Job Description:
The job of an artistic director is to
develop the artistic vision and focus of a theatre
company. They have to make important decisions about the ongoing development of theatre productions, after consulting with the chief administrative officer. In some companies the position of artistic director and chief
administrative officer are
combined into one. Artistic directors form a link between all teams involved in theatre (production, technical and creative). Their main responsibility is to interpret a script and picture the final result of the production, before making it into a visual reality. Often they are present from early production stages and rehearsals right through to the final performance.
Responsibilities:
- Interpreting the script and coming up with the style and creative vision
- Adapting the script in collaboration with the writer or playwright
- Holding auditions for productions
- Conducting rehearsals
- Directing the production team on visual or sound effects
- Fulfilling the needs of the financiers and ensuring that the production keeps to budget
- Hiring, supervising and evaluating the artistic team including directors, performers, designers, and stage managers
- Hiring, supervising and evaluating the technical team, including the Production Manager and the Technical Director
- Developing, implementing, and evaluating programs for the year
- With chief administrative officer, developing annual program budgets
- Acting as a spokesperson for the organisation's artistic purpose via speaking engagements, public and social appearances, and, as requested, at fundraising events and solicitations
- Developing good relations with other cultural organisations by participating in meetings and joint activities where appropriate
- Reporting to the Board of Directors on a regular basis to give updates on artistic activity
- Supervising the maintenance of written procedures manual for technical and production staff
Experience:
Normally they need to have a lot of experience working in theatre as an actor, writer, designer, producer, assistant director or stage manager. It is a good idea to gain directing experience from school or community productions, fringe theatre productions or through a drama society. They could also gain experience from forming their own theatre company. In order to learn more about the organisational structure of a theatre, aspiring artistic directors could work with the front-of-house team, as a steward or box-office clerk. They could also work the wardrobe department, with the stage crew, or in the lighting or sound departments. All of which will help them to understand how the different theatre departments work.
Training and Qualifications:
There are no compulsory academic qualifications required for this role however it is beneficial to have the following qualifications:
- BA (Hons) in Stage Management (at places such as Birmingham City University or Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama):
http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/courses/ba_stage_management.aspx
- BA (Hons) in Technical Theatre (at places such as University Of Derby or Guildhall School Of Music And Drama):
http://www.gsmd.ac.uk/technical_theatre/
- BA (Hons) in English literature (at places such as Kingston University or Leeds Metropolitan University):
http://courses.leedsmet.ac.uk/#/englishlit
- BA (Hons) in Theatre Studies (at places such as University of Surrey or University of East London):
http://www.uel.ac.uk/undergraduate/specs/theatre/
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music (at places such as Walsall College or Kinderminster College):
http://www.kidderminster.ac.uk/Full-Time-Course/Level-3-BTEC-Extended-Diploma-in-Music-Performance/111/
- BA (Hons) in Music (at places such as Plymouth University or Falmouth University ):
http://www.falmouth.ac.uk/music
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (at places such as Walsall College or City Of Westminister College ):
http://www.cwc.ac.uk/Courses/Pages/AAFN.aspx
- BA (Hons) in Performing arts (at places such as De Montfort University or University of Sunderland):
http://www.sunderland.ac.uk/courses/artsdesignandmedia/undergraduate/performing-arts/
Job Posts:
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CFYQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.m6theatre.co.uk%2Fdownloads%2Fnews%2FM6_ARTISTIC_DIRECTOR_APPLICATION_PACK_FINAL_220312.doc&ei=ZueWU52MGKnI0AWl_oGQDw&usg=AFQjCNGYmjZH50ny8dtvDTLOjb2NiI_rvw&sig2=JVGqGJ0tITejsOcwQiIKXw
http://www.charityjob.co.uk/Jobs/328511/Artistic-Director?rid=54&utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed
Application Forms:
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=10&ved=0CGwQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fopenclasp.org.uk%2Fuploads%2FProducer%2520Application%2520Pack.doc&ei=GgKXU8OeEoKk0QWUooDoDA&usg=AFQjCNFk2V3Gd2eK3BjX5tRW55Ddw0gKaQ&sig2=4yi3mZR6sBSP7reLCBJyOA
Career Progression:
Usually a minimum of ten years experience of working in this field is required to apply for senior posts. Some experienced artistic directors may set up their own companies or theatre venues, while others may accept residencies as associate or artistic directors in a particular venue, where they will be responsible for the complete programme of productions in a season. These roles are normally managerial as they involve planning, budgeting, etc.. Some artistic directors move on to work in film and television directing which can lead to an increase in salary
Case Study:
Artistic Director: Grahem Shacknell (please find case study on week 2)
Dancer
Job Description:
Dancers use movement to interpret music, tell stories and to express emotion. This normally involves interpreting the work of a choreographer, although it may sometimes require improvisation. They can dance in front of live audiences or in recorded performances for television, film or music videos. They can perform in a number of genres including classical ballet, modern stage dance, contemporary dance, street dance and African or Asian dance. They may perform to a live audience or take part in a recorded performance for television, film or music video. Some dancers choose to combine performance with teaching, choreography or administrative work in a dance company.
Responsibilities:
Skills And Qualities:
Experience:
Aspiring dancers need a high level of training and ability in at least one form of dance. Most dancers start taking dance classes from a young age, often taking graded exams from dance award organisations such as the British Ballet Organisation or the Royal Academy of Dance. Joining a local dance company or dance helps to build experience of performing. Work shadowing a dance teacher can also be useful. The more styles of dance they have experience in, the more likely they will be to find jobs.
Training and Qualifications:
Training continues throughout a dancers career and some may choose to gain qualifications in related areas. The following qualifications are beneficial:
- BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Dance (at places such as Guthlaxton College):
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance (at places such as Bridgwater College or City College Brighton and Hove):
http://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/courses/fulltime/street-jazz-dance-btec-extended-diploma-level-3-sept-11-5507.html
- BA (Hons) in Dance (at places such as Kingston University or Leeds Metropolitan University):
http://courses.leedsmet.ac.uk/#/dance
- BA (Hons) in Dance Performance and Teaching (at places such as University of Central Lancashire):
- BA (Hons) in Dance and Choreography (at places such as Falmouth University or The University of Winchester):
http://www.winchester.ac.uk/Studyhere/Pages/ba-hons-choreography-and-dance.aspx
Job Posts:
http://www.dancerspro.com/uk/job_view.php?uid=227710
http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/Dancers-wanted/Live-performance/new_dancers_to_join_our_books.htm
Application Forms:
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CD4QFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teachkidsdance.com%2FWildfire_Dance_job_app_101310.pdf&ei=lxiXU4rKOMjZPIvsgdAJ&usg=AFQjCNEIRvdj0xX5_Vb3RYrl4UWUdW7UNw&sig2=teQdz2xqXt99m8P1e1tGvA
http://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/job-opportunities/vacancies/graduate-internship-learning-and-participation-(dance)
Career Progression:
Many dancers progress to become dance teachers. Some go on to open up their own dance school or dance company, while others become dance captains or choreographers ( they usually start of as assistant choreographers and then become choreographers) or work as dance notators. Dancers may choose to become dance administrators or work for dance development organisations. They can also use their knowledge of dance to write articles or review performances in the press. On the other hand, some choose to become dance movement psychotherapists.
Case Study:
Dancer: Matt Flint (please find case study on week 2)
Usher
Job Description:
Ushers who work in theatres assist the people attending theatrical shows. It is their job to collect tickets from the public and then to direct them to their seats. They may be responsible for handing out programs, making sure that fire exits are clear and reminding the public to keep mobile phones turned off. Ushers may also be responsible for keeping disruptive people under control and moving those sitting in the wrong seats. In the event of emergencies, ushers help people to leave the theatre in a calm and orderly fashion.
Responsibilities:
- checking tickets
- showing people to their seats
- selling programmes
- selling refreshments from trays or kiosks during the interval
- dealing with any problems or complaints
- re-stocking the refreshment kiosks and trays
- collecting litter and tidying up after a show
- being responsible for health and safety, for example, making sure fire exits are not blocked
- May also work in the venue's cafe, bar or box office
Experience:
It is a good idea to gain experience of working with people in a hospitality/customer service role e.g. as a shop assistant. People may be able to become Ushers through a customer service apprenticeship schemes.
Training and Qualifications:
There are no compulsory academic qualifications required for this role. However it is beneficial to have a GCSE level education. It is even better to have the following qualifications:
- Level 1/2/3 (NVQ) Certificate in Customer Service (at places such as Brooklands College):
- Level 2 Award in the Principles of Customer Service in Hospitality, Leisure, Travel & Tourism (at places such as City And Guilds Of London Institute):
Job Posts:
https://www.amctheatres.com/careers/theatre-crew/usher
https://www.hrapply.com/mgmresorts/AppJobView.jsp?link=180588&page=AppJobList.jsp&skimSessionName=com.hrlogix.view.cont.app.JobListTable&skimName=requisition.requisition_id&skimNdx=20&op=reset&electronic_referral=indeed
Application Forms:
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.salisburyplayhouse.com%2Fpage%2Fvolunteer-usher-application&ei=UTOcU4_LJIbaOMC1gbAB&usg=AFQjCNFwKu6HNxlgvQQUXv7SFyFEbjkkgQ&sig2=O7mJLepsqApx5kkONpiGgw
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CEcQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thelowry.com%2FDownloads%2FFOH%2FApplication_Pack.doc&ei=UTOcU4_LJIbaOMC1gbAB&usg=AFQjCNGNIxz99jlHCg2zwU_skPBHJ4aaSw&sig2=cquLwtj_jNcYcraQIzsMSw
Career Progression:
Some ushers can progress to management or box office jobs. While others might move on to become head usher.
Case Study:
Usher: Sebastion Johnson- Asoon (please find case study on week 2)
Lighting Technician
Job Description:
Lighting technicians provide lighting and lighting effects for live events such as theatre productions, concerts and conferences, as well as for film and TV productions. Some lighting technicians work alone on small theatre productions or conferences and others are required to work with a large crew for concert tours, West end productions or feature films. Lighting technicians work can range from spotlighting for a conference or presentation to operating strobes, lasers and pyrotechnics for concerts or theatre productions.
Responsibilities:
Skills And Qualities:
Experience:
Lighting technicians can begin their career as apprentice lighting technicians, lighting electricians or lighting assistants. Aspiring lighting technicians can find traineeships with specialist lighting companies. They can find experience with lighting equipment hire companies, work placements, in theatres or concert venues, with amateur theatre, or with student/community film projects.
It is possible to go on an lighting technician apprenticeship for further experience. Here is example:
http://goodpeopleconnect.theresumator.com/apply/job_20140417090759_T21GNC6Z3COZUDU6/Lighting-Apprentice.html?source=INDE
Training and Qualifications:
Their are two main routes to becoming a lighting technician. They can either qualify as an electrician and gain practical experience in production lighting, or they could take a technical theatre course at college or university. Relevant electrician courses include:
http://www.cityandguilds.com/courses-and-qualifications/building-services-industry/electrical-installation/2357-electro-technical-technology/level-3
http://www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/courses2/elen3.asp
http://www.carshalton.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships/eclectrical-installation/EA3021/
http://www.southampton-city.ac.uk/adult/course_view.asp?id=1897&area=adult
http://www.newbury-college.ac.uk/courses/engineering/101/3554-diploma-in-electrical-installations-buildings-and-structures-2365-03-level-3.html
http://kcollege.ac.uk/electrical/858-level-2/10281-electrical-installation-building-a-structures-city-a-guilds-2365-diploma-level-2.html
Relevent Technical Theatre Course include:
- BTEC level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Production Arts (at places such as Kingston College or Hull College):
http://www.hull-college.ac.uk/courses/course/btec-level-3-90-credit-extended-diploma-in-production-arts-technical-theatr
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Technical Theatre (at places such as West Cheshire College or Stratford-Upon-Avon):
http://www.stratford.ac.uk/Courses/CourseRecord.aspx?recordid=879
- BA (Hons) in Lighting Design (at places such as Royal Central or Rose Bruford College of Theatre And Performance):
https://www.bruford.ac.uk/courses/lighting-design.aspx
- BA (Hons) in Lighting Technology (at places such as University of South Wales):
- BA (Hons) in Technical Theatre (at places such as University of Derby or Guildhall School of Music and Drama):
http://www.gsmd.ac.uk/technical_theatre/
Job Posts:
http://www.eteach.com/microsite/jobdetails.aspx?vacno=524274&Page=1
http://www.indeed.co.uk/viewjob?cmp=Carnival-Cruise-Lines&t=Entertainment+Technician&jk=9bd700e2ddaffc25&sjdu=QwrRXKrqZ3CNX5W-O9jEvR5swzcJxaaX03VnKYCVoZmemtTA2uxKa-SZOqMJ9od4FcGJhuXGRl6mBKzmh0SvEuHWlqGBwB9U87o0b3NEn28
Application Forms:
http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/document/senior-lighting-technician-3b-application-form
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CFEQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fd1wf8hd6ovssje.cloudfront.net%2Fdocuments%2FAPP%2520-%2520Lighting%2520Technician%2520Grade%25204%2520-%2520June%252013.doc&ei=nvFcU5edN8PBOKqYgbAP&usg=AFQjCNEviUxBcy4UOy_xryko0CMnfozMJQ&sig2=x0OgIDatBt4oyw6IVaGrWw
Career Progression:
In film or TV, lighting technicians can progress to become senior electricians (known as best boys)and chief electricians (gaffers). With experience and further training a lighting technician could become a lighting cameraperson (director of photography), lighting designer or a lighting director. In the theatre, they could progress to technical stage manager or lighting designer.
Case Study:
Lighting technician: James
Relevant experience is invaluable when applying for a job in this area so it's important to try and get any experience you can, even if it's unpaid
I was interested in developing a career in theatre lighting but my degree course was a sandwich course with the BBC and it was this experience that really helped me when I was ready to apply for a full-time job.The degree gave me a good solid grounding in electrical theory but the job also requires many practical skills. The degree was relevant but not essential to do the job and much of my development has taken place in the course of my day-to-day work.
It's not easy to get in to a lighting technician role in this industry but it's easier to move to a job you want to do once you are in. Relevant experience is invaluable when applying for a job in this area, as it demonstrates your interest in and commitment to pursuing a career in this field.
During my day-to-day work, I liaise closely with the electricians who rig the lights and my job is to operate the lighting console which balances the lights and then save this in memory. Picture appreciation is an important skill that takes some time to learn. The most enjoyable aspect of my role is that there's plenty of variety, the opportunity to travel and work at a wide variety of events and even work on jobs that take me overseas. The downside, however, is that it is quite hard to move up the career ladder as opportunities are limited. The hours of work can also be quite long and unsocial.
Actor
Job Description:
An actor communicates a character and/or situations to an audience using speech, body language and movement. They interpret the writer's work under the instruction and support of a director. Sometimes actors are required to devise a character or improvise the reactions of a character to a situation. Their work can range from working in large theatre productions or community theatre to soap operas, radio work and film parts. They may have to act alone or as part of a cast of actors. In smaller theatre companies, actors may also be involved in the administration, publicity and the staging of their performances.
Responsibilities:
Skills And Qualities:
Experience:
Many actors gain experience from attending amateur, community or youth theatre groups. Some take part in regional, national and international student drama festivals and competitions and others take part in various actors’ workshops, summer schools and part-time classes. It is also beneficial for them to undertake work experience at theatres or work placement schemes in order to gain a wider understanding of how specific areas of the industry work. Numerous actors begin their career working as holiday camp entertainers or taking similar jobs with a tour operator or holiday resort. While others find work as extras in TV programmes and adverts. Experience and skill in other tings such as; singing, dancing, stage combat, horse riding, juggling, circus skills or playing a musical instrument, can be a big advantage in gaining employment.
Training and Qualifications:
It is not essential to have any particular qualifications to become an actor but it is useful to have taken the following courses:
- BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Performing Arts (at places such as Harrow College or Brooklands College):
http://www.brooklands.ac.uk/course/btec-level-2-diploma-in-performing-arts
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts (at places such as City Of Westminister College or Walsall College):
http://www.walsallcollege.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/btec-level-3-extended-diploma-in-performing-arts-acting/
- BA (Hons) in Performing Arts (at place such as University of South Wales or Leeds Metropolitan University):
Audition- All applicants are interviewed as part of an audition process. At the interview/audition they take part in a group workshop and they are asked to take direction in the audition speech that has been prepared. In the interview their reasons for wanting to join the course are explored.
http://courses.leedsmet.ac.uk/#/performance
Audition- Successful applicants to this course are required to attend an audition. Audition dates are published in due course. Invitations are sent via UCAS and should be checked on their UCAS Track accounts for further audition details.
- BA (Hons) in Acting/Drama (at places such as Guildford School Of Acting or Edge Hill University):
Audition- http://gsauk.org/apply/auditions/
https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/study/courses/drama
Audition- https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/performingarts/admissions-interview-and-audition-guidance/
Job Posts:
http://www.recruit.net/job/actor-(female)_london_jobs/16EFD1A30427C8E9?source=simplyhired&utm_source=simplyhired&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=organic_uk
http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/arts-job/post/male-actor-groupworker-2/
Application Forms:
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CHcQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.talentandcompany.com%2Fdownload.php&ei=lwhdU76jI8S3O_SlgMgF&usg=AFQjCNGMAW4g9QW28LKR9GTGd9ad_dS8yA&sig2=9Xz0-Yr8SRPZHQ03-CHKCQ
http://www.aaeg.com/submisformfem.html
Career Progression:
Actors may move between theatre, radio, television and film. Some actors specialise in these or in certain areas of performance such as physical theatre or forum theatre and focus on working their way up within that particular area. There may also be opportunities to move into other aspects of work, such as managing theatre companies, scriptwriting or directing. This is more likely in smaller companies, where these skills can be combined with acting. Some actors set up their own theatre or film/television production companies. While other actors choose to use their skills for teaching, lecturing or drama therapy.
Case Study:
Actor: Grahem Shacknell (please find case study on week 2)
Actor: Emma Lumsden
Emma initially did a foundation course and then studied for a degree in musical theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
I come from a really musical family and when I was seven was taken to a production of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, where I fell in love with musical theatre. I chose acting because I love the variety of the work and particularly love live theatre - every audience is unique, which makes every performance unique too.
Going to drama school was useful for several reasons. It was hard work and taught me a lot of discipline. For example if you turned up late you were ‘locked out’ of all the classes for the day. It really expanded my range of skills and because you’re training alongside 40+ other people you’re getting exposed to loads of ideas and creativity. It’s also good for getting seen by agents and in the final year we focused on putting together a series of showcases for agents/casting directors. There were lots of opportunities for agents to see your work, and over the course of the different shows they saw the full range of your skills.
Having an agent is pretty important, it is possible to get along without one but it makes everything much harder. You have to be even more proactive than you would otherwise, making lots of phone calls and sending your CV to casting directors - all the sorts of things that an agent would do for you. It’s also useful to have that support and someone who can be a sounding board if you’re getting frustrated or de-motivated. Most of my friends who don’t have agents have tended to only get fringe work and their focus is now as much about getting an agent as getting work. The one advantage of operating without an agent is that you get to keep more of the money you earn, but in most cases you’ll be earning less without one anyway. All agents are different though and it’s important to find one who’s right for you.
It’s good, especially early in your career, to have other ways of earning money, because there’ll be times when you’re really broke. Things like attending dance classes or monologue workshops are important for keeping your skills sharp if you’re not working and they cost money. When I first graduated I did plenty of random temp jobs, including lots of promotions work, but you can’t rely on these to always be available. The turning point for me was when I had to dress up as a Pot Noodle to hand out leaflets for a promotional campaign. I decided I needed a more reliable and enjoyable way of earning money and so I recently completed a fitness instructor qualification. The financial security of knowing you’ll always be able to pay your rent, and also to be able to afford small luxuries like nice clothes occasionally, really helps to maintain energy and enthusiasm for acting. Plus fitness instructing is a flexible job which still allows me to attend auditions.
I’d recommend acting, but it’s definitely a career that needs lots of determination. You have to be focused and really want to do it, because they’ll be lots of ups and downs along the way.
Arts Administrator
Job Description:
An arts administrator manages services and also, plans and organise arts activities. They can work at theatres, art galleries, museums, music festivals, concert venues, opera houses or dance companies, community and disability arts, the Arts Council, regional arts board and local authorities.
An administrator in a small organisation may have responsibilities ranging from marketing and booking performers to finance and insurance matters. In larger organisations they may specialise in specific administrative areas such as programming, front-of-house management, public relations, marketing, education or sponsorship.
Responsibilities:
Skills And Qualities:
Experience:
Aspiring arts administrators can gain the relevant experience through volunteering or temporary work. For example they could; help with student or community drama productions or concerts; become involved with community events such as street carnivals; work front of house or at a box office at arts centres, cinemas or theatres; take relevant temporary jobs, e.g. with arts festivals. Some arts administrators begin their careers working in secretarial or support/assistant roles.
It is possible to go on an arts administration apprenticeship to gain further experience. Here is an example:
http://www.indeed.co.uk/cmp/Apprenticeship-Connect/jobs/Administrator-Apprentice-06cad8fe1d740274
Training and Qualifications:
There are no particular qualifications needed to become an arts administrator, but most employers expect GCSE level qualifications. A degree level qualification gives them an even better chance of gaining employment. Relevant courses include:
http://www.liv-coll.ac.uk/Apprenticeship-Framework-in-Community-Arts-Administration-level-2-c454.html
http://www.leicestercollege.ac.uk/?s=-&search_option=coursedetails&search_submit=Search&UIOID=331493&CourseCode=C2412&CourseTitle=Community%20Arts%20Administration%20Intermediate%20Apprenticeship&CourseLevelDescription=Level%202
http://www.northbrook.ac.uk/courses/?s=&code=FFDSPM
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate-courses/arts-and-festivals-management-ba-degree/arts-and-festivals-management-ba.aspx
http://aub.ac.uk/courses/ba/ba-arts-event-management/
https://courses.leedsmet.ac.uk/#/entertainmentmgt
http://www.falmouth.ac.uk/entertainmentmanagement
http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/0419/Pages/CourseOverview.aspx
http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/q70.htm
Job Posts:
http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/?vac_ref=913374488&utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed
http://joodis.net/jobs-uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7174060&utm_source=Trovit&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Premium
Application Forms:
http://jobview.monster.co.uk/Apply/Apply.aspx?JobID=132197146
Career Progression:
Career progression may include becoming a general manager, director or chief executive of an arts company or local authority arts division. Some Arts Administrators go on to become arts officers or managers, some do freelance work or become consultants for organisations developing arts policies and activities. While other administrators make the transition from the arts sector of administration into public, private or voluntary sectors.
Case Study:
Assistant officer at Arts Council England: Laura Simms
Laura has a BA in Interactive Arts from Manchester Metropolitan University. She graduated in 2006 and after building up experience in administrative roles and by doing voluntary and paid work at various art festivals she secured a position at the Arts Council England as an assistant officer.
I left university and struggled to find work, so I put my CV about and got office experience from a number of temping jobs. I also worked as a temporary teaching assistant at a number of schools in Greater Manchester and spent time running summer play schemes.I got voluntary and paid work at a number of festivals across the UK and Ireland, where I ran the mask-making, costume and shadow puppetry workshops with children. In my spare time I produced artwork and exhibited at a number of shows with fellow graduates, worked as a DJ at club nights and played in a band. In addition I volunteered with a local arts organisation working on their costumes for an upcoming performance.
I sought out a variety of experiences, and through an agency I was offered temporary work at the Arts Council North West office covering reception. From there, I built up experience at the office doing data entry, financial and general administration in different departments, gradually leading to a permanent position.
I wouldn’t say a particular degree was needed, although a strong interest in the arts is essential, as well as administrative experience. Strong communication skills (both oral and written) are crucial, plus basic financial skills. Where I work now, staff are also required to work well under pressure, work independently and as part of a team, and attention to detail is necessary.
A typical office-based day would involve checking my emails and phone messages, as well as taking minutes at meetings with arts organisations. I provide advice and feedback to grant applicants, and review information used for conditions of payment for both our grant recipients and the organisations that we regularly fund. Often I will visit arts organisations with another member of staff for meetings, or deliver advice sessions with potential grant applicants. Sometimes I help with the running of large Arts Council events in the region.
During my time here I have taken a number of day courses including an introduction to project management, how to give an effective presentation and working with local authorities.
I really love discovering more about the arts in the North West. I get to know early on about exciting events coming up in the area. Through my job, I’ve also learnt that I enjoy art forms that I had no idea I would like. It’s also really satisfying knowing that an interesting project you have given advice on or assessed has been successful in receiving funds, and later seeing how this funding has helped develop them as an artist.
Sometimes, however, we receive calls from unsuccessful grant applicants which can be difficult as they are obviously disappointed with the outcome. You just need to distance yourself emotionally, take control and give feedback when you have reviewed their application again, and remind them that it is a hugely competitive process. This way you give much more useful feedback, rather than having to be reactive if they are upset.
My advice to anyone thinking of entering this area would be to get as much experience at university in shadowing artists/arts organisations as you can, and build up your experience in both administrative and art form fields before applying.
