What you put in we hope you get
back.
The Pleasance Festival Volunteer Programme
provides a platform for people of all backgrounds Previous participants have cited the
and ages to hone their skills in the creative development of new skills, building confidence
industries through playing an important part in in social and diplomatic situations, the
the daily operation of the Pleasance’s 23 Fringe opportunity to put existing experience into
venues, each at the centre of the largest arts practice and creating a professional network
festival in the world. as just some of the benefits of joining. Not to
mention having an unforgettable experience in
As an educational charity, the Pleasance an unparalleled hub of creativity and energy.
Theatre Trust is recognised as a leading
cultivator of talent on the Fringe, with each Everyone starts somewhere and there are
festival offering an opportunity to nurture the hundreds of established theatre practitioners
skills of those working off the stage, as well as throughout the world who would count
those performing on it. The Pleasance is fiercely a challenging, fast-paced month with the
committed to developing opportunities to Pleasance on the Fringe as an important
grow careers. moment in their careers. There are Pleasance
t-shirts in every corner of the Globe. Many
Now in its 36th year on the Fringe, the volunteers return year-after-year, taking on
Pleasance’s reputation as the festival’s new roles or bringing their own productions
friendliest and most exciting venue hasn’t to our programme. Many of those working in
come about by accident. We are joined by some the industry full time or at the Pleasance itself
180 volunteers who act in dedicated positions started in these roles.
with genuine responsibilities, supported by a
team of experienced industry professionals. What follows is an outline of the roles that are
Their passion and drive are what gives the available in 2020, what to expect and how to
venue it’s unique energy, and we look to create get involved.
an environment where every volunteer feels
engaged, valued and inspired. We hope you’ll join us.
Volunteers join us from Friday 31st July
(Thursday 30th for Technical volunteers) to
Thursday 3rd September.
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, who
exhibit the right attitude and drive 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.
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 festival, on a schedule that varies according to
encompasses a variety of disciplines. Volunteers their role. All departments ensure that adequate
are dedicated to a specific role for the duration breaks are provided for rest and enjoying the
of the month, which fall under 4 main teams: festival, including three full days off during the
programme. Typical shift patterns are discussed
Technical in more detail during interview.
Venue Crew Prior to opening, all volunteers are involved
(Team Leader / 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
After the venue closes, the final couple of days
Industry Services are spent assisting the Get-Out, where we
dismantle and pack up the venue for another
Arts Industry Reception year.
Press Office
Brooke’s Club Hosts
Marketing
Street Team
Content Team (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 30th July, followed by all other
volunteers on Friday 31st July. All depart on
Thursday 3rd September. The venue is open to
the public from 5th - 31st August inclusive.
Volunteers work on a daily rota throughout the
2
What the
Programme
Offers
In addition to what we hope is an invaluable and
exhilarating experience, all volunteers receive; • Access to training opportunities, information
sessions and networking events to further your
• A subsistence of no less than £680 as a career.
contribution to your living expenses. This is paid
in two parts - 50% in the middle of the festival, • The opportunity to include your time with the
50% at the end. Pleasance on your CV and request references.
• For those who require accommodation, a • Exclusive ticket offers and discounts for the
single private bedroom within close proximity Edinburgh Preview Season at Pleasance London
to the venue at no cost to yourself. Each room in June & July.
is in a 4 - 6 bedroom apartment that is shared
exclusively with other Pleasance volunteers. Our aim is to provide volunteers with safe, secure
lodgings, the means to enjoy the festival for the
• A Pleasance Pass, which gives free access to month and the chance to develop their industry
any show in the Pleasance programme, as well knowledge. All you need to do is arrange your
as discounts at various restaurants, cafes and own travel if you are joining us from outside of
bars throughout Edinburgh. Edinburgh.
• Weekly events and get-togethers, so that you A peer and managerial support network is
can relax, have fun and get to know the great available to all volunteers throughout the
team of people around you. festival. Dedicated mechanisms to provide
feedback on your experience are available to all
volunteers both throughout the festival and at
its conclusion.
About Our
Team
The Pleasance is a place for experiences – both • Pride – We are motivated to deliver the
on and off the stage. For staff, audiences and highest possible standards with an approach
performers alike, we want this experience to that is as personable as it is professional. Our
be positive, lasting and even life affirming. We team takes pride in creating an exemplary
measure the success of our operation through environment where participants feel nurtured,
the delivery of these experiences, not by ticket engaged, valued and inspired.
sales or 5 star reviews. To achieve this, we are
looking for team members who share our • Perseverance – We operate in a fast-paced
values; working environment and take this on with
open arms and eyes. Through a positive mind-
• Passion – Our team is driven by their set, good sense of humour and a “can do”
enthusiasm for what they do and why they do attitude, our teams share both the challenges
it. From this comes a unique energy that fuels and rewards of an unparalleled creative
us, creates momentum and permeates every workplace.
facet of the Pleasance.
• Progression – We exist to offer a platform
• People – No matter the level of knowledge or to talented people looking to develop in the
seniority, each and every team member has an creative industries and will work tirelessly to
equal value. Our collective ambitions can only support them in that pursuit. We are a family
be achieved through the active participation of that is proud to be represented by an inspiring
all. Our team are committed to inclusion, peer- community of alumni that spans the globe.
to-peer learning and pro-active support.
How to
Apply
To apply, simply complete the online form at: If you have any queries or wish to follow up on your
https://www.pleasance.co.uk/festival-volunteer- application at any point, please do not hesitate to
programme contact us.
We also ask applicants to complete the Pleasance Applications via alternative means such as a video or
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form at: voice application will be accepted from those who
http://bit.ly/PleasanceEqualOps require reasonable adjustments. If you would like
to discuss this or require any additional reasonable
In the application form you will be asked to adjustments at interview or whilst undertaking the role,
provide information about yourself, why you wish please highlight this as part of your application.
to be considered, what position(s) you wish to be
considered for and a copy of your CV. Email: jobs@pleasance.co.uk
Phone: 0207 619 6868
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview Address: Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd
at one of our Open House Recruitment Sessions in Carpenters Mews
Dublin, Edinburgh, Leeds, London and Manchester. North Road
These sessions will include an introductory group London
presentation and Q&A discussing life on the Fringe, N7 9EF
followed by a short one-to-one interview with each
candidate. Each Open House will be tailored to a Equal Opportunities:
specific department, per the schedule on the next
page. The Pleasance Theatre Trust is an equal opportunities
employer and welcomes applications from all sections
Where possible, additional interviews will be of the community.
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 2020 Technical Teams Department Location Date Technical London Tuesday 14th April Technical London Wednesday 15th April Technical Edinburgh Tuesday 12th May Technical Manchester Wednesday 13th April Technical Leeds Thursday 14th May Technical Dublin Friday 15th May Guest Services, Industry Services & Marketing Teams Department Location Date Guest, Industry & Marketing Edinburgh Monday 11th May Guest, Industry & Marketing Edinburgh Tuesday 12th May Guest, Industry & Marketing Manchester Wednesday 13th May Guest, Industry & Marketing Leeds Thursday 14th May Guest, Industry & Marketing Dublin Friday 15th May Guest, Industry & Marketing London Monday 18th May Guest, Industry & Marketing London Tuesday 19th May Guest, Industry & Marketing London Wednesday 20th May
“The most complete experience you can get of life, entertainment and work at the Fringe.” Suman, 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 team of between 2 and 7 crew members. A team of professional technicians is assigned to support the voluntary team, productions and operation in each performance space. Each team is 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 4. 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 team • The ability to work under pressure within pressing
leadership, sound, lighting and stage in each venue. time constraints.
Crew members are placed in venues so that their
skills suit the needs of the space and so that each of • Strong communication skills.
these elements are 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
1. Team Leader above, but this is by no means essential. We consider
• The ability to lead a team and motivate those candidates with all levels of knowledge and often
around you. temperament and enthusiasm is as important a
factor as any. Being self-motivated, patient and a
• The ability to building and maintain relationships strong team player are essential.
with and support performing companies.
* Technical specs for all venues can be found on the
• The ability to keep calm and level headed in a “Spaces” section of the Pleasance website:
bustling festival environment. https://www.pleasance.co.uk/edinburgh-spaces
2. Sound
• Basic understanding of the principles of live sound,
including the use of digital and/or analogue sound
desks.
• The ability to maintain accurate paperwork.
• Basic fault finding and troubleshooting skills.
• Attention to detail is paramount in this position.
3. 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.“An irreplaceable sense of community.” Emma, 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
through audience management.
• To work as part of a close-knit team on a rota that
changes every day.Guest Services Teams Box Office Beneficial experience may include: Positions Available: Box Office Operators • Customer service in a venue, restaurant, shop or Box Office Exchequer other public-facing business. The Box Office is the ticketing nerve centre of our • Use of computerised tills, databases or similar festival operation. Working across manned counters, systems. ticket collection booths, information points and a phone room, Box Office Operators sell tickets for all • Working with a broad range of the general public. productions in the Pleasance programme - catering to those who know exactly what they want to see, • Staying focussed in a busy, boisterous and high and those who are looking for a steer on something pressure environment. that might suit their tastes. The Box Office Exchequer works as part of the Operator team and has the added responsibility of undertaking a daily count of all Box Office takings on behalf of the Finance department. This takes place every morning and must be 100% accurate without fail, despite the hustle and bustle of the working environment. As such, an eye for detail and a head for numbers is crucial. Once the count is finished, the Exchequer may be deployed on shift as an Operator. The Box Office Operators and Exchequer are supported by a team of Box Office Managers.
Guest
Services
Teams
Front of House Beneficial experience may include:
Positions Available: Front of House Assistants • Ushering or people management within a venue or
live events environment.
Front of House Assistants are in the thick of the
festival action day-in, day-out. They manage • Time management.
incoming audiences, making sure that customers
are in the correct queue, for the correct performance, • Remaining energetic whilst on your feet all day.
on the correct day and time. Working closely with
the venue crew, they are an essential component • Working outdoors, with a resilience to the potential
in the maintaining the performance schedule - elements of the Scottish “summer”.
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.
Front of House Assistants are supported by a team
of Front of House Managers.“The best experience in my whole life, ever.” Minji, Street Team
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. Arts Industry Officers are supported by the Arts Industry manager.
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.“I was born in Cheltenham but I was made in the Pleasance Volunteer Programme.” Ellie, Box Office
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. The Street Team work tirelessly to publicise • Speaking with the general public. the productions that the Pleasance are directly producing and are an essential force behind • Working independently and remaining enthusiastic their ultimate success. Typically working across at all times. approximately 20 different shows, each with a different genre and target demographic, they drum • Remaining energetic whilst on your feet all day, up business through hand-to-hand flyering, poster come rain or shine. distribution and interacting with the audience in a personal, welcoming manner. More generally, the Street Team are also responsible for the distribution of marketing materials and print for all 270 shows throughout the venue, ensuring that all displays are maintained and shows are equally represented throughout the Fringe. The Street Team are supported by a Street Team Manager
Marketing
Content Team 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 Content Team may also explore the
excitement. The Content Team capture every 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 Content Team will be asked to
uniquely represents the dazzling array of shows, 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
Content Team Photographer
Photographers:
Anna Bruce
Heather Pasfield
Jassy Earl
Neil Hanna
Eleanor White
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