PRODUCTION ASSISTANT INFORMATION PACK

Transcription

1 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT INFORMATION PACK Dear applicant, Thank you for showing interest in working with us here at Theatre Royal Plymouth. We really hope you ll decide to apply and are looking forward to finding out more about you. As you know, the role of Production Assistant forms part of the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries programme a national programme aimed specifically at recent graduates from low-income backgrounds looking to start a career in the arts. Please read the guidance notes before you begin your application. As part of this information pack you will also find the Production Assistant Job Description, Person Specification and some information about the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries programme, Theatre Royal Plymouth and what it s like to work here. If you have any questions about the application process please call Holly Vivian on or recruitment@theatreroyal.com. If you d like to find out a little more about the role you re welcome to drop in for a quick chat and a tour of the theatre. If you d like to do this, please let Holly know and she ll book you in. Thanks again for your interest and we look forward to seeing your application soon. All the best and good luck! Victoria Allen Executive Producer

2 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT - Role Description Reports to: Responsible for: Salary: Executive Producer N/A 17,095 fixed term for one year Eligibility Criteria This role forms part of the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries programme. In order to be eligible applicants must: Have graduated from a first degree (BA or equivalent) within the past two years (ie. In 2015, 2016 or 2017), in any subject area. No minimum grade is required. AND Have received a full maintenance grant during the full period of their course and be able to verify it with the necessary paperwork AND Be a full-time UK resident Summary of Role Working closely with the Executive Producer and Production Managers to support the efficient planning, producing and delivery of TRPs produced and co-produced programme. This role is offered as part of the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries Programme. Full training & support will be given as required. Principal Responsibilities 1 To support the efficient planning, producing and delivery of TRPs produced and coproduced programme 2 To attend training and mentoring sessions as required, taking responsibility for one s own professional development 3 To have an overview of the Executive Producer and Production Managers whereabouts and to field enquiries as appropriate 4 To Production Manage and support our produced work in The Lab studio, working closely with colleagues in the Creative Learning team 5 To suggest ideas for projects with a view to producing something independently towards the end of the year 6 To maintain an up to date knowledge and experience of the Theatre s produced and presented programme 7 To show appropriate behaviours and adherence to the core values of the Theatre (Creativity, Quality, Diversity and Collaboration) in working with all colleagues and external companies.

3 Principal Tasks 1 To research and source rehearsal space as required 2 To ensure rehearsal spaces are effectively prepared prior to rehearsal sourcing and preparing the necessary props, costumes and equipment 3 To read scripts as required 4 To copy and distribute production scripts 5 To assist with the maintenance of good filing systems and databases for all artistic activity 6 To take minutes in production meetings and distribute as necessary 7 To attend and minute production debriefs 8 To use the Theatre s finance system for raising orders, invoices, expenses and tracking budgets 9 To interpret information from technical drawings and distribute as required 10 To draft risk assessments for Production Management approval 11 To compile and update technical specifications, riders and production management reports as specified by the Production Managers 12 To format and distribute technical notes throughout production week, reacting to responses as appropriate 13 To liaise across departments (including Front of House, Marketing, Stage Door, Technical, Workshops) to ensure information regarding productions is communicated effectively 14 To conduct research as requested 15 To work evenings and weekends as required 16 To carry out any other reasonable duties that may be requested from time to time Please note that training will be provided where necessary.

4 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Person Specification Criteria Essential Desirable Skills Strong people skills The ability to develop good working relationships with colleagues and customers The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and on your own initiative The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing Good numerical skills Strong organisation skills and the ability to prioritise tasks Ability to work at high quality whilst under pressure The ability to act consistently and in a professional manner at all times Strong computer skills Knowledge & Qualifications Knowledge of and commitment to theatre An understanding of theatre producing and production processes Knowledge of Health and Safety responsibilities Experience A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office including excel Personal Attributes Collaborative team player Reliable and responsible Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn A passion for theatre Flexible approach to working hours An empathy towards diversity and difference

5 PRODUCTION ASSISTANT APPLICATION GUIDANCE NOTES Step 1: Eligibility Criteria In order to be eligible applicants must: Have graduated from a first degree (BA or equivalent) within the past two years (ie. In 2015, 2016 or 2017), in any subject area. No minimum grade is required. AND Have received a full maintenance grant during the full period of their course and be able to verify it with the necessary paperwork AND Be a full-time UK resident Please ensure that you meet these criteria before applying for this position. More details about the criteria can be found in the programme s Eligibility FAQs. You can find full details of this national programme and other opportunities available across the UK here. Step 2: Online Survey Before completing the application form, you ll need to complete a brief and anonymous survey questionnaire here: The result will be held by Jerwood Charitable Foundation and will not be shared with the Theatre Royal Plymouth or used in assessing your application. You will be given a code on completion of the survey. Please enter it on the application form. Step 3: Application Form Please complete the application with as much information as you can, and don t forget to insert your survey code. When completing your supporting statement (questions A and B), you might want to think about things you have done in your personal life as well as professionally or in your studies. We are keen to hear about all your transferable skills as well as your relevant experience. If you d rather explain this to us via a short audio or video file, please clearly state your full name at the beginning and send your file (using an MP4 or.mov format) to recruitment@theatreroyal.com using WeTransfer You will still need to complete and submit the remainder of the form in writing. Once you have completed your application form, please attach the following before submitting it to us: 1. Your Student Finance Breakdown for each year at University: the breakdown must include a figure for your Maintenance Grant for each year. 2. Proof of your year of graduation.

6 ABOUT THE WESTON JERWOOD CREATIVE BURSARY SCHEME The role of Production Assistant forms part of the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries programme a national programme aimed specifically at recent graduates from low-income backgrounds looking to start a career in the arts. As a successful applicant you will join 40 other young graduates from the UK and will receive mentoring, attend training days around the UK, and take part in an international residential placement organised by the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries programme. Previous alumni from the scheme have gone on to become successful producers, curators and much more. For full details of the national scheme and other opportunities available across the UK visit Jerwood Charitable Foundation's website. To hear from on e of the a l u m n i visit In order to be eligible applicants must: Have graduated from a first degree (BA or equivalent) within the past two years (ie. In 2015, 2016 or 2017), in any subject area. No minimum grade is required. AND Have received a full maintenance grant during the full period of their course and be able to verify it with the necessary paperwork AND Be a full-time UK resident Please ensure that you meet the criteria before applying for this position. More detail about the criteria can be found in the programmes Frequently Asked Questions document about eligibility which you can download here: The Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries programme is designed and managed by Jerwood Charitable Foundation in partnership with the British Council. It has been made possible through the combined support of Arts Council England s Ambition for Excellence Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Jerwood Charitable Foundation, CHK Charities Limited and PRS Foundation. ABOUT THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH Theatre Royal Plymouth is a charity which exists to engage and inspire our many communities, enriching the lives of people from every background. OUR PROGRAMME The Theatre of Tradition and Spectacle The Lyric is our traditional theatre space which seats 1300 people. The programme is largely characterised by large scale work of quality, popularity and scale. It encompasses drama, pantomime, classical and contemporary music-theatre and national and international opera, ballet and dance companies.

7 The Theatre of Now The Drum is a flexible studio space which seats 175 people. The programme is defined by contemporary relevance, excellence and achievement. It combines visiting, produced and co-produced work of national standing and critical recognition including new writing, visual theatre, physical theatre, devised and immersive work. The Theatre of Tomorrow Principally taking place in The Lab, our experimental 50 seat studio, the Theatre of Tomorrow provides talent development opportunities for young people and emerging artists. The focus is on exploration, encouragement and access. Theatre to the Limit Our Creative Learning programme is open to everyone and includes theatre projects for people who would not normally get involved. For example, Funky Llama creates radical night clubs and festivals for people with learning disabilities, and our Young Company Hubs improve the life chances for over 140 disadvantaged young people each year. THE VALUES WE WORK BY Collaboration: Valuing each other in the way we work, communicate and spend time together. We work openly and honestly together. We communicate regularly with each other, listening and making sure we understand people s needs. We value and respect the relationships we have with colleagues, artists and partners and celebrate our shared successes. Creativity: Being imaginative in everything we do. We use our knowledge, experience and judgement to explore doing things differently. We aim to empower everybody in the organisation to adopt a flexible, open-minded and imaginative approach. Quality: Taking pride in achieving excellence. We take responsibility for and pride in what we do, recognising each other s good work. We consistently exceed expectations in all we do and ensure that everyone has the skills to achieve excellence. Diversity: Embracing the diversity among our people and community. We embrace and value difference and individuality treating everyone as equally important. Together we are stronger and more effective.

8 WHAT IT S LIKE TO WORK HERE I find working at the theatre a really exciting and rewarding place to be. It is great to be part of creating fantastic shows and I take a huge amount of pride from this. Working with so many hugely talented people is a real privilege I feel incredibly lucky to be able to work with such passionate, skilled, creative people on a daily basis. No two days or projects are the same. Dani Golding Young People s Officer Matt Hoyle Drum Technician Everyone has been so friendly and helpful in the technical department... after watching many shows over the years I really wanted to be part of the creative environment that is making theatre and with the theatres reputation as a large producer of good work it seemed like a great place to be..." Luke Adams Technical Apprentice

9 It s really inspiring to work with people from lots of different backgrounds and with an amazing range of skills. It makes for a fun and vibrant place to work Holly Vivian HR Advisor TRP is a great place to work there s loads of laughs, fun, hard work and theatre- the perfect combination! Ben Lyon-Ross Education Producer

10 Its great fun working at TRP. Working with great people on great projects Nick Soper and Hugh Borthwick Production Managers Since working here I have learnt so many new things, met some incredible people and had experiences I ll never forgot. I m very proud to say I work for Theatre Royal Plymouth. Rebecca Petit Press Officer