WEEK 2: Being a Box office assistant and Being a Stage Technician

A Box Office Assistant

A Box Office Assistant is part of the administrative team at the theatre. They work at The Box Office, where tickets are sold for performances. Box Office Assistants are responsible for informing and advising the public about performances. They sell and issue tickets to the public via telephone, internet or face-to-face. They use a computerised ticketing system to allocate seats and take reservations. They must ensure that The Box Office space is kept tidy and 'cash up' ('cashing up' means, making sure that the value of the money and credit cards receipts at the till, exactly match the value of the tickets sold). They may also need to collect marketing information (they might be told to ask customers about how they heard of the performance and if they'd like to be added to the mailing list).

The Box Office Assistant is often the person who gives the customer their first impression of The Theatre, so they must have excellent people skills (be polite, very informative and provide friendly assistance and service to the public. They should demonstrate their positive attitude to customers through their posture, by looking presentable and by having welcoming facial expressions). They need organisational skills, exceptional communication skills (they have to talk to customers on the phone and face-to-face), customer service skills (they must be helpful and informative), mathematical skills (they need to handle payments and they have to 'cash up' (experience of cash and credit card handling)) and computer skills (IT, computer software and keyboard skills). In addition, they need be courteous, patient, prepared to work flexible hours, trustworthy (in handling the tills) and and have an interest in entertainment and the arts.

GCSE/ equivalent or higher level qualifications in Mathematics and IT are desirable. As they have to handle cash, they could study for business qualifications. For example they could take courses such as a;

Level 2 Diploma in Business (at places such as City of Wetminister College and City and Islington):
http://www.cwc.ac.uk/Courses/Pages/AR2B4.aspx

Level 3 Diploma in Buisness (at places such as City of Wetminister College and City and Islington):
http://www.cwc.ac.uk/Courses/Pages/AB3A1.aspx

Buisness Degree e.g. a BA Honours International Business Admin (at places such as Middlesex University):
http://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/business_and_management/intl_bus_admin_ba.aspx



Since their job may involve marketing, it helps to have a qualification in marketing, such as a;

Level 2 Diploma in Marketing (at places such as City and Guilds Of London):
http://www.cityandguilds.com/courses-and-qualifications/business-skills/sales-telesales-and-marketing/7712-marketing/level-2

Level 3 Diploma in Marketing (at places such as City and Guilds Of London and Oxford College):
http://courses.independent.co.uk/training/level-3-diploma-in-marketing-b-133868

Marketing Degree e.g. a BA Honours Business Management (Marketing) (at places such as Middlex University):
http://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/business_and_management/business_management_marketing_pathway.aspx
 

It is helpful if they have previous experience of working in a theatre or within The Performing Arts Industry. They may be expected to have experience of working with the computerised ticketing system and to know, or to be trained in, the particular box office system the venue operates, such as The Patron Edge ticketing system or Databox. It is a good idea to have previous experience in dealing with the public e.g. as a Customer Service Assistant.
 

Here is a job post for a Box Office Assistant:
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queens-theatre.co.uk%2Fuserfiles%2Ffile%2FBox%2520Office%2520Assistant%2520-%2520October%25202011(1).pdf&ei=QpwlU7rkCeO10wXzmoBA&usg=AFQjCNHZjeXWf-ULwPb35Hh8Js0-dVj-bg&sig2=ueiANcfnNe7G_wQzgwR9TA&bvm=bv.62922401,d.bGQ

Here is an application form for a Box Office Assistant:
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthemaclive.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F02%2FBox-Office-Assistant-Part-Time-Application-revised.doc&ei=zLoyU_63IorRhAeR_IHgAQ&usg=AFQjCNG59xgJLdWi8vWFG3R34FrrSfoYFg&sig2=AoN0itdpTXjwWKPFhz_9eQ&bvm=bv.63738703,d.bGQ

Box Office Assistants can progress to become Supervisors or Box Office Managers, where their responsibilities would include sales, marketing, events management and venue management responsibilities. There are then possibilities to work in Venue or Event Management in The Performing Arts Business or to develop skills in Marketing and Sales.



 

Stage Technician

Stage Technicians are part of the technical team at the theatre. They report to the Stage Manager, who gives them instructions throughout shows. Some theatres hire permanent Stage Technicians, but most work temporarily (until the end of a shows run) and some are self employed. Their responsibilities include; maintaining the sets for the stage, sometimes they may help to with building the sets and making props (for this they may have to improvise or follow a detailed plan), preparing the stage for performances, unloading materials, equipment and sets from lorries, moving and changing scenery and props throughout shows, opening and closing the stage curtains and tidying up once shows have finished. They need to fill out time sheets which give details on how many hours they've worked, breaks they've taken and the jobs they have done. Other responsibilities include; organising the rigging and setting of lighting, setting up of sound equipment,  operating sound, lighting and other effects during performances (directed by members of the creative and production teams), attending production meetings and regular technical department meetings as required.

There aren't any formal qualifications needed for this job but education to a GCSE or equivalent level is generally expected. Regarding higher qualifications, it is good to have a;

Qualification as an Electrician e.g. a NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Electrotechnical Technology (at places such as City And Guilds Of London and Suffolk New College):
http://www.cityandguilds.com/courses-and-qualifications/building-services-industry/electrical-installation/2330-electrotechnical-technology/level-2

Qualification as an Electrician e.g. a NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Technology (at places such as City And Guilds Of London):
http://www.cityandguilds.com/courses-and-qualifications/building-services-industry/electrical-installation/2330-electrotechnical-technology/level-3



BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Performing Arts (at places such as Kingston College):
http://kingstoncollege.info/subject/performing-arts/btec-level-3-extended-diploma-in-production-arts

BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts (at places such as Hull College and Kingston College):
http://www.hull-college.ac.uk/courses/course/btec-level-3-90-credit-extended-diploma-in-production-arts-technical-theatr
 

Stage Technicians need good general fitness (they need to do a lot of lifting, climbing and bending), they must be good at both working in teams and independently. They might need sewing skills, they must have good spatial awareness, be able to work under pressure, be able to follow a plan, be able to work to deadlines (without rushing the work), be able to work flexible hours and be patient (there are long periods of not doing anything and waiting around for scenery changes during performances). They need to have knowledge of health and safety for the job (safe methods for handling equipment and materials (e.g. power tools, saws, solvent-based adhesives), lifting, working at heights and wearing the correct protective equipment (e.g. masks and goggles).

It helps to have previous work experience as a Carpenter, in Construction, as an Electrician, as a Lighting or Sound Technician or in painting and decorating (e.g. as an Artist or an Exterior/Interior Designer).

Here is a post for a job as a Stage Technician:
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CFQQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.almeida.co.uk%2FDownloads%2FJobDescriptionTheatreTechnician.doc&ei=BrglU57cKIKjhge1vIHYCg&usg=AFQjCNGyNCfq9QrmiX4hRozIOfIwZLK8tQ&sig2=Sa7hkW2RQBH6o0IPyfVT_w

Here is an application form a Stage Technician:
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CD0QFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tees.ac.uk%2Fdocs%2FDocRepo%2FCareers%2FJobs%2FBrochure-job_description15366.pdf&ei=bbsyU-fpD4bwhQfAnID4Dw&usg=AFQjCNFjz3vCA0hYRe6i3BQ1tQZoV5FpAQ&sig2=0e1LxAX0pgk0o6i56jtHng

Stage Technicians can progress to become Deputy Technical Managers, Deputy Chief Electricians, Chief Electricians or Technical Managers. They can also pick an area to specialise in (e.g. lighting, sound or special effects) and become Chief Lighting/ Sound Technicians.

Case Study Questionnaire

 

The Letter

The Letter That I Would Use To Ask An Individual To Participate In My Case Study

Dear Sir/ Madame,

                               My name is Rebecca Smith and I am writing to you, to ask if you would answer my questionnaire for a project for my performing arts college course. I have been asked to question someone within the performing arts industry and I am very interested in your work. If you would like to take part in my questionnaire, I would be very grateful if you would contact me via my email address email- (insert my email address).

 

Thank you for taking time to read my message.

Kind regards

 

Yours Faithfully

Rebecca Smith

The Questionaires

Graham Shackell

1. What is your job title?
I don't really have one. In short, i would say 'performing arts practitioner', specifically my title changes according to need. So sometimes I am the director of an arts company or artistic director, sometimes a performer, or director, writer, project co-ordinator, director of volunteer performers, storyteller, tutor.  Sometimes i am referred to simply as (the or an) artist.

2. Where do you work?

Locally, nationally, and internationally (Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Mexico, Poland).

3. How did you get into the performing arts industry?I joined a community theatre group, started doing street theatre, whilst also learning circus and studying A level theatre studies. I formed my own company and started teaching performing arts and performing/directing.

4. What are your responsibilities?As director of my own company - everything as a freelancer or working with other companies it depends on the role, for example with 'Periplum' i am the director of volunteer performers, usually students, so i am responsible for them

5. Describe a typical day at work.It doesn't exist. My days fall into one of two basic descriptions 1) non contact i.e. admin, writing proposals, applying for work doing accounts and the like. 2) contact days i.e. teaching working on productions, doing research for commissions etc.

6. What training and qualifications do you have?
 A distinction from Antonio Fava's international school of Commedia dell arte, stage combat qualifications, various training residencies and workshops with practitioners and companies ranging from contemporary dance, street theatre, circus etc

7. What experience, skills and qualities are necessary for your job?
Experience- On the job experience, teaching, working with a variety of community and/or professional performers- from musicians to actors, street theatre performers, clowns, circus artists, film makers, visual artists producers, bookers and commissioners, town councils, festival organisers etc. etc.

Qualities- Patience, tolerance, calm authority, creativity, a sense of fun, quick appraisal of peoples abilities and personalities.

 

Skills- depends on project from technical and artistic skills.

 

8. What do you like most and least about your job and why?

I like being creative, working creatively with other people and seeing positive effects in people as a result of my work.

 

I hate not having work.

9. Do you have an agent? If you do, do you find having an agent necessary and why/why not?
No, as I'm not a jobbing actor.

10. Do you have advice for anyone who is trying to get into the performing arts industry?
Go for it! Having a positive attitude is more important than talent. Be nice to people, choose the training right for you, and don't let yourself be made into a clone of a million other actor/actress.




Matt Flint

http://www.mattflint.co.uk/

 

1. What is your job title?

Nowadays I would title myself Dancer/Choreographer/Creative Director.
2. Where do you work?

Ha. I work all over the place. Theatres, TV studios, Film lots. Dance Studios. Most recently, I've been working at the BBC, Pinewood Film Studios.
3. How did you get into the performing arts industry?

I began dancing at age 12 & after 4 years I moved to London to further my training. I was hooked straight away really - I loved the idea of working in the industry & I'm very lucky as I feel I've never worked a day in my life.
4. What are your responsibilities?

I am responsible for producing quality work for TV shows etc. Also, I employ a lot dancers - so it is my job to make sure they are treated properly. I also run an events company, Can You Dance? & it is my responsibility that the events deliver everything the young dancers want.
5. Describe a typical day at work.

No 2 days are ever the same, which I love. I normally get up around 7am, do some work from home on 'CYD?' then I head out to do rehearsals, meetings etc. I always try to fit in some training every other day.
6. What training and qualifications do you have?

I did a 3yr Musical Theatre course at Laine Theatre Arts leaving with a Diploma.
7. What experience, skills and qualities are necessary for your job?

People skills are essential. Keeping fit. Creatives & Casting Directors like to employ people with experience - so early on it's important that you head out & get that experience you need.
8. What do you like most and least about your job and why?

The thing I like most is it doesn't feel like a job, just always having fun :). The industry can be ruthless. One minute you could be in a top west end show the next minute having to fill in the time with a "normal" job!
9. Do you have an agent? If you do, do you find having an agent necessary and why/why not?

I have been with my agent for 12 years now. It is essential. Not only to get you in the room for auditions but to do the deals for you & make sure every thing is in line & you don't get exploited. Its catch 22 with a lot of top agents. You normally can't get one until they see you in a show, but its hard to get that 1st show without an agent. Open auditions are one way in.
10. Do you have advice for anyone who is trying to get into the performing arts industry?
Get your head down & work hard. Sweat in every class. Look for inspiration outside of your bubble.

Luck favours the prepared!!

Note: He also gave me the link to a questionnaire that he did for 'Musical Theatre Blog': http://www.musicaltheatreblog.com/matt-flint-choreographer-dancer/




Sebastion Johnson- Asoon

1. What is your job title?

At the moment I'm an usher.
2. Where do you work?
The National Theatre in Southbank.
3. How did you get into the performing arts industry?

I saw an advert when I was looking for jobs on the computer.
4. What are your responsibilities?

I make sure customers know where their sitting, clean up after them, sometimes I sell Ice-cream, programmes and more.
5. Describe a typical day at work.

I get to work in the evening and get ready for the people to arrive. Then I show them to their seats and sell things like ice-cream at intervals. Then I clean up their rubbish. It varies from day to day really.
6. What training and qualifications do you have?

A-levels and music diploma.
7. What experience, skills and qualities are necessary for your job?

You got to be polite, friendly and nice to customers. You end up talking to them a lot. And you got to be good at working with people.
8. What do you like most and least about your job and why?

The people I work with are nice but you got to work pretty late.
9. Do you have an agent? If you do, do you find having an agent necessary and why/why not?

No. I don't need one for my job.
10. Do you have advice for anyone who is trying to get into the performing arts industry?Look around for jobs on the Internet and study hard.