Pleasance Theatre Trust - Role Pack

Sound Supervisor (Fringe)

Festival 2023

Contents
About Pleasance Theatre Trust 1

What we look for in applicants 1

Contract terms and eligibility 2

Role description 3

Applications guide, timeline and process 5

Application timeline 5
Deadline 5
Making an application 5
Application process 6
How we assess your application 6
If your application is successful 6
Help 7

Equal Opportunities 7

About Pleasance Theatre Trust

The Pleasance Theatre Trust is one of the most established operators at the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe, well known for discovering talent. Each Festival creates an opportunity to nurture the skills of
those working both on and off the stage.

We run 33 performance spaces across 3 venues in Edinburgh every August - presenting the festival’s
most compelling and entertaining shows. In 2022 our venues welcomed audiences to over 5,800
performances of 280 productions in just 27 days.

The Pleasance is a place where journeys begin; built by us, but made unforgettable by you.

We hope you’ll join us.

The Pleasance Theatre Trust is a registered charity - charity numbers 1050944 (England & Wales)
and SC043237 (Scotland).

Pleasance Theatre Trust - Role Pack 1

What we look for in applicants
Our Festival team includes experienced industry professionals working proudly alongside those just
starting out in the Pleasance Festival Volunteer Programme. Together they provide support to the
artists, audiences and each other.

We are looking for team members with:

● A positive attitude.
● A willingness to work as a team.
● An ability to remain motivated, particularly in a fast paced environment.
● A commitment to sharing their experience with volunteers.
● Relevant skills that would support you in the role (see “Role description” for more detail).

Successful applications are most often ones which clearly and concisely communicate these points.

Contract terms and eligibility

Role Sound Supervisor

Contract type Fixed Term

Period of engagement 26/07/23 - 30/08/23 inclusive

Travelling 25/07/23 & 31/08/23, if required

Key dates Festival Build / Get-In: 26/07/23 - 01/08/23

Festival: 02/08/23 - 28/08/23
Festival Strike / Get-Out: 29/08/23 - 30/08/23

Fee £2624 by Invoice (Freelance)*

* The fee stated above is on the basis of a freelance contract for

individuals that are registered self-employed. Fixed term employment
contracts (PAYE) are also available to individuals that are not
self-employed.

Payment schedule 50% Total Fee on 16/08/23

50% Total Fee by 16/09/23, on completion

Place of work Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Schedule of work Shift work on a daily changing rota with an average 6 day week during the
Period of Engagement. Evening and weekend work are essential.

Accommodation Accommodation is available to all that require it and is subsidised by the

Pleasance, with a charge of £12 per night passed on to the team
member. Accommodation is a private bedroom with a single bed in a 4 to
6 bedroom halls of residence style flat. Flats are shared with other

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 Pleasance team members and located 20 to 25 minutes walk from the
venues.

Right to work All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Role description
Role Sound Supervisor

Department Technical

Line manager Area Manager

Key relationships Technical Management, Venue Managers, Technicians, Venue Crew

(Volunteers)

Summary

The Sound Supervisor will work to maintain a high quality of sound services across a number of
venues, supporting Venue Crews in its delivery.

In addition, they will work closely with these crews to support incoming sound designers and
companies aiming to transfer their sound design to the stage to the highest standard possible.

The Supervisor will be allocated to a designated Area within the Festival site for the duration of the
engagement, each of which comprises a number of venues ranging in size and programme.

Each venue will typically have a programme of approximately 8-10 performances per day. Roles will
operate on a rota schedule during the Festival Period, with shifts loosely split into AM and PM shifts
with a daily handover or overlap period, to manage the requirements of the daily performance
schedule. The ability to work collaboratively with team members and performing companies alongside
exceptional organisation is key to ensuring a smooth operation.

Regarding Festival Build:

Additional opportunities are available to join the festival build team during July. Please indicate in your
application if you would like to be considered. Being part of the build team is not mandatory and is
subject to availability and separate agreement.

Key responsibilities

● To be responsible for the maintenance of all sound equipment in the Area’s venues, being
responsive to reports from and working closely with venue crew.

● Provide support to venue crew in the delivery of sound services within the venues, including
being ‘hands on’ within venues as required.

● Mentor and guide less experienced crew in sound.

● To work closely with performing companies.

Pleasance Theatre Trust - Role Pack 3

 ● To support quick turn-around times as required, with as little as 20 minutes between
performances.

● To be public-facing.

● To problem solve, troubleshoot and think on your feet, often with little or no warning.

● To aid venue teams in facilitating days off and cover.

Get-In/Out and Technical Rehearsals

● During the Get-In period prior to the festival opening to the public, each role will
actively contribute to the construction phase of the Pleasance’s venues and sites. During this
period, each member of the Technical department will fully contribute to all manner of fit up
and construction tasks. Tasks will be assigned to be appropriate to the team member’s
abilities, but may include physically exerting duties such as lifting; carrying; construction;
rigging; technical installation; painting and finishing. This process is replicated during the
Get-Out period, when venue facilities are de-rigged following the final performances.

● Technical Rehearsals with performing companies take place in all venues from 30/07/23 –
01/08/23. During this phase, the Supervisor will support each venue in managing a daily
schedule of technical sessions with incoming productions.

● These periods will operate according to the build, training and production schedule, and will
therefore differ to the Festival Performance Dates when a daily rota is implemented. All roles
should expect to work an intensive schedule during these dates.

Volunteer support

● All members of the Pleasance team have a responsibility to support those participating in the
Pleasance Festival Volunteer Programme, including;

○ Champion the Pleasance’s Volunteer Values

○ Maintain a supportive environment and workplace
○ Be inclusive and encourage equal participation
○ Support volunteer training by sharing your experience
○ Contribute to a fun and rewarding experience.

General

● Act as a representative of the Pleasance.

● Be responsive to situations as they arise.

● Work cross-departmentally to ensure the smooth running of the operation.

● Maintain high standards and excellent customer service.

Personal specifications

Essential skills / experience

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 ● A solid understanding of the principles of live sound, including the use of digital and/or
analogue sound desks.

● Familiarity with Yamaha / Digico sound desks.

● Solid knowledge of QLab.

● The ability to maintain accurate paperwork.

● Fault finding and troubleshooting skills.

● Attention to detail is paramount in this position.

● Comfortable operating medium to large scale shows, live mixing.

Desirable skills / experience

● First Aid at Work qualification.

● Familiarity with Dante and networking.

● Experience in a production sound role familiar with maintenance of equipment.

● Experience working at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Applications guide, timeline and process

Application timeline
The application timeline for this role is as follows:

● February 2023: Applications open.

● March 2023 onward: On an ongoing basis, applications are reviewed, shortlisted and
candidates invited to interview. Applications are typically reviewed within 4 weeks of applying.

● March - May 2023: In-person and online interviews take place until the vacancy is filled and
candidates are notified of the outcome 1 to 3 weeks following interview.

Deadline
There is no fixed deadline for applications and interviews will continue until the vacancy is filled.
Current vacancies are listed at https://www.pleasance.co.uk/festival-opportunities.

Making an application
To apply for this role, you can make one of the following applications:

● Online, in Writing: Complete the Pleasance Festival Team Application Form, available here:

Pleasance Theatre Trust - Role Pack 5

 https://www.pleasance.co.uk/festival-opportunities. You are required to submit a CV through
the form.

● Audio: An audio application can be made by emailing an .MP3 audio file of you answering
the questions in the application form. A verbal summary of your relevant experience can be
given in place of a CV. Audio should be clear and easy to hear and understand. To submit an
audio application email the file to jobs@pleasnace.co.uk with the subject “2023 Festival Team
Application - [Your Name]”. If the file is large please use a file sharing site such as
www.wetransfer.com

● Video: A video application can be made by emailing a .MP4 or .MOV video file of you
answering the questions in the application form. A verbal summary of your relevant
experience can be given in place of a CV. There is no dress code for video applications. To
submit a video application email the file to jobs@pleasnace.co.uk with the subject “2023
Festival Team Application - [Your Name]”. If the file is large please use a file sharing site such
as www.wetransfer.com, or upload a private video to a hosting site such as YouTube, Google
Drive or Dropbox and send the link for viewing.

Application process
The process has two stages:

1. An application
2. Interviews for shortlisted candidates

How we assess your application

● Each application is assessed by someone who works in the team you are applying to -
typically a manager with a knowledge of the requirements of the role. They will assess your
application with a mixture of comments and scores for how closely they think you meet the
requirements of the role. Requirements are outlined in the “What we look for in applicants”
and “Role description” sections of this pack.

● The assessor will determine a shortlist of candidates for interview.

● You will be notified by email if you are shortlisted for an interview. Interviews take place
in-person or online using Zoom.

● The interview will be conducted by 1 or 2 interviewers who have a knowledge of the

requirements of the role. They will assess your interview with a mixture of comments and
scores for how closely they think you meet the requirements of the role.

● Due to the volume of applications received, we regret that we are unable to notify applicants
that are not successful at the application stage or provide feedback.

● An update can be provided on the status of your application at any time by emailing
jobs@pleasance.co.uk. We aim to reply to all enquiries within 7 days.

If your application is successful

● You will receive an offer by email, confirming the terms and other relevant information.

Pleasance Theatre Trust - Role Pack 6

 ● You will be invited to discuss any access requirements you have so we can discuss what
adjustments can be made together.

● You are welcome to ask any further questions prior to accepting the offer.

● After you accept your offer, you will be sent a contract to sign and any relevant pre-arrival
information. You should make travel arrangements at this point if required.

Help
If you require help with your application you may contact us by:

● Email: jobs@pleasance.co.uk

● Phone: +44 (0)207 619 6868

We aim to reply to all enquiries within 7 days.

Equal Opportunities
At the Pleasance Theatre Trust we want our team to reflect wider society and welcome applications
from all sections of the community - in particular from anyone currently underrepresented in the
creative industries.

We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or social group. If you would like
to have an informal discussion about any role available or anything in this pack before you submit
your application please contact jobs@pleasance.co.uk.

You can also email to talk to us about your access needs. We discuss access with candidates at each
step of the application process, so first we would discuss access for the application, then, if successful
for the interview and then if successful, for the job.

Pleasance Theatre Trust - Role Pack

Sound Technician (Fringe)

Festival 2022

1. About Pleasance Theatre Trust

2. About Our Team
3. About The Role
4. Contract Terms
5. Applications
6. Equal Opportunities
7. Covid Security

Pleasance Theatre Trust - Role Pack 7

1. About Pleasance Theatre Trust

The Pleasance Theatre Trust is recognised as a leading cultivator of talent at the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe, with each festival offering an opportunity to nurture the skills of those working both on and off
the stage.

For the Fringe’s 75th anniversary, the Pleasance returns to 30 performance spaces across 3 sites -
presenting the festival’s most compelling, entertaining and boundary pushing shows. During our last
full scale festival, our Edinburgh venues welcomed audiences to over 5,500 performances of 270
productions in just 27 days.

The Pleasance is a place where journeys begin; built by us, but made unforgettable by you.

Join us.

The Pleasance Theatre Trust is a registered charity - charity numbers 1050944 (England & Wales)
and SC043237 (Scotland).

2. About Our Team

In our festival team, experienced industry professionals stand proudly side by side with those just
starting out in the Pleasance Festival Volunteer Programme. Together they support the artists on
stage, visiting audiences, and each other.

We are looking for people who are passionate about what they do and take pride in how they do it.
Our team has a positive mind-set, good sense of humour and “can do” attitude, sharing in both the
challenges and rewards of an unparalleled creative environment.

Our Volunteer Programme sits proudly at the heart of our organisation and every member of our team
champions our Volunteer Values, with a commitment to inclusion, peer-to-peer learning and pro-active
support.

If you are interested in both showcasing and sharing your skills, we want to hear from you.

3. About the Role

Role: Sound Technician

Department: Technical
Line Manager: Venue Manager or Area Manager
Key Relationships: Technical Management, Venue Technicians, Stage Managers,
Venue Crew (Volunteers)
Contract: Fixed Term

Role Description

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The Sound Technician will work as part of a team to maintain the high quality of production
standards expected at the Festival within their allocated venue(s). They will have an aptitude in their
particular field and will be responsible for running, operating and maintaining their venue’s equipment.

They will be the key point of contact for incoming sound designers and companies aiming to transfer
their design vision to the stage to the highest standard possible.

Due to the multifaceted nature of the Festival, the Venue Technician will require a sound specialism
but must also have an ability to work cross-departmentally with sound, stage and technical
management teams to accommodate the needs of incoming shows.

All roles in the Technical department will work in a multi-skilled team and be dedicated to a specific
venue. Each venue will typically have a programme of approximately 8-10 performances per day.
Roles will operate on a rota schedule during the Festival Period, with shifts loosely split into AM and
PM shifts with a daily handover or overlap period, to manage the requirements of the daily
performance schedule. The ability to work collaboratively with team members and performing
companies alongside exceptional organisation is key to ensuring a smooth operation.

Additional Specialisms:
There are additional specialisms required in some festival roles or placements that are not stated
below. Candidates are welcome to note in their applications if they have a particular interest in a
certain area, such as production management, rigging or video specialisms.

Regarding Festival Build:

Additional opportunities are available to join the festival build team during July. Please indicate in your
application if you would like to be considered. Being part of the build team is not mandatory and is
subject to availability and separate agreement.

Key Responsibilities

● To be responsible for the maintenance and reporting of all sound equipment in the space.

● Focusing, patching, programming, operating shows to script or cue, design element to the
role.

● To work closely with performing companies.

● To work in close proximity with the same company and team members every day.

● To manage quick turn-around times, with as little as 20 minutes between performances.

● To be public-facing, assisting with seating audiences and managing them in the venue.

● To problem solve, troubleshoot and think on your feet, often with little or no warning.

● To maintain detailed notes on company requirements to facilitate days off and cover.

● To maintain an organised work system.

Get-In/Out and Technical Rehearsals

● During the Get-In period prior to the festival opening to the public, each role will
actively contribute to the construction phase of the Pleasance’s venues and sites. During this
period, each member of the Technical department will fully contribute to all manner of fit up
and construction tasks. Tasks will be assigned to be appropriate to the team member’s

Pleasance Theatre Trust - Role Pack 9

 abilities, but may include physically exerting duties such as lifting; carrying; construction;
rigging; technical installation; painting and finishing. This process is replicated during the
Get-Out period, when venue facilities are de-rigged following the final performances.

● Technical Rehearsals with performing companies take place in all venues from 31/07/22 –
02/08/22. During this phase, each venue team will work through a daily schedule of technical
sessions with incoming productions. It is the team’s responsibility to make the
visiting companies feel welcome, induct them into the space and facilitate their
technical requirements to help deliver the highest level of production standards possible.

● These periods will operate according to the build, training and production schedule, and will
therefore differ to the Festival Performance Dates when a daily rota is implemented. All roles
should expect to work an intensive schedule during these dates.

Volunteer Support

● All members of the Pleasance team have a collective responsibility to those participating in
the Pleasance Volunteer Programme, in any department or role, with responsibilities
including;

○ Champion the Pleasance’s Volunteer Values;

○ Maintain a supportive environment and workplace;
○ Ensure equal inclusion and participation of all;
○ Offer professional advice and support;
○ Contribute to a fun and rewarding experience.

General

● Liaise with other departments across the organisation to ensure the smooth running of
operations.

● Ensure that the Pleasance is represented to all visitors as having excellent standards and first
class service.

● Act as a representative for the Pleasance and its values.

Personal Specifications

Essential Criteria

● A solid understanding of the principles of live sound, including the use of digital and/or
analogue sound desks.

● Familiarity with Yamaha / Digico sound desks.

● The ability to maintain accurate paperwork.

● Fault finding and troubleshooting skills.

● Attention to detail is paramount in this position.

● Comfortable operating medium to large scale shows, live mixing.

Desirable Criteria

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 ● First Aid at Work qualification.

● Familiarity with Dante and networking.

● Experience in a production sound role familiar with maintenance of equipment.

● Experience working at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

4. Contract Terms

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Period of Engagement: 29/07/22 - 31/08/22 inclusive

Travelling 28/07/22 & 01/09/22, if required

Key Dates: Get-In: 28/07/22 - 02/08/22

Festival: 03/08/22 - 29/08/22
Get-Out: 30/08/22 - 31/08/22

Fee: £2250 via invoice

Please contact us for a rate if PAYE

Payment Schedule: 50% Total Fee on 17/08/22

50% Total Fee by 16/09/22, on completion

Place of Work: Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Schedule of Work: Working on a rotating shift pattern with an average 6 day week during the
Period of Engagement. Evening and weekend work are essential in this role.

Accommodation: Available to those that require it at a partially subsidised rate, subject to

availability.

Right to Work: All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you are not a UK
citizen and require additional visas or working permissions, please specify
this in your application.

Festival Build: Additional opportunities are available to join the festival build team during
July. Please indicate in your application if you would like to be considered.
Being part of the build team is not mandatory and is subject to availability and
separate agreement.

5. Applications

To apply, please submit your application and CV via our online form:
https://bit.ly/PleasanceFestivalTeam2022App

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Applicants are also requested to complete the Pleasance Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form at:
http://bit.ly/PleasanceEqualOps

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed and interviews held in person, via Zoom or
phone on a rolling basis until all roles are filled, with a preliminary application
deadline of 17:00, Friday 1st April 2022.

Applications received after the preliminary deadline will still be considered for
vacant positions.

Applications via alternative means such as a video or voice application will be accepted from those
who require reasonable adjustments. Please contact us if you wish to discuss this.

Contact: Email: jobs@pleasance.co.uk

Phone: +44 (0)207 619 6868

Post: Recruitment
Pleasance Theatre Trust
Carpenters Mews, North Road, London, N7 9EF

6. Equal Opportunities

The Pleasance Theatre Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all
sections of the community. In particular, we encourage applications from backgrounds or social
groups currently underrepresented in the creative industries.

If you would require any reasonable adjustments at interview or whilst undertaking the role as
specified, please highlight this as part of your application and we will be happy to discuss these.

7. Covid Security

The Pleasance puts health, wellbeing and enjoyment at its core. Our operation has been carefully
planned to ensure this and adheres to all public health guidance and legislation. The Pleasance
delivered a successful covid secure operation during Fringe 2021. Training and advice will be given to
all participants. Applicants are welcome to ask any questions they may have in relation to this.

Pleasance Theatre Trust - Role Pack 12