Volunteer Application March 2014

SICK! is a new festival exploring the medical, mental and social challenges of

life and death and how we survive them.

Taking place in Brighton 2014 SICK! is an international, cross art-form festival

featuring theatre, dance, film, public installations, digital media and debates. This

ambitious and ground-breaking new festival combines an artistic programme offering

a profound insight into personal experience with the expertise of doctors, academics,

healthcare providers, charity workers, and the people for whom these themes are

urgent daily realities.

Why volunteer for Sick! Festival?

• Free tickets to shows (subject to availability)

• Gain valuable experience on your CV by being part of an exciting new festival

• Opportunity to meet other artists/arts professionals and network

• Great way to socialise and meet new people

Throughout SICK! Festival we will require volunteers for the following teams:

Front of House Team

• Assist in welcoming the audience to our shows, ensuring everyone is well

looked after and has a positive experience.

• Be involved in various aspects of putting on a production including looking

after the artists, assisting the venue manager and helping with the box office.

• Gain excellent insight into how a theatre is run and get a chance to watch the

show.

Production & Technical Team

• Work closely with our team and the artists to help to set up everything for a

production.

• Get the opportunity to develop technical skills in general lighting, sound and

the basics of running a show.

• Gain excellent insight into stage & production management and meet the

artists taking part.

Marketing & Promotion Team

• Communicate directly with the public and our audiences in order to promote

the festival, encourage people to join our mailing list and buy tickets for our

shows.

• Capture audience feedback and responses.

• We will ask some volunteers to work with us in the office where you will gain

useful experience in marketing and administration.

• Finally, there will be opportunities for photographers and filmmakers to help

us document the festival.

Our Volunteering Policy is underpinned by the following principles:

• We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, and hope that this helps us

engage with the wider community.

• The Basement will ensure that volunteers are properly integrated into the

organisational structure and that mechanisms are in place for them to

contribute to The Basement’s work.

• The Basement does not aim to introduce volunteers to replace paid staff.

• The Basement expects that staff at all levels will work positively with

volunteers and, where appropriate, will actively seek to involve them in their

work.

• The Basement recognises that volunteers require satisfying work and

personal development and will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as

well as providing the training for them to do their work effectively.

Expenses

We are unable to cover expenses for volunteers, but we will provide refreshments

during the shift as well as freebies and various other perks.

Induction and training

All volunteers will be inducted to the building on their first day, introduced to all

members of staff, and made aware of their roles within the organisation. They must

be briefed in the Health and Safety policies, first aid and evacuation procedures.

Further training will be provided where appropriate.

Health and Safety

Volunteers are covered by The Basement’s Health and Safety Policy.

Insurance

All volunteers are covered by The Basement’s insurance policy whilst they are on the

premises or engaged in any work on The Basement’s behalf.

Support and supervision

There will be a duty manager for all performances, who will be ultimately responsible

for the safety of all volunteers, but depending on their role they may be supervised

directly by the duty technician, or the programme manager.

Resolving problems

We aim to identify and solve problems at the earliest possible stage, and encourage

volunteers to discuss any issues with the Venue Manager, or any other member of

full time staff as early as possible.

To apply, please fill out the Sick! Volunteer Application Form 2014

and send it to info@thebasement.uk.com