Work Experience Application

Work experience application

Thank you for applying to undertake a work experience placement at Oxford Playhouse. The first half of this application pack will tell you some information about Oxford Playhouse and about the placement for which you are applying. The second part of the pack gives you the opportunity to let us know all about you! The application form is an important part of the application process, so read the questions carefully before answering as fully as you can. When you have completed your application please email it to [email protected] or send it by post to Participation Department, Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LW.

It is important to note that the standard work experience placement at Oxford Playhouse is administration and management focused. There is no opportunity for performance or to work back stage in the Technical Department. Therefore, if you are interested in the whole process of running a theatre and presenting a varied programme of shows, we look forward to hearing from you.

We welcome applications from GCSE and A-Level students. Please note that we are always oversubscribed so please don’t be disheartened if you are not selected this year.

For 2017 the work experience weeks are:

 Monday 19th June to Friday 23rd June 2017  Monday 9th October to Friday 13th October 2017

Oxford Playhouse 1 Work Experience Application Pack 2016 About Oxford Playhouse…

Oxford Playhouse moved to its current home on Beaumont Street in 1938 and is one of Britain’s leading regional theatres. Its rich history has seen the launch of some important careers; Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Rowan Atkinson, now patrons of Oxford Playhouse, Emily Mortimer and Emilia Fox are just some of the famous faces to have performed on our stage over the years. In 1990, Tish Francis reopened the theatre after a period of closure and kick started an exciting new era for the Playhouse. Michelle Dickson took over the reins in 2008 and under her leadership the Playhouse hosted some of the most dynamic touring theatre companies in Britain as well as producing its own work and touring both nationally and internationally. Since September 2014 the quality of touring and produced shows at Oxford Playhouse has continued to flourish under the leadership of Director and Chief Executive Officer Louise Chantal.

Oxford Playhouse is committed to making theatre for everyone and producing work of the highest quality. Our aim is to share with our audiences the very best in writing, acting, directing and staging.

Productions

As well as presenting the work of top British and international companies like Headlong, Out of Joint and Cheek by Jowl, the Playhouse is also developing its role as a producing and commissioning partner.

Oxford Playhouse aims to provide an excellent experience of live performance for everyone. We do this by…

 Setting high performance standards.  Appealing to a wide cross-section of people in Oxford, the county and the region.  Retaining our reputation as a welcoming theatre for audiences and performers.  Encouraging new talent in professional and amateur theatre.  Developing a participation programme that encourages active involvement and understanding of the arts.  Achieving high professional standards from our staff and maximizing opportunities for their development.  Maintaining the fabric and facilities of the Playhouse at a high standard.

Oxford Playhouse 2 Work Experience Application Pack 2016 Participation

Our Participation Department helps the theatre to engage with schools, university students, pre-school children, parents and adult learners, as well as the wider community.

One of the many things the participation team does is offer a series of placements and work experience opportunities throughout the year. Having young people in our building is very important to us and allows us to engage with their ambitions and innate skills and assist their development and potential to work in theatre.

We also nurture young people in performance providing opportunities for young people who are passionate about creating and performing theatre. We have three young companies 17|25, 12|16, Young Playmaker - a playwriting programme for 15-20yrs – as well as recruiting performers for visiting companies and our annual pantomime.

Work Experience at Oxford Playhouse

During your week of work experience at Oxford Playhouse you will engage with some of our administration and management departments. Here is a brief description of the departments you may be working with.

Technical / Backstage Under the supervision of our Technical Manager you will have the opportunity to tour the backstage areas and find out about a ‘Get-in’ or ‘fit up’.

Programming & Producing Where we decide which productions will be our stage. Our Programmer and Producer choose a diverse and exciting selection of work to feature in each season.

Development The Development team may talk to you about the theatre’s ongoing fundraising activity and how we raise money from individuals, businesses and through trusts and foundations. They might be asking you for your fundraising ideas!

Ticket Office You will see how our Ticket Office Team works to sell tickets and assist the general public.

Participation You will work on a show related project that will be used by the theatre. This will include researching and creating resources for future shows, workshops and projects.

Marketing You might help the Marketing team with a variety of tasks including mailing, copy writing and discover how a programme or brochure is put together.

If we are unable to provide time in any of the above departments, and you are interested in a particular career, there will be an opportunity to ask a member of staff from the department questions.

Oxford Playhouse 3 Work Experience Application Pack 2016 Application for Work Experience

Personal Details

Age & Date of Birth

Home Address

Home Phone Number

Mobile Phone Number

E-mail (please print clearly as this will be our preferred form of contact)

Emergency Contact Name and Mobile Phone Number

Name of School/College

School/College Work Experience Coordinator Name and Phone Number

Dates of the placement you are applying for (please tick):

Monday 19th June to Friday 23rd June 2017

Monday 9th October to Friday 13th October 2017

Oxford Playhouse 4 Work Experience Application Pack 2016 About You! – Please use as much space as you need and answer as fully as possible

What areas of theatre interest you and why?

Talk about a piece of theatre you have seen. What did you like/dislike? What worked and what didn’t work (writing, movement, direction, design, staging etc)?

Please describe a project or achievement of which you are proud

What skills do you have that would be useful during the placement?

What would you hope to gain from the placement week?

What are your career aspirations?

Finished? Return your form to [email protected] or post it to Participation Department, Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LW

Any questions? Email the participation department on [email protected]

Oxford Playhouse 5 Work Experience Application Pack 2016