Try Something new...
THEATRE ADMINISTRATION/BOX OFFICE
What is it? Theatre administration involves many office based jobs and roles. All of these are essential in the smooth running of any arts organization, it's the backbone. One specific job is working in the box office, a role involving both customer service and office skills in equal measure.
What do I do? This can depend on the up and coming programme. However there are certain tasks that need to be done every day and weekly such as answering enquiries and updating mailing lists. so good time management and organization are always needed. Other things can range from selling tickets, taking minutes for meetings, working on rotas and helping with various marketing jobs. The role involves computer soft ware which you would use in any office based job so its a great way to develop these skills.
How do I get involved? Always be on the look out for new postings and vacancies here on the web site. If there is a specific role such as box office assistant available then we will always advertise. We are always keen to get volunteers to help with general admin and marketing so just pop us an email if you are interested in this area and we can keep you in mind.
Volunteers on volunteering...
Hiya, my name is Hannah Gardiner. For the past month I have been volunteering in the box office! I am the first point of contact taking bookings and dealing with enquiries. In the art world administration is one of the biggest career areas and I have gained valuable experience which I will be able to take forward to further jobs in the future. Dealing with the public has taught me some valuable life skills in customer service. I have also had an interesting insight into the daily running of a charity-based organization. If you are interested in the business side of the art world this could be right for you!
words by Hannah Gardiner
200 words...
This months 200 words comes from Izzie Arandia-Richards
I moved to Plymouth in 2007 after living in London for 8 years and the first thing I noticed down here was the lack of media and art-related opportunities to get involved in. So it was a no-brainer for me to join the Barbican Theatre Volunteer group when I came across it just over a year ago.
I mainly usher for plays and other performances which is a great way of ‘living’ this art form (for free!!!). I have recently also started collaborating with the writers group which is a fantastic new initiative and hopefully something that will take off and will attract more volunteers. What I love about volunteering for the Barbican is that it doesn’t demand much of your time but the rewards are immense; to get to see innovative, imaginative, clever plays and performances and to get to meet like-minded people in the heart of Plymouth is truly priceless.
It’s a shame that there isn’t much awareness of the wonderful things the Theatre does for young people and the community, and I hope that our work with the website and other activities will reach out to those people who might be interested in the performing arts and will promote the theatre in a really positive way.
The Quirky Question for our contributors this month...
What was the last film you watched?
The Guest's
HANNAH GARDINER The last film I watched was
The Regulars
GINA SHERMAN The last film I watched was The Sting on d.v.d. my housemates bought it for 50p in a car boot!
G:volunteer@barbicantheatre.co.uk
IZZIE ARANDIA-RICHARDS The last film I watched was Fearless a 1993 gem by Peter Weis
E.: izar@email.com
M.: 078 1567 8051
KATE CAMPBELL The last film I watched was Dirty dancing - everyone's got a guilty pleasure!
K:barbicanwriters@hotmail.co.uk |
Fast and Furious interview
Kate Campbell on Doug Specht
Imagine you have a crystal ball – where do you see yourself in 2020?
I like to think I’ll be travelling around in a van.
If money wasn’t an issue, where would you be right now?
I wouldn't be anywhere right now, well, maybe the Arctic Circle.
Latest CD purchased?
The last one I downloaded was Major Lazer – Guns Don’t Kill People, Lazers Do.
A night in with Angelina Jolie or a night out with Dawn French?
Definitely Dawn French.
Which living person do you most admire?
Padre Andres Tamayo – an environmental and human rights activist and Martin Mowforth who came to my university and gave a lecture on education in Central America. He gave me the opportunity to go and work in Nicaragua.
When did you last cry?
It brought water to my eyes when I dropped a tin of paint on my foot recently.
Do you own any pets?
They’re a bit of a hindrance – you can’t go anywhere.
What are you reading right now?
I always have at least 9 things I am reading at the same time. Inconceivable by Ben Elton is one of them.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I get too absorbed in things. I take things on board and take things home with me.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
A lot of things frustrate me about other people. A lack of caring, being self-centred and self-righteous.
Favourite holiday?
I liked going to El Salvador but it wasn’t really a holiday, I was doing election observation.
Favourite food?
Anything that’s been cooked by anyone else.
If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you do?
Make wearing hats compulsory, cancel Third World debt and stop the greenwash.
What is your most overused word or phrase?
You know what I mean?
What is the most random or quirky thing about you?
I have been paid to write for the Times Educational Supplement.
What is your favourite thing about Plymouth?
The sea and the moors.
What has been the most interesting thing about working at the Barbican Theatre?
It’s all interesting because none of it is stuff I have ever done before. I never know what to expect.
How would you recommend the Barbican Theatre?
It’s an open, accessible, safe space for nurturing young and old people with big fluffy theatre arms.
words by Kate Campbell
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