Helpers and volunteers appeal

 As we look towards busier times again after the pandemic, we are also looking for people who would like to get involved with us, behind the scenes, to help create shows, and increase access to our work. The roles we are looking to fill vary hugely in commitment and theme, but as long as you are based in the relevant area, are reliable & communicative, and love the arts, then we should get along very happily indeed. Please read on to find out what we are looking to fill. If you would like an informal chat about any of these roles, do please drop us an email on southdevonplayers@gmail.com, at any time. 

*NB, at the moment, due to lack of funding, all of these roles are voluntary. We hope, eventually, to be able to make all of these roles paid positions by dint of raising the funds to do so!  Sadly with the Brixham Pannier Market being permanently closed by the town council, we have lost our large second-hand book stall, meaning that we are having to create new sources of fundraising even for basic things like rehearsal space, from scratch. 

COVID NOTE
We would also like to be very clear that we take Covid-safety extremely seriously. While some roles can be done, or at least prepared for, from home and can therefore start sooner rather than later, any roles that involve working out and about with others/ in groups will only begin when it is safe to do so - we estimate August onwards. In the meantime, training and preparation, as far as can be done remotely over Zoom etc, will happen for those roles in preparation.  All of our "face to face" work in groups will have Covid-safety measures in place. 

FUNDRAISERS (largely from home) 

This is a role which can largely be done from home. We are especially looking for someone who is good at writing grant applications, to help us contact funding bodies, for arts funding.

This is likely to require use of a computer, and the internet; the person helping should be reasonably literate and numerate, and able to communicate a real enthusiasm for, and love of the arts. 

Funding could be for specific costs like rehearsal space, costumes, props, etc, towards a specific theatre production, or for general use of the theatre company. 

We are also looking for people who are interested in helping create new innovative ways to fundraise, within our organisations people-power and access to facilities. (This could be online, or in person, or something new altogether; as long as it is legal and ethical!) 

Full support is given, and these roles are ones which are in regular communication with the rest of the theatre company admins, so that we can all work together and not jump on anyone's toes. 

The request for help is because there is more to do than hours in the day for the theatre company admin team, and we desparately need help to be able to apply for things! 

The time commitment varies around what the volunteer is able to do, and does not require strictly kept hours.

​ANY help is amazing. 

THEATRE BUDDIES (Torbay, Plymouth, Bristol)
This is a new venture which we will be trialling in late 2021 and into 2022, when we return to live shows, to increase access to our theatre productions. At the moment we are looking for theatre buddies in our most regular areas of performance; Torbay, Plymouth and Bristol, although we expect to expand this. 

Many people, either older, or with social anxiety, may be worried about attending a theatre production on their own, and therefore do not attend. Sometimes they do not have a partner, or friend who is available to attend with them, and this is where the Theatre Buddies come in. The official theatre buddy will act as a friendly, approachable person who will meet these audience members at the entrance of the show, and faciitate friendly company at the show and during the interval; and if there are several people coming on their own, the theatre buddy will make introductions and facilitate a friendly group experience. Meetings start and end at the theatre or performance venue. 

The theatre buddy will be asked to be in regular contact with the rest of the theatre company for show information, details of any buddy requests, and anything related to making a friendly, welcoming experience for anyone requesting a theatre buddy. 
There is no need to share personal information or contact details, as buddying will be done through the theatre company. 

We will require checkable references for this role. The theatre buddy needs to be trustworthy; positive, respectful of, and patient with, other people of any demographic, able to facilitate friendly conversation; and have excellent communication skills. 

The time committment will involve online or in-person discussions with the theatre admin team at mutual convenience, and attendance at theatre performances up to four evenings per year, in thier local area (with a free ticket and drink for the Theatre Buddy!). 

TRAINEE SOUND & LIGHTING STAGE CREW (Torbay)

We are looking to take on one or two people to join our production team with sound and lighting work for shows. 

This will involve learning to run our basic (but safe and functional) sound/ lighting (and possibly video projection) equipment, and working to production cue scripts, in conjunction with the production team, on our major stage shows from the end of 2021, onwards. 

The ideal trainee will have an excellent eye for, and attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and be able to reliably attend rehearsals and performances.

They should also be communicative with the rest of the team, well-mannered,calm,  tidy & adhere to acceptable social behaviour at all times. 

During spring/summer 2021, theory and distanced training can be provided at mutually agreed times over Zoom, then  From September, the time committment will be one weekday evening and/or one weekend afternoon, with attendance at show performances which take place on Fridays and Saturdays several times a year.