Job Summary
We are looking for an artist/maker with interest in large-scale puppet design and fabrication, based in Staffordshire, to be part of a brand new devised outdoor show at Bolton Gate Arts. Imprints: Tales from the New Wild, explores the stunning landscapes and stories of the mysterious Staffordshire
Job Description
Imprints: Tales from the New Wild is an outdoor, promenade theatre piece to be performed at Bolton Gate Farm at the end of August 2024.
The show will be devised and written with a professional cast and crew in August.
Imprints will be performed alongside Bolton Gate Arts Community Theatre Group and Artshill Performer Group, incorporating live music and puppetry.
The show will be approximately 1-hour in length, and there will be a total of 9 showings across 3 days, on the 29th, 30th and 31st of August 2024.
The Story
The Moorlands is teeming with fascinating geological landscapes, mythology, folklore, and untapped narratives of nature & the wild. But how does this impact us, the people that live there? Our relationship with such a beautiful natural landscape and what is the story waiting to be told?
The project will explore themes of nature, mythology, climate change, urban rewilding, rural isolation and issues specific to the Moorlands.
Timeline and Schedule
Application Deadline: Sunday 7th July 2024
Interview Week: From Monday 8th July
Applicants to hear back: Monday 15th July
Details: 5 days @ £160 per day (or to be split into half days as agreed with successful candidate) = £800
Workshop/s: With community groups in August (dates TBC) to make props/puppets with participants (minimum 1 workshop, maximum 2 workshops)
Making: 4 making days (or to be split into half days as agreed with successful candidate)
Making days to be agreed with successful candidate in July and August
For general information;
Performance Days: Thursday 29th, Friday 30th and Saturday 31st August 2024
Fee £800
(Fee inclusive of travel and expenses)
Job Requirements
Who is this commission for?
We are looking for someone who is studying (and can evidence making skills), who has recently graduated or who has experience in art and making to join our professional cast and crew.
We are accepting applications from people from or based in Staffordshire. We will prioritise applications from individuals with a strong connection to the Staffordshire Moorlands in particular.
This commission is open to all artists (18+) and we especially welcome applications from artists who live and work in the Staffordshire Moorlands, artists with a disability, artists from the global ethnic majority, artists who identify as LGBTQIA+ and artists in rural locations who might face barriers accessing traditional theatre opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
We are looking for someone with a strong interest and/or background in making puppets, lanterns or carnival images. Experience making with willow or textiles appreciated but not essential. We are looking for someone with practical artist skills and understanding of 3D form, who is comfortable working in outdoor spaces.
Skills and Qualities
Essential:
- Interest in puppet design and making.
- Practical art skills and good understanding of 3D form.
- Ability to think creatively and work as part of a creative team.
Desirable
- Experience working with willow
- Experience working with textiles
- Experience making puppets, lanterns or costumes.
How to Apply
To apply, please email [email protected] with your application and include the following:
1. Your CV (max 3 sides of A4)
2. A cover letter (max 2 sides A4) explaining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the commission. Please also tell us where you are from/currently based and how you are connected to the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Some things you may wish to consider telling us about:
Your interests and experiences in puppet making
Relevant experience in the areas of puppet making or operating, sculpture or lantern making, costume making, or theatre set or prop design – all valuable and transferable skills!
3. Completed equal opportunities monitoring form
Bolton Gate Arts Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
4. Links to previous work. Up to 3 links. This can be media files, website/social media links. If you don’t have any, don’t worry, this is just to get a feel for your creative background.
If you would prefer, you can also submit your application in video or audio file format (up to 5 minutes in length). Simply record your responses to the above questions and attach the file to your email.
If your application is successful we will invite you to the farm for an interview, week commencing 24th June. Please let us know in your application if you have limited availability during this week, and we will do our best to accommodate everyone’s requirements.
For full details please head to www.boltongatefarm.co.uk/opportunities
- Contact name: Joseph Mathews
- Contact email: [email protected]
