Volunteer Application March 2014 SICK! is a new festival exploring the medical, mental and social challenges of life and death and how we survive them. Taking place in Brighton 2014 SICK! is an international, cross art-form festival featuring theatre, dance, film, public installations, digital media and debates. This ambitious and ground-breaking new festival combines an artistic programme offering a profound insight into personal experience with the expertise of doctors, academics, healthcare providers, charity workers, and the people for whom these themes are urgent daily realities. Why volunteer for Sick! Festival? • Free tickets to shows (subject to availability) • Gain valuable experience on your CV by being part of an exciting new festival • Opportunity to meet other artists/arts professionals and network • Great way to socialise and meet new people Throughout SICK! Festival we will require volunteers for the following teams: Front of House Team • Assist in welcoming the audience to our shows, ensuring everyone is well looked after and has a positive experience. • Be involved in various aspects of putting on a production including looking after the artists, assisting the venue manager and helping with the box office. • Gain excellent insight into how a theatre is run and get a chance to watch the show. Production & Technical Team • Work closely with our team and the artists to help to set up everything for a production. • Get the opportunity to develop technical skills in general lighting, sound and the basics of running a show. • Gain excellent insight into stage & production management and meet the artists taking part. Marketing & Promotion Team • Communicate directly with the public and our audiences in order to promote the festival, encourage people to join our mailing list and buy tickets for our shows. • Capture audience feedback and responses. • We will ask some volunteers to work with us in the office where you will gain useful experience in marketing and administration. • Finally, there will be opportunities for photographers and filmmakers to help us document the festival.
Our Volunteering Policy is underpinned by the following principles: • •
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We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, and hope that this helps us engage with the wider community. The Basement will ensure that volunteers are properly integrated into the organisational structure and that mechanisms are in place for them to contribute to The Basement’s work. The Basement does not aim to introduce volunteers to replace paid staff. The Basement expects that staff at all levels will work positively with volunteers and, where appropriate, will actively seek to involve them in their work. The Basement recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and personal development and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing the training for them to do their work effectively.
Expenses We are unable to cover expenses for volunteers, but we will provide refreshments during the shift as well as freebies and various other perks. Induction and training All volunteers will be inducted to the building on their first day, introduced to all members of staff, and made aware of their roles within the organisation. They must be briefed in the Health and Safety policies, first aid and evacuation procedures. Further training will be provided where appropriate. Health and Safety Volunteers are covered by The Basement’s Health and Safety Policy. Insurance All volunteers are covered by The Basement’s insurance policy whilst they are on the premises or engaged in any work on The Basement’s behalf. Support and supervision There will be a duty manager for all performances, who will be ultimately responsible for the safety of all volunteers, but depending on their role they may be supervised directly by the duty technician, or the programme manager. Resolving problems We aim to identify and solve problems at the earliest possible stage, and encourage volunteers to discuss any issues with the Venue Manager, or any other member of full time staff as early as possible.
To apply, please fill out the Sick! Volunteer Application Form 2014 and send it to info@thebasement.uk.com