pleasance edinburgh festival volunteer programme 2020 · cultivator of talent on the fringe, with...

PleasanceEdinburgh Festival Volunteer Programme2020

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

An unforgettable month at the very heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe awaits!

The Pleasance Festival Volunteer Programme provides a platform for people of all backgrounds and ages to hone their skills in the creative industries through playing an important part in the daily operation of the Pleasance’s 23 Fringe venues, each at the centre of the largest arts festival in the world.

As an educational charity, the Pleasance Theatre Trust is recognised as a leading cultivator of talent on the Fringe, with each festival offering an opportunity to nurture the skills of those working off the stage, as well as those performing on it. The Pleasance is fiercely committed to developing opportunities to grow careers.

Now in its 36th year on the Fringe, the Pleasance’s reputation as the festival’s friendliest and most exciting venue hasn’t come about by accident. We are joined by some 180 volunteers who act in dedicated positions with genuine responsibilities, supported by a team of experienced industry professionals. Their passion and drive are what gives the venue it’s unique energy, and we look to create an environment where every volunteer feels engaged, valued and inspired.

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.

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.

Previous participants have cited the development of new skills, building confidence in social and diplomatic situations, the opportunity to put existing experience into practice and creating a professional network as just some of the benefits of joining. Not to mention having an unforgettable experience in an unparalleled hub of creativity and energy.

Everyone starts somewhere and there are hundreds of established theatre practitioners throughout the world who would count a challenging, fast-paced month with the Pleasance on the Fringe as an important moment in their careers. There are Pleasance t-shirts in every corner of the Globe. Many volunteers return year-after-year, taking on new roles or bringing their own productions to our programme. Many of those working in the industry full time or at the Pleasance itself started in these roles.

What follows is an outline of the roles that are available in 2020, what to expect and how to get involved.

We hope you’ll join us.

Join Us

“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 AldersonDirectorPleasance Theatre Trust

Pleasance Alumni

The Pleasance Festival Volunteer Programme encompasses a variety of disciplines. Volunteers are dedicated to a specific role for the duration of the month, which fall under 4 main teams:

Technical

Venue Crew (Team Leader / Sound / Lighting / Stage)

Guest Services

Box OfficeFront of House

Industry Services

Arts Industry ReceptionPress OfficeBrooke’s Club Hosts

Marketing

Street TeamContent 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

festival, on a schedule that varies according to their role. All departments ensure that adequate breaks are provided for rest and enjoying the festival, including three full days off during the programme. Typical shift patterns are discussed in more detail during interview.

Prior to opening, all volunteers are involved in the Get-In, during which we undertake departmental training, get everyone up to speed with what to expect in the coming month and ensure that the site is ready for performing companies and the public arriving.

After the venue closes, the final couple of days are spent assisting the Get-Out, where we dismantle and pack up the venue for another year.

2

Overview

In addition to what we hope is an invaluable and exhilarating experience, all volunteers receive;

• A subsistence of no less than £680 as a contribution to your living expenses. This is paid in two parts - 50% in the middle of the festival, 50% at the end.

• For those who require accommodation, a single private bedroom within close proximity to the venue at no cost to yourself. Each room is in a 4 - 6 bedroom apartment that is shared exclusively with other Pleasance volunteers.

• A Pleasance Pass, which gives free access to any show in the Pleasance programme, as well as discounts at various restaurants, cafes and bars throughout Edinburgh.

• Weekly events and get-togethers, so that you can relax, have fun and get to know the great team of people around you.

• Access to training opportunities, information sessions and networking events to further your career.

• The opportunity to include your time with the Pleasance on your CV and request references.

• Exclusive ticket offers and discounts for the Edinburgh Preview Season at Pleasance London in June & July.

Our aim is to provide volunteers with safe, secure lodgings, the means to enjoy the festival for the month and the chance to develop their industry knowledge. All you need to do is arrange your own travel if you are joining us from outside of Edinburgh.

A peer and managerial support network is available to all volunteers throughout the festival. Dedicated mechanisms to provide feedback on your experience are available to all volunteers both throughout the festival and at its conclusion.

What the Programme Offers

The Pleasance is a place for experiences – both on and off the stage. For staff, audiences and performers alike, we want this experience to be positive, lasting and even life affirming. We measure the success of our operation through the delivery of these experiences, not by ticket sales or 5 star reviews. To achieve this, we are looking for team members who share our values;

• Passion – Our team is driven by their enthusiasm for what they do and why they do it. From this comes a unique energy that fuels us, creates momentum and permeates every facet of the Pleasance.

• People – No matter the level of knowledge or seniority, each and every team member has an equal value. Our collective ambitions can only be achieved through the active participation of all. Our team are committed to inclusion, peer-to-peer learning and pro-active support.

• Pride – We are motivated to deliver the highest possible standards with an approach that is as personable as it is professional. Our team takes pride in creating an exemplary environment where participants feel nurtured, engaged, valued and inspired.

• Perseverance – We operate in a fast-paced working environment and take this on with open arms and eyes. Through a positive mind-set, good sense of humour and a “can do” attitude, our teams share both the challenges and rewards of an unparalleled creative workplace.

• Progression – We exist to offer a platform to talented people looking to develop in the creative industries and will work tirelessly to support them in that pursuit. We are a family that is proud to be represented by an inspiring community of alumni that spans the globe.

About Our Team

To apply, simply complete the online form at: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/festival-volunteer-programme

We also ask applicants to complete the Pleasance Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form at: http://bit.ly/PleasanceEqualOps

In the application form you will be asked to provide information about yourself, why you wish to be considered, what position(s) you wish to be considered for and a copy of your CV.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview at one of our Open House Recruitment Sessions in Dublin, Edinburgh, Leeds, London and Manchester. These sessions will include an introductory group presentation and Q&A discussing life on the Fringe, followed by a short one-to-one interview with each 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.

How to Apply

If you have any queries or wish to follow up on your application at any point, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Applications via alternative means such as a video or voice application will be accepted from those who require reasonable adjustments. If you would like to discuss this or require any additional reasonable adjustments at interview or whilst undertaking the role, please highlight this as part of your application.

Email: [email protected] Phone: 0207 619 6868 Address: Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd Carpenters Mews North Road London N7 9EF

Equal Opportunities:

The Pleasance Theatre Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Open House Recruitment Sessions Schedule 2020

Department Location DateTechnical London Tuesday 14th AprilTechnical London Wednesday 15th AprilTechnical Edinburgh Tuesday 12th MayTechnical Manchester Wednesday 13th AprilTechnical Leeds Thursday 14th MayTechnical Dublin Friday 15th May

Department Location DateGuest, Industry & Marketing Edinburgh Monday 11th MayGuest, Industry & Marketing Edinburgh Tuesday 12th MayGuest, Industry & Marketing Manchester Wednesday 13th MayGuest, Industry & Marketing Leeds Thursday 14th MayGuest, Industry & Marketing Dublin Friday 15th MayGuest, Industry & Marketing London Monday 18th MayGuest, Industry & Marketing London Tuesday 19th MayGuest, Industry & Marketing London Wednesday 20th May

Technical Teams

Guest Services, Industry Services & Marketing Teams

“The most complete experience you can get of life, entertainment and work at the Fringe.”

Suman, Venue Crew

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 Teams

Venue Crew

The Venue Crew are the primary point of contact for all performing companies, working as part of a close-knit team to ensure the smooth running of their performance space and dealing with any issues that may arise. We look to have a balance of knowledge in team leadership, sound, lighting and stage in each venue. Crew members are placed in venues so that their skills suit the needs of the space and so that each of these elements are covered. Our venues range in size and technical complexity.Training will be provided, however beneficial experience may include:

1. Team Leader• The ability to lead a team and motivate those around you.

• The ability to building and maintain relationships with and support performing companies.

• The ability to keep calm and level headed in a bustling festival environment. 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.

4. Stage• A knowledge and passion for current stage technology and backstage theatre practises.

• Proven experience in constructing and building sets, setting up stages and coordinating turnaround or fit ups.

• The ability to work under pressure within pressing time constraints.

• Strong communication skills.

• Basic skills in carpentry & other scenic construction methods are desirable.

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 candidates with all levels of knowledge and often temperament and enthusiasm is as important a factor as any. Being self-motivated, patient and a strong team player are essential.

* Technical specs for all venues can be found on the “Spaces” section of the Pleasance website: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/edinburgh-spaces

Technical

“An irreplaceable sense of community.”

Emma, Front of House

The Pleasance welcomes over 550,000 audience members every year and our Guest Services teams play a key role in giving them the most memorable experience possible. As the departments that the most frequently interact with the audience, the Box Office and Front of House teams really are the public face of the Pleasance - greeting guests, connecting them with shows, and answering nearly any question imaginable. Working in teams of approximately 40 people, both departments operate amidst the buzz of the venue, where they have to keep their wits about them in order to support the smooth running of the 200 or so performances that may be taking place that day.

What you can expect:

• To be part of the festival buzz, interacting with hundreds of shows and thousands of people.

• To work closely with the general public.

• To work in a busy, constantly changing environment.

• To interact with everyone from children to late-night revellers.

• To deal with challenging situations every day, such as latecomers or sold-out shows.

• 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

Positions Available: Box Office Operators Box Office Exchequer The Box Office is the ticketing nerve centre of our festival operation. Working across manned counters, ticket collection booths, information points and a phone room, Box Office Operators sell tickets for all productions in the Pleasance programme - catering to those who know exactly what they want to see, and those who are looking for a steer on something 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.

Beneficial experience may include:

• Customer service in a venue, restaurant, shop or other public-facing business.

• 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.


Front of House

Positions Available: Front of House Assistants 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.

Front of House Assistants are supported by a team of Front of House Managers.



• 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 best experience in my whole life, ever.”

Minji, Street Team

Behind the scenes of the public-facing side of our festival operation is our Industry Services teams, who provide support to the hundreds of companies taking part in our programme. They provide a crucial link between the shows and the world’s press, media and arts industry, who all descend on Edinburgh in their thousands. By providing additional resources to companies, we hope not only to support their shows whilst in Edinburgh but also in their future life beyond the Fringe. Working in small, dedicated teams, the Industry Services departments are administrative underpinning of the festival and vital to the daily operation.

What to expect:

• To work closely with performing companies, artists and other professionals, learning about the Fringe and creative industries.

• To work in a highly administrative environment, utilising tools such as shared databases, spreadsheets, emails, etc.

• To retain acute attention to detail in an intensive fast-paced environment.

• 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 Teams

Arts Industry Reception

Positions Available: Arts Industry Officers

The Arts Industry Reception is the principal point of contact for all companies and performers in the Pleasance programme. The small team of 8 Arts Industry Officers have numerous responsibilities, including issuing company ID passes, processing complimentary tickets for both the company and third parties, and setting up ticketing deals for 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.


• Working within industry professionals.

• Working in a highly administrative, fast-paced environment.

• Using databases, spreadsheets and scheduling software.

• Time management, prioritising and multitasking.

Industry Services

Press Office

Positions Available: Press Officers The Press Office act as a facilitator between the 270+ shows in our programme and the world’s media. In a small, busy team of 8, they work closely with press and media representatives for each of the performing companies to ensure that productions gain the best possible exposure. Whilst they provide support to the department’s operation as a whole, each Press Officer is dedicated to one of three main roles for the duration of the Festival: 1. Ticketing: Acting as a point of contact for members of the press and visiting companies to answer incoming queries, authorise complimentary ticket requests, process tickets using the Box Office software and provide information on shows as required.

2. Cuttings: Reviewing print, online and broadcast press every day in order to create an archive of any coverage for all shows in the programme to be used by the performing company and venue.

Posting the top reviews on press boards throughout the venue and working closely with the Street Team and Programmers to ensure reviews for all Pleasance-produced shows are distributed amongst the team in a timely manner. 3. Broadcast: Managing a schedule of all authorised filming, photography and audio recordings taking place throughout the venue by performing companies or third parties. Liaising closely with all parties, including venue crews and the management team, to ensure plans and restrictions are communicated clearly.


• Working with the media, journalists or press representatives.

• Working in a highly administrative, fast-paced environment.

• Managing databases and online resources with an acute eye for detail.

• Problem solving and multitasking.

Industry Services

Brooke’s Club Hosts

Situated in the Pleasance Dome, Brooke’s Club is the Pleasance’s very own private members bar exclusively for performers, company members and press. Open every day through till 5am, it is one of the most sought after night spots of the festival. The space is managed by a team of two hosts, who oversee it every evening through to close - greeting guests and making them feel welcome. They embody the friendliness and approachability 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.


• Working in a club or bar.

• Engaging with industry professionals, with a head for faces and names.

• Remaining friendly and relaxed, whilst maintaining the utmost of professionalism.

• Working late-nights and managing those that come with the small hours.

Industry Services

“I was born in Cheltenham but I was made in the Pleasance Volunteer Programme.”

Ellie, Box Office

At the centre of the Pleasance is a huge programme of the most exciting shows on the Fringe – each completely unique, with it’s own audience.

The Marketing Team’s remit is to find that audience, either by direct hand-to-hand promotion or by creating engaging content through film, photography and social media.

Working in small teams and buzzing with creativity, these roles are constantly on the move - providing support to the programme as a whole as well as the 20-30 shows that the Pleasance directly produces.

What to expect:

• To work creatively, finding new ways to promote shows and cut through the noise of the 3000 other productions at the Fringe.

• To work responsively, always with your finger on the pulse, reacting to sales and demand.

• To seek out and engage directly with new audiences.

• 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.

MarketingTeams

Street Team

Positions Available: Street Team The Street Team work tirelessly to publicise the productions that the Pleasance are directly producing and are an essential force behind their ultimate success. Typically working across approximately 20 different shows, each with a different genre and target demographic, they drum up business through hand-to-hand flyering, poster 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 and promoting live entertainment.

• Speaking with the general public.

• Working independently and remaining enthusiastic at all times.

• Remaining energetic whilst on your feet all day, come rain or shine.

Marketing

Content Team

Positions Available: Content Producer Photographer Videographer

With over half a million people visiting the venue to see some 270+ shows throughout August, the Pleasance is a hive of creativity, colour and excitement. The Content Team capture every moment of it. The team spend the month covering the Fringe’s best acts, finding creative ways to engage audiences and support the shows. Each role has their own unique remit, but band together to produce a compelling stream of content that uniquely represents the dazzling array of shows, styles and stories from within the venue.

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.

Each role requires someone who is artistic, ingenious, collaborative, and full of creative passion. They should be eager to develop their experience in their chosen area of expertise and looking for that vital next step up. The photographer and videographer should ideally have their own equipment.

Whilst primarily engaged for the festival season in Edinburgh, the Content Team may also explore the opportunity of creating content from Pleasance London in June and July during our Edinburgh Preview Season. This is not mandatory and subject to the chosen candidate’s availability.

If shortlisted, the Content Team will be asked to supply supplementary material such as examples of their work to support their application prior to interview.

Marketing

“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 PasfieldJassy Earl

Neil HannaEleanor WhiteGreta Mitchell

pleasance edinburgh festival volunteer programme 2020 · cultivator of talent on the fringe, with...

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