Artist Assistant for Viv Gordon - Cutting Out 2021
The Artist Assistant is a vital part of the company and creative process. The role is primarily to work alongside me to support my access needs while we make and tour Cutting Out. We work with an evolving access model that responds to my different needs in different contexts and recognises that these change over time.
I am looking for someone who is mature, kind, patient and warm hearted with a good sense of humour. You will have listening skills - maybe you will have a background in counselling, therapy or a related field but this is not a requirement. You will be able to assert yourself when necessary and make good judgements under pressure. You will need to have the stamina and flexibility to work irregular hours and to stay away from home as needed. On a par with others in the creative team, sometimes the days are long, particularly in the lead up to a show. You will be very grounded, level headed and able to self-manage well in sometimes stressful situations. You will be a practical person who likes to muck in and get involved in whatever is going on - happy to make tea, sweep up, iron costumes, run lines or do light admin tasks. If you have massage skills that is a bonus.
I do not need personal care. I do not need fixing.
You need to own a reliable car, be happy driving and live within easy reach of Glastonbury.
The role is varied and interesting and would suit someone who enjoys creative environments, meeting new people and social justice issues. The work involves ongoing exposure to content about mental health, childhood sexual abuse and trauma - you will need to be confident that you can manage this and maintain confidentiality.
Core responsibilities:
About Me
I am a theatre maker, arts and mental health campaigner, survivor activist and Artistic Director of Viv Gordon Company. I create shows and projects that creatively articulate my lived experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), connecting my personal story with wider socio-political perspectives. My work is a campaign to forge survivor voice, visibility and community and agitate for change. I am currently making a new show Cutting Out which is about the scale and impact of CSA in the UK. Other current projects include Restless and an early stage research project with Bristol Dental School. My previous touring work includes : I am Joan (2016/17), PreScribed (a life written for me) (2016/17) ORAL (2019) and The Book of Jo (2019/20). I am an Associate Artist with Strike A Light and Exeter Northcott Theatre.
Alongside making work, I campaign for access and inclusion for artists and audiences with mental health needs. Part of this is taking a robust approach to my own access needs by recognising and managing the impact of post traumatic stress responses, anxiety and dissociation. Access measures include ongoing supervision, a personalised mental health awareness briefing to all collaborators, fostering a mental health friendly working environment, supporting collaborators to engage with challenging themes, addressing my travel and accommodation needs and working with an Artist Assistant to support me practically and emotionally to do my job.
Terms
The role is paid at £100/day plus travel. Private accommodation and meal allowance provided when away from home. This is a freelance self-employed position. You will be contracted by Viv Gordon Company CIC. You will be responsible for your own tax and National Insurance. Regular Covid testing will be required as the role involves close contact. The initial contact is for up to 23 days between August and October - to include (PLEASE NOTE: Except for show days - these dates are flexible for the right person):
To Apply
Send me a short video (up to about 3 minutes - video quality is not important - just on your phone is fine) telling me:
Additionally please:
If making a video is a barrier for you then you can apply in writing (no more than 2 sides of A4). Video is preferred so I can get a sense of who you are. Please send your application to vivgordonco@gmail.com. I welcome applications from all sorts of people. Please let me know if you have any access needs.
Deadline for applications is Monday 9th August 2021 at 12 noon
Interviews will be held on Monday 16th August on Zoom
I am looking for someone who is mature, kind, patient and warm hearted with a good sense of humour. You will have listening skills - maybe you will have a background in counselling, therapy or a related field but this is not a requirement. You will be able to assert yourself when necessary and make good judgements under pressure. You will need to have the stamina and flexibility to work irregular hours and to stay away from home as needed. On a par with others in the creative team, sometimes the days are long, particularly in the lead up to a show. You will be very grounded, level headed and able to self-manage well in sometimes stressful situations. You will be a practical person who likes to muck in and get involved in whatever is going on - happy to make tea, sweep up, iron costumes, run lines or do light admin tasks. If you have massage skills that is a bonus.
I do not need personal care. I do not need fixing.
You need to own a reliable car, be happy driving and live within easy reach of Glastonbury.
The role is varied and interesting and would suit someone who enjoys creative environments, meeting new people and social justice issues. The work involves ongoing exposure to content about mental health, childhood sexual abuse and trauma - you will need to be confident that you can manage this and maintain confidentiality.
Core responsibilities:
- Driving to/from rehearsals/performances (or accompanying on public transport for longer journeys) Managing route planning, tickets, accommodation check ins etc.
- Helping me emotionally prepare before and debrief after work
- Helping me stick to my pre-show schedule and other agreed wellbeing actions
- Being alongside me in rehearsals ready to respond in agreed ways when needed
- Holding boundaries to make sure my access needs aren’t compromised by competing needs eg. by venue staff
- Getting on well with colleagues, being polite and diplomatic when needed
- Being punctual, reliable and consistent
About Me
I am a theatre maker, arts and mental health campaigner, survivor activist and Artistic Director of Viv Gordon Company. I create shows and projects that creatively articulate my lived experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), connecting my personal story with wider socio-political perspectives. My work is a campaign to forge survivor voice, visibility and community and agitate for change. I am currently making a new show Cutting Out which is about the scale and impact of CSA in the UK. Other current projects include Restless and an early stage research project with Bristol Dental School. My previous touring work includes : I am Joan (2016/17), PreScribed (a life written for me) (2016/17) ORAL (2019) and The Book of Jo (2019/20). I am an Associate Artist with Strike A Light and Exeter Northcott Theatre.
Alongside making work, I campaign for access and inclusion for artists and audiences with mental health needs. Part of this is taking a robust approach to my own access needs by recognising and managing the impact of post traumatic stress responses, anxiety and dissociation. Access measures include ongoing supervision, a personalised mental health awareness briefing to all collaborators, fostering a mental health friendly working environment, supporting collaborators to engage with challenging themes, addressing my travel and accommodation needs and working with an Artist Assistant to support me practically and emotionally to do my job.
Terms
The role is paid at £100/day plus travel. Private accommodation and meal allowance provided when away from home. This is a freelance self-employed position. You will be contracted by Viv Gordon Company CIC. You will be responsible for your own tax and National Insurance. Regular Covid testing will be required as the role involves close contact. The initial contact is for up to 23 days between August and October - to include (PLEASE NOTE: Except for show days - these dates are flexible for the right person):
- 18th August - induction day tbc
- 23rd-27th August 2021 - Rehearsals in Gloucestershire
- 13th-14th September 2021 - Rehearsals in Somerset
- 20th-25th September 2021 - Rehearsals and show in Somerset
- 26th September 2021 - Show in Devon
- 1st October 2021 - Show in Gloucestershire
- 4th-7th Oct 2021 - Rehearsals, filming and show in Dorset
- 8th October 2021 - Show in Somerset
- 10th-11th Oct - Show and workshop in Kent
To Apply
Send me a short video (up to about 3 minutes - video quality is not important - just on your phone is fine) telling me:
- a bit about yourself
- why you would like to work with me in this role
- how you fit the person specification
- your relevant experience
Additionally please:
- Supply contact details (email preferred) for 2 referees
- Confirm you have a full driving license and your own vehicle
- Confirm you are available for the majority of confirmed dates - you must be available for show days - most other dates are flexible for the right person.
If making a video is a barrier for you then you can apply in writing (no more than 2 sides of A4). Video is preferred so I can get a sense of who you are. Please send your application to vivgordonco@gmail.com. I welcome applications from all sorts of people. Please let me know if you have any access needs.
Deadline for applications is Monday 9th August 2021 at 12 noon
Interviews will be held on Monday 16th August on Zoom