Stage Crew
Job Title: Stage Crew (Freelance)
Responsible to: Technical Manger, Tent & Stage Manager
Hours: Various
Wage: £101 - £132pd
Work Address: Various
Purpose of Role: working as part of a team to safely transport, site and construct our Big Top. Providing scenic load in for visiting shows as well as construction, maintenance and installation of other pop up venues, facilities and decorations.
Ventnor Exchange creates live events and runs arts venues that are open to everyone.
Founded in 2010 by a group of local young people who wanted to see more happening on the Isle of Wight, Ventnor Exchange has grown into one of the Island’s leading arts organisations
Over the next few years we are expanding to operate three performance venues. The largest of these is a bespoke professionally equipped Big Top venue that will tour between different communities on and off the Island, hosting a mix of circus, theatre, dance and live music. We will also be running a small studio theatre and cabaret/bar venue, both open year round in Ventnor.
All of these venues, as well as many others, are also used during Ventnor Fringe, a 10 days arts festival held each July which is produced and run by Ventnor Exchange.
The Production and Technical Department is made up of freelancers who support Ventnor Exchange in delivering its programme of live events and performances across its different venues
The team consists of a Production Manager, Technical Manager, Tent & Stage Manager, Technicians and Stage Crew
Job Purpose
Stage Crew are at the core of our production team, helping to bring our events and shows to life.
As a member of our Stage Crew team you will work closely with the Technical Manager and Stage Manager to safely transport, site, construct and fit out our Big Top when it is touring
You may also be involved in providing scenic load in for visiting shows as well as construction, maintenance and installation of other pop up venues, facilities and decorations
From time to time the role may also involve appearing on stage in scene changes and operation of stage equipment and technology.
Key Responsibilities
> Work as directed by the Technical Manager and Tent & Stage Manager in any area of the building or off site, which may involve working at height
> Participate in the construction, installation and rigging of technical and scenic equipment for which you will be given suitable training.
> Assist with Get-ins, Fit-ups & Get-outs
> Participate in construction and maintenance projects on location or at Ventnor Exchange’s Ingrams Yard site to include woodworking, painting and the use of hand and powered tools (for which instruction will be given)
> Assist in the maintenance of storage systems across the Ventnor Exchange’s sites and stores.
> Appear on stage in appropriate clothes or costume in order to carry out specific duties when required during technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances etc.
> Work at height either on access equipment or using boom lifts having been given training and guidance There may also be future opportunities to specialise in rope work and rigging
> Take a proactive and supportive approach to working with apprentices and junior staff members
> Undertake training as required
> Ensure that all working and storage areas are kept safe and tidy
> Ensure a safe working environment in technical areas and in other areas is maintained.
> Write up and maintain clear and concise notes of all performance-related duties enabling other staff to cover, without prior knowledge of the production
This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and Stage Crew will be required to perform duties outside of this as operationally required and at the discretion of the Technical or Production Manager
The job will at times require unsociable working hours
Responsibilities of all Staff and Freelancers
> Be aware of the work of the other departments in the achievement of Ventnor Exchange’s aims
> Take an active part in communicating and co-operating with other staff and departments
> Follow guidelines, procedures and policies provided by the company in relation to financial management and personnel records
> Work in accordance with the Equal Opportunities policy of Ventnor Exchange
> Be aware of, and comply with, the rules and legislation pertaining to Health and Safety at work
> Be an active ambassador for Ventnor Exchange, its aims, objectives and values
> Maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times
> Commit to Ventnor Exchange's environmental policies and collaborate with us in finding innovative solutions towards more sustainable theatre-making
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
> Be physically fit and able to undertake lifting and manual handling. This role is very active, being particularly focussed on erecting and dismantling our Big Top.
> The ability to work well under pressure
> Good communication skills
> Be an excellent, conscientious team player with good communication skills
> Flexible approach to working, including the ability to work unsocial hours
> Be reliable and punctual at all times
> An ability to work at height using appropriate access equipment safely following suitable training
> Interest in and commitment to making theatre accessible to all community sectors, and to Ventnor Exchange's Equal Opportunities Policy
Desirable Criteria
> Experience of working on temporary structures like Big Top / Circus tents
> Rigging/ rope access experience
> Experience of Health & Safety practice and procedures
> Experience of using woodworking or metalwork hand and powered tools
> Electrical and mechanical engineering skills
> Formal technical theatre qualification
> Hold a Driving Licence or Telehandler / HGV Licence
Further Information
If your application is successful, you will be added to our books and notified every time freelance crew opportunities arise We normally aim to provide at least 6 months notice of jobs but this can vary and last minute shifts may arise Places are generally given on a first come, first served basis and will be contracted on an individual basis.
If you have been accepted onto our books you will not need to go through a further application process each time you apply for shifts.
There is no requirement or expectation to be available for all jobs but we reserve the right to remove from our books candidates with long periods of inactivity or based on previous performance
Ventnor Exchange has procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer practice across our organisation All appointments are made subject to satisfactory reference and proof of eligibility to work in the UK
Rates of Pay
Freelance Crew will be applied a grade dependent on experience and qualifications Where necessary, the full cost of travel, accommodation and per diems will be provided in addition.