Download Assistant Stage Manager (ASM)

 January 2012 Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) Job Description “An attractive alternative to Regent’s Park and Shakespeare’s Globe” The Guardian 4**** Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is run by Chester Performs, a leading producer of arts projects in and around Chester. Launched in 2010, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is the only full time professional open air theatre company outside of London. In 2011 we staged Shakespeare’s As You Like It, directed by Nikolai Foster and a newly commissioned play Merlin and the Woods of Time, written by Glyn Maxwell and directed by Alex Clifton. The six and a half week run was performed in rep by a talented cast of 15 professional actors and musicians. Over 9,100 people attended the season, which received 4 * reviews in both The Guardian and The Telegraph. The theatre is a unique, temporary amphitheatre structure with 350 picnic spaces and seats. Audiences are invited to bring their own picnics and although unreserved, they can choose which area to sit in when they book tickets. The stage is at ground level and thrust style, creating an intimate theatre setting for both Company and audience. The 2012 season will run from 6th July through to Sunday 19th August and comprise of a production of Twelfth Night, Directed By Alex Clifton and Masters Are You Mad?, a new musical play, based around the story of Malvolio written by Glyn Maxwell. There will also be a youth company project and a programme of talks and tours to compliment. Rehearsals will take place in London for five weeks from 28th May, with the productions opening in Chester on 6th July (Twelfth Night) and 13th July (Masters Are You Mad?). The theatre is in the open air, light on technology but heavy on set design, costumes and artistic quality. It’s a great opportunity to work in close collaboration with a highly talented cast and crew on a new but already well respected and resourced project. Chester Performs is funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council and is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Full information at www.grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk and www.chesterperforms.com Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) The Assistant Stage Manager will play a key role in the development and delivery of the 2012 Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre season, working on both Twelfth Night and Masters Are You Mad? as well as the youth company project. Line Management The Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) reports to the Stage Manager (SM) and has responsibility for deputising for the Deputy Stage Manager. Main duties Production: • Ensure all props and furniture are well looked after and repaired as required. • Co-­‐ordinate all returns and ensure props and furniture are returned in good condition. • Assist with costume and scenery changes as required. • Maintain a good level of communication with the acting company and relay any issues to the Stage Manager. Rehearsals: • Make and source props and furniture for the production within the budgets allocated. • Maintain excellent communication between the rehearsal room and the rest of the organisation. Particularly with matters relating to Health & Safety and which directly effect other departments. • Maintain the rehearsal room in a suitable condition, and ensure rehearsal props / furniture is in place. General: • Ensure that Health & Safety legislation is adhered to and that safe working practices are observed in the rehearsal room and on site. • To be in attendance at rehearsals and at every performance. • To assist in the pastoral care of the acting company, and to communicate issues as they arise. • To assist with the set up and maintenance of all back stage areas, including dressing rooms, green room, props stores, and production offices. Ensuring a well organised and safe physical working environment is maintained at all times. • To assist with the Youth Company project as required and act as a mentor to the Youth Company production team. • To act as lighting operator for shows as required. • To deputise for the Deputy Stage Manager in their absence. • To undertake any other duties which may be reasonably required by the Company Manager, Stage Manager or Deputy Stage Manager. ASM GPOAT 2012 Person specification Essential: • Previous experience of the role, preferably within a similar-­‐sized production company • Demonstrable ability to perform the duties listed above • An organised yet flexible approach and calm under pressure • Demonstrable ability to work as part of a team and under your own initiative • Ability to be creative and resourceful in problem solving • Awareness and experience of health and safety legislation and practice • Experience of Set, Costume or Prop construction Desirable: • Experience of working on outdoor site specific theatre projects • Demonstrable ability to operate lighting and sound equipment • First aid qualification (training can be provided) • UK driving licence • Full CRB check (can be applied for) Terms and conditions Fixed term contract from 28th May to 20th August 2012. Remuneration: £397.33 per 43-­‐hour, 6-­‐day week based on a Monday to Sunday working week (inclusive of Sunday premium). Subsistence allowances are available for relocation (£144.90pw) and commuting (£121.05pw) where qualifying. Further terms and conditions as per ITC/Equity form of Engagement for Actors and Stage Managers (Subsidised Repertory Theatres’ Agreement). Evening and weekend work is required. You may be required to work on bank and public holidays. A full production schedule is attached. Owing to the seasonal nature of the operation, you are unable to take annual leave during the engagement, for which payment in lieu will be made. Equal opportunities We will consider all qualified applicants equally regardless of marital status, gender, sexuality, disability, age, colour, race, religion, nationality, ethnic or national origins. How to apply Please send a CV and supporting letter of application by email to [email protected]. All applicants must also complete an Equal Opportunities monitoring form, which can be downloaded from www.chesterperforms.com. Application deadline: Thursday 2nd February 2012 Interviews: Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th February 2012 If you have any questions please email [email protected] or call 01244 409113. www.chesterperforms.com ASM GPOAT 2012