Production Manager Brief: a Blast from the Past . and Back Again

Castle St Plymouth PL1 2NJ Tel : 01752 267131 Fax : 01752 222209 [email protected]

www.barbicantheatre.co.uk

Production Manager Brief: ‘A Blast from the Past …. And Back Again’

‘A Blast from the Past …. And Back Again’ is the working title of a heritage interpretation project led by young people. It focuses on the Grade 2 listed Elizabethan House, 32 New Street, The Barbican and the extraordinarily rich, diverse and internationally significant historic harbour area of Plymouth, within which it sits.

The social roots of the area can be demonstrated by important Bronze Age finds across the harbour from the Barbican and the stories of human association with the area can be mapped through a myriad of dramas through the ages involving extraordinary and iconic figures such as Sir Francis Drake, Catherine of Aragon, Pocohontas, Captain Cook, Ernest Shackleton and the Tolpuddle Martyrs. In the late 1500’s Plymouth was a prosperous port bursting with ships, crew, foreign privateers, merchants and craftsmen. An increased need for housing saw the development of New Street – the properties of which were built for the middle merchants and sea captains whose livelihoods were based around the seafront. New Street is first mentioned in 1584 and is described as “ Sperkes newe streat… paved, leading towards the new key”. Sperke’s is a reference to John Spark, Mayor of Plymouth in 1583 and 1591. He came from a family of merchants and was a friend of Sir Francis Drake. At that time it would have been adjacent to the harbour wall and integrally linked to all the business of the Barbican area. Merchants may have sat in the parlour window to watch their goods arrive and carried the short distance to the basement doors. The Elizabethan House is one of the oldest buildings in the City surviving slum clearance in the early 1900’s as a rare example of its time. The House has witnessed the history of the City for over 500 years yet it is rarely visited and not easy to find.

‘A Blast from the Past …. And Back Again’ will culminate with is a devised contemporary theatrical intervention titled ‘The Spice Box’, that will start on the Barbican and promenade its way to the House for an intimate household experience. We expect to attract theatre goers, heritage audiences, tourists and young people and bring new audiences to the House. There will be a digital legacy project which is targeted to reach 7,000 people through the Barbican Theatre website, 50,000 people through the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery website and 500 young people in Massachusetts USA as the beginning of a creative exchange programme.

Rent a Role Drama Service trading as Barbican Theatre Plymouth Registered England & Wales No 2323701 Registered Charity No 801689 Castle St Plymouth PL1 2NJ Tel : 01752 267131 Fax : 01752 222209 [email protected]

About The Management Team

The Management Team will be made up of the Project Director and the Project Manager. This project will investigate a partnership between the Barbican Theatre and Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery which will inform how young people, and new and emerging artists can become skilled interpreters. Findings delivered through an in-depth evaluation of the process and product will also support the Activity Plan for the new International History Centre which will open in 2020. This project will provide firm evidence for creative interpretation in the Centre with potential for City-wide heritage interpretation activity.

The Creative Delivery Team will be led by Mark Laville, Lead Creative Practitioner, and will be responsible for the artistic quality of the project.

The Production Manager

The Production Manager will work in close collaboration with the Lead Creative Practitioner (LCP) to deliver set, sound and lighting for the performances. The PM will liaise closely with the Project Director and House experts to ensure that any equipment, lighting or properties do not damage the interior or exterior of the Elizabethan House and its environment. The PM will be ultimately responsible for delivering set, sound and light to the highest possible standards. The PM will work with FORCE young technicians to enable them to assist in the production of the performances. The PM will be responsible for any TENS licenses, risk assessments and the health and safety of audiences and company on site at the House and environs.

The PM will prepare, organise, design & deliver set, sound and lighting for the 10 days of performances during May, June & July.

Timescales:

Engagement from end April 2015.

Production opens as part of History Month in Plymouth May 30th 2015, and closes July 31st 2015.

There will be 10 days of performances and 20 shows. Duration approximately 45 -60 minutes.

Timeline:

April 30: Final rehearsal script/text available

May 1st: Concentrated rehearsal process begins, gather of set, props, lighting & sound design

May 23rd/24th: Dress & Technical rehearsals

From May 30th: ‘The Spice Box’ opens

10 performance days with 2 shows per day (each lasting between 45– 60 minutes)

Confirmed Performance Dates:

Saturday 30th May Sunday 31st May Saturday 27th June Saturday 4th July Saturday 11th July Saturday 18th July Saturday 25th July Sunday 26th July

All shows at 2.00pm & 4.00pm

Plus four performances TBC

August: Evaluation & Feedback

Fee: £2,240 (Fixed Fee)

Production budget: £1,500

Application Process

All applicants must submit a completed Application Form – CVs will not be accepted. Please submit your application form by one of the following methods:

By Email: [email protected] By Post: Dan Baker, Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, Plymouth, PL1 2NJ

If you require further information, please call Dan Baker on 01752 267131 or email [email protected]

Please note: Interviews will be held on Tuesday 17th March 2015

THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIVED APPLICATIONS IS: 12pm, Friday 6th March 2015

Rent a Role Drama Service trading as Barbican Theatre Plymouth Registered England & Wales No 2323701 Registered Charity No 801689