Pleasance Edinburgh Festival Volunteer Programme 2018 - Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd is a registered Charity in England, Wales and Scotland ...
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Pleasance Edinburgh Festival Volunteer Programme 2018 Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd is a registered Charity in England, Wales and Scotland. Charity Nos 1050944 and SC043237.
“A hugely fun and fulfilling month, I didn’t want it to end!” - Fiona, Box Office
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. practice and creating a professional network
as just some of the benefits of joining. Not to
We are joined by some 200 volunteers who mention having an unforgettable experience in
act in dedicated positions with genuine an unparalleled hub of creativity and energy.
responsibilities, each at the centre of the largest
arts festival in the world. Volunteers join us from Everyone starts somewhere and there are
Friday 27th July (Thursday 26th for Technical hundreds of established theatre practitioners
volunteers) to Thursday 30th August. throughout the world who would count
a challenging, fast-paced month with the
As a not-for-profit charity, the Pleasance Theatre Pleasance on the Fringe as an important
Trust is recognised as a leading cultivator moment in their careers. There are Pleasance
of talent on the Fringe, with each festival t-shirts in every corner of the Globe. Many
offering an opportunity to nurture the skills of volunteers return year-after-year, taking on
those working off the stage, as well as those new roles or bringing their own productions
performing on it. to our programme. Many of those working in
the industry full time or at the Pleasance itself
A wide range of opportunities are available; started in these roles.
from technical support to guest and industry
services or marketing. Our voluntary team What follows is an outline of the roles that are
includes those of all levels of experience, from available in 2018, what to expect and how to
individuals with years of industry knowledge get involved.
to relative newcomers who exhibit the right
attitude and want to take part. We hope you’ll join us.
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.
Overview
The Pleasance Festival Volunteer Programme Volunteers work on a daily rota throughout the
encompasses a variety of disciplines. festival, on a schedule that varies according
Volunteers are dedicated to a specific role for to their role. All departments ensure that
the duration of the month, which fall under 4 adequate breaks are provided for rest and
main categories; enjoying the festival. Typical shift patterns are
discussed in more detail during interview.
Technical
Prior to opening, all volunteers are involved
Venue Managers in the Get-In, during which we undertake
Venue Crew (Sound / Lighting / Stage) departmental training, get everyone up to
IT Assistant speed with what to expect in the coming
month and ensure that the site is ready for
Guest Services performing companies and the public arriving.
Box Office After the venue closes, the final couple of days
Front of House are spent assisting the Get-Out, where we
Kidzone dismantle and pack up the venue for another
year.
Industry Services
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 26th July, followed by all other
volunteers on Friday 27th July. All depart on
Thursday 30th August. The venue is open to
the public from 1st - 27th August inclusive.
2
Benefits
In addition to what we hope is an invaluable and • Weekly parties and get-togethers, so that you
exhilarating experience, all volunteers receive; can relax, have fun and get to know the great
team of people around you.
• A subsistence of no less than £680 as a
contribution to your living expenses. This can • Access to training opportunities, information
be paid in two parts (50% in the middle of the sessions and networking events to further your
festival, 50% at the end) or in one lump sum at career.
the conclusion of the run.
Our aim is to provide volunteers with safe, secure
• For those who require accommodation, a lodgings, the means to enjoy the festival for the
single private bedroom within close proximity month and the chance to develop their industry
to the venue at no cost to yourself. Each room knowledge. All you need to do is arrange your
is in a 4 - 6 bedroom apartment that is shared own travel if you are joining us from outside of
exclusively with other Pleasance volunteers. Edinburgh.
• A Pleasance Pass, which gives free access to A peer and managerial support network is
any show in the Pleasance programme, as well available to all volunteers throughout the
as discounts at various restaurants, cafes and festival.
bars throughout Edinburgh.
How to
apply
To apply, simply complete the online form at: If you have any queries or wish to follow up on your
application at any point, or require the application
http://bit.ly/PleasanceVolunteers2018 form in an alternative format, please do not hesitate
to contact us:
Here you will be asked to provide information about
yourself and why you wish to be considered, what
position(s) you wish to be considered for and a copy Email: jobs@pleasance.co.uk
of your CV. Phone: 0207 619 6868
Address: Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview Carpenters Mews
in London, Edinburgh, Manchester or by Skype or North Road
phone if you can’t attend any of the locations. London
N7 9EF
Whilst interviews primarily take place in March and
April, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
until all positions are filled. As such, there is no set Equal Opportunities:
deadline.
The Pleasance Theatre Trust is an equal opportunities
As we consider applications on a first received, first employer and welcomes applications from all
reviewed basis – we advise all candidates to apply as sections of the community.
soon as possible to maximise your chances.
We welcome applications from anyone, with any
level of experience.
“The Fringe taught me things I would never have dreamed of learning before entering the professional world, as well as opening my eyes to the wonders of theatre and all the amazing people and opportunities it has to offer.” - Rachel, 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.Technical
IT Assistant
Beneficial experience may include:
Underpinning the Pleasance’s Courtayrd and Dome
sites is a complex IT infrastructure of networks and • Installing network cabling.
hardware, enabling us to provide first-class customer
service 24 hours a day. • Setting up desktop workstations and maintaining
network connections to printers, WiFi, etc.
As part of the small, busy IT team, the IT Assistant
will help maintain the venue’s IT services – ensuring • Knowledge of Windows operating systems.
optimal functionality across the network, resolving
hardware issues and providing general support to • Basic troubleshooting of software and hardware
the site and venue staff. issues.
The ideal candidate will join the team for the build • Logical problem solving.
period ahead of the festival from 13th July, assisting
in the setup of the network from scratch and Previous IT experience is preferable but not essential.
receiving a real insight into the festival operation in Most important is the ability to work methodically,
the process. follow instructions and learn on the job, whilst
remaining upbeat at all times.
This position is well suited to a computing or IT
student with a keen interest in physical infrastructure.“Challenging and engaging in all the right ways.” - Thomas, Front of House
Guest
Services
Teams
The Pleasance welcomes over 500,000 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 35 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.
“A crash course in customer service, alongside some of the best humans at the Fringe.” - Cordelia, Box Office
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.
Arts Industry Coordinator
• Working in a highly administrative, fast-paced
The Arts Industry Reception is the principal point environment.
of contact for all companies and performers in the
Pleasance programme. The small team of 8 Arts • Using databases, spreadsheets and scheduling
Industry Officers have numerous responsibilities, software.
including issuing company ID passes, processing
complimentary tickets for both the company and • Time management, prioritising and multitasking.
third parties, and setting up ticketing deals for
productions. They also act as a liaison between The Arts Industry Coordinator takes overall
the companies and the Pleasance’s management responsibility in delivering our industry services and
team, ensuring that all messages are passed on in coaching the small team through this intensive
without fail and, when time sensitive, acted on workload. Experience in leading a small team and
quickly. Superior interpersonal skills enable them managing a demanding, multi-faceted workload is
to maintain a rapport with a regularly demanding essential.
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 260+ 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 200 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.“An experience unlike anything I’ve been a part of.” - Nicholas, Venue Crew
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 Manager, 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 200 + 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.“The Pleasance is an
epicentre of culture during
the Fringe, the like-minded
and friendliness of the
people there will change
your perspective on life!””
- Aaron, Venue Crew
All photos part of the
Edinburgh Picture Show
Photographers:
Anna Bruce
Heather Pasfield
Jassy Earl
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