Volunteer at the Out There Festival
Person Specification
Whilst the different roles have their own specific duties, we ask that all Out There Festival volunteers possess the following skills and attributes:
- A positive and enthusiastic attitude
- Friendly and helpful
- Good verbal communication skills, with an approachable and friendly nature
- The ability to work as part of a team as well as using your own initiative
- To be comfortable with the unpredictable and respond well to the unexpected
- A good knowledge of the locations of the festival
- Willingness to learn
- Good knowledge of the festival programme (assisted by Out There Festival briefings)
- Commitment to, and flexibility with, shifts
- A willingness to support Out There Festival’s commitment to Equal Opportunities and Diversity
- A love of the arts and community To be responsible, reliable and punctual
- Work outdoors in all weathers
Stage Manager Assistants
- Be a point of contact and representative of the festival
- Welcome and provide information to audiences and artists, generally assisting with the smooth running of events and performances
- Interact proactively with the public/audiences as required, e.g., helping them find the pitches they are looking for, hand out brochures
- Collect donations at pitches before or after shows
- Keep the festival clear of litter
- Work with the Crew and Production teams in managing crowds at performances
- Ensure the safety of the crowd/audience, e.g., in the event of an emergency evacuation
- Perform light lifting and manual tasks if you are willing and able to do so, such as moving chairs and benches
Merchandise and Info Point Assistant
Helping to sell merchandise and hand out brochures from one of our funky vintage caravans. Stewards will always work with another person in this role and, although you may handle money if you are happy to do so, you won’t be responsible for looking after the money.
- Perfect for someone who is friendly and welcoming
- Needs to have a good knowledge of the area as well as a good memory
- Keen to help even if you don’t have the answer
Pitch Assistants
Working with the stage manager of a performance area. You may guide audiences to sit and stand in the right places to maximise audience size and good viewing. You’ll also make sure accessible viewing areas are reserved for people with access needs. There may be some moving of seating between shows and wiping down if there’s rain. You may also hold a donation bucket for audiences to contribute to before or after a performance.
Walkabout Stewards
Accompany some of the promenade performances to ensure the artists’ paths are clear and audiences don’t trip over themselves when transfixed by the captivating performance!
Workshop Assistants
A small cohort of experienced, artistic, practical folk will support artists to help the public, young and old, to participate in art and craft workshops.
Access Buddies
A point of contact at the Access Hub, giving information on the accessible performances, including BSL and audio-described shows and touch tours, and directing people to the quiet spaces, disabled loos. Buddies will be available to advise on and escort visitors to SEND friendly shows. They’ll help people to get to suitable viewing spots in the audience and generally be a friendly face at the festival.
- Some experience working with people with SEND, physical disabilities, visual impairment or d/Deaf people
- Confident talking to people from all backgrounds
- Calm and welcoming
Green Team
We have lots of gardening, growing and planting to do in the lead up to the festival. You are also welcome to continue this after the festival as we have gardens at both the Ice House and the Drill House that need to be maintained year round.
- Resourceful
- Green thumb
- Keen to get stuck in
- Environmentally conscious
Performance & Participation Opportunities
This year there are six shows that require community participants and performers.
Community Parade – Celebrate the culmination of a three-year national coastal heritage and culture project – Beach of Dreams. Walk with a parade of music and flags, with the added of option of being part of the beach dance.
Gorilla Circus – Be part of two opposing factions, the Free Thinkers and the Digiverse. March with placards and cause a commotion in the lead-in to the 9pm world premiere of Gorilla’s new show.
Rudkin & Hicks – Find your feet with Tony & Ray’s dance flash mob. No need to be a professional dancer.
Jones & Barnard – An ensemble of mythological characters are required for a comedy promenade show looking at dreams of sleep and hearts’ desires.
Martin Thompson’s Photo Booth – Assist with the fantastical circus photo booth. Help with incredible costumes and poses. Need to be good with technology as the photos are printed on the spot.
Loser’s Arcade – Back for a third year at Out There Festival, The Losers Arcade puts the fun back into failure with wacky, pointless games and obscure challenges. Be part of the cheerful, friendly team of arcade attendants complete with homemade neon rave uniforms.
Apply
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with what’s on offer, you can share your preferences with us in the online application form– we will try our best to accommodate your preferences. If you have any questions contact taraneh@outtherearts.org.uk.
Apply Now!