PANDA

PANDA: Call for Scripts for Film Competition

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 17:41:08 BST

Celebr8 Silver Screen.

Deadline: Wednesday 23rd July 2008.
Interviews: Not specified.
Event dates: September 2008.

The aim of celebr8 (don't discrimin8) 2008 is to highlight and celebrate how our diversity benefits us all culturally, socially and economically.

Last year’s festival was an outstanding success incorporating more than 30 events and, in total, communicating with over 5.5m people in the region.

celebr8 On the Silver Screen

celebr8 (don't discrimin8) 2008 is set to be the biggest festival yet with the launch of the celebr8 on the Silver Screen film competition.

Launched as part of the celebr8 (don't discrimin8) festival of diversity, the celebr8 on the Silver Screen film competition is open to individuals, community groups, students or anyone who wants to be the next Richard Curtis or Russell T Davies.

Budding film makers are asked to submit a piece of creative writing/script which will be judged by some of the region’s film professionals.

The winning films will be shown at a regional premiere in September 2008 and then screened at cinemas across the region.

The deadline for entries is 23rd July 2008. For more information please visit the Celebr8 website

PANDA: Poetry Tutorial Leaders Required

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 17:25:39 BST

The Poetry School.

Deadline: Friday 11th July 2008.
Interviews: Not specified.
Contract: Freelance.

The Poetry School works with poets all around the country to deliver its programmes of courses, seminars, workshops and tutorials to aspiring writers at various stages in their development.

We are looking for poets to run individual tutorial sessions with writers – via email, postally and / or face to face. We pay £65 for a 1,000 word critique on 200 lines of poetry; or for one hour’s preparation and a one hour face-to-face session. Tutorials take place at times and locations convenient to both tutors and students.

If you are a published writer with experience of teaching, and would be interested in running tutorials through the Poetry School, please email Will Carr (director@poetryschool.com) with a covering letter and a CV.

We’d like to know about your published work, your experience of teaching, and which particular areas of poetry you are interested in. Where possible, please include details of a referee.

To find out more about the Poetry School and its work, visit www.poetryschool.com

PANDA: Volunteers Required for Arabic Arts Festival

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 17:14:55 BST

The Bluecoat, Liverpool.

Deadline: Not specified.
Interviews: Not specified.
Contract: Voluntary.

Enthusiastic Volunteers needed: at the Bluecoat for the LIVERPOOL ARABIC ARTS FESTIVAL

11– 27 July 2008

Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival 2008 launches with its biggest and richest programme to date.

Now in its seventh year, the Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival is firmly established as a popular event on the city’s cultural calendar. The festival remains the only one of its kind in the UK and the 2008 programme has lined up a spectacular two week long celebration with over 30 events taking place throughout Liverpool as part of the city’s 2008 European Capital of Culture celebrations.

The programme features a host of cultural activity from across the Arab world in the fields of visual arts, theatre, music, literature, dance, film and food which take place in a variety of venues.

The Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival provides a platform for international, national and local artists and communities and is expected to attract audiences, not just from Merseyside, but from across the UK and beyond.

For further information or to apply as a volunteer please contact: HR Department, the Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX Tel:0151 709 5297. Email: recruitment@thebluecoat.org.uk

PANDA: ICT Funding for Merseyside SMEs

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 16:59:11 BST

ICT Investment Fund.

Deadline: Not specified.

The ICT Investment Fund now has extra funding to distribute!

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is responsible for distributing it to Merseyside SMEs on behalf of the Government Office North West.

The fund was set up to help SMEs on Merseyside improve their competitiveness and turnover by upgrading their hardware and software.

ICT Fund Administrator, John Blades says: “We’ve granted funding to 47 companies ranging from manufacturers to accountants.”

The fund provides up to 40% towards investments in ICT. Grants are available from between £10k and £50k. John continued: “There has been a great deal of interest in the project and the extra funding will need to be allocated by the end of November 2008.”

Apply to the fund here

If you would like further information or help with an application, call John Blades on 0151 - 227 1234 or email john.blades@liverpoolchamber.org.uk.

PANDA: Creative Freelancers Skills Survey

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 16:46:53 BST

Creative & Cultural Skills.

Take 15 minutes to tell Creative & Cultural Skills, the Sector Skills Council for the creative and cultural industries, what kinds of skills you think are relevant to make it as a successful freelancer.

You could help them by completing a short survey about what skills, activities and knowledge are important for freelancers to work effectively in your sector.

Follow this link to the survey - it will take about 15 minutes to complete.

By doing this you will be helping Creative & Cultural Skills to write a series of professional standards which will in turn help freelancers, employers and clients understand the skills that are needed to work as a freelancer.

Creative & Cultural Skills is the sector skills council for the creative and cultural industries which campaigns on behalf of advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, literature, music, performing and visual arts. It acts as a link between industry, government and education. The qualifications team at Creative & Cultural Skills work on curriculum reform through various projects including writing National Occupational Standards (NOS) like these. If you would like more information about the work that they do please visit their website.

PANDA: Workshop Artists and Dancer Troupes / Teachers Required

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 16:41:58 BST

Street Dance and Mask Festival, Accrington.

Deadline: ASAP.
Auditions: Not specified.
Event date: Monday 18th - Saturday 23rd August 2008.

I am organising a street dance and mask festival on 23rd August in Accrington Town Centre.

I need the following

Workshop artists who can run mask making sessions to make masks for the young people to wear whilst performing.
Dance teachers who can work with young people creating performances.
Professional street dance troupes. We do not have a huge budget for professional troupes so please be realistic.

Workshops would run in the week preceeding the event.

Any workshop artists and dance teachers would also need to be available on the afternoon of the 23rd August to co-ordinate the activities.

For more information email info@gayleknight.co.uk

PANDA: Call for Participants for Live Art Professional Development Projects

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 16:41:17 BST

DIY 5:2008

Deadline: Monday 21st July 2008.
Dates: Various in August and September 2008 (see website).
Venues: Various (see website).
Cost: Free.

DIY 5 offers artists working in Live Art the opportunity to take part in a unique series of short training and professional development projects conceived and run BY artists FOR artists. DIY 5 projects are aimed at both emergent and experienced practitioners. DIY 5 is taking place across England and we are offering 11 projects during August and September 2008 in collaboration with our partners.

DIY 5 is a Live Art Development Agency initiative developed in collaboration with Arnolfini and Theatre Bristol; Artsadmin; Colchester Arts Centre; Fierce Earth, North East; New Work Network and China Plate; and Nuffield Theatre and LANWest.

The DIY 5 programmes take many forms from train journeys, treasure hunts and football matches, to workshops and group meetings. And between them cover areas of exploration from autobiography, through to online performance (just to name a few).

Applications are now open for artists who would like to participate in DIY 5 projects.

Visit the Live Art Development Agency website for full details of all the projects and information about how to apply:

www.thisisliveart.co.uk/prof_dev/diy/diy5_allprojects.html

The deadline for applications to take part in all DIY projects is Monday 21 July 2008.

A workshop that dazzled, energised, rocked me, changed me, made me a better artist and a better person. A fantastic, friendly atmosphere that allowed each of us to be trusting, generous, original and sharing. Chloe Dechery, DIY participant

PANDA: Leadership Development Programme for Disabled People

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 16:35:14 BST

Sync.

Deadline: Not specified.
Dates: June 2008 - March 2009.
Venue: Online.
Cost: Free.

Sync is a new leadership development programme for disabled people funded through CLP (Cultural Leadership Programme).

Sync 100 offers an online development programme for disabled people in the creative and cultural sectors who are interested in leadership and runs from June 2008 to June 2009.

Sync 20 will offer a bespoke training and coaching programme to 20 people selected from the Sync 100 group.

All joining details and further information available from the website: www.syncleadership.com

PANDA: New Agency Representing Actors with Learning Disabilities

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 15:50:54 BST

Mind the Gap, Yorkshire.

Deadline: Not specified.
Auditions: Not specified.
Contract: Agency.

This summer, Mind the Gap officially launches the UK’s first Actors’ Agency specifically representing actors with learning disabilities. The Agency has been created in response to increasing industry demand. As society’s attitudes towards disability are changing, the entertainment industry is making a commitment to more authentic realism.

www.mind-the-gap.org.uk/aboutus/Agency.html

PANDA: Call for Events for Inclusion in Launch Weekend

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 15:32:39 BST

Cultural Olympiad.

Deadline: Thursday 31st July 2008.
Auditions: N/A.
Event dates: Friday 26th - 28th September 2008.

As part of the Cultural Olympiad a UK-wide festival celebrating the diverse cultures across the UK will start over the weekend of 26-28 September and will run right through to the end of the Games.

The deadline for inclusion in the national launch is the end of July. If you have an event taking place on the launch weekend that fits the themes of Light it Up and Open it Up, then please contact the NW Creative Programmer, Debbi Lander for a registration form: debbi.lander@northwestcultureobservatory.co.uk

PANDA: Call for Contributions for Inclusion in New Performance

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 15:19:12 BST

Weeding Cane.

Deadline: ASAP.
Auditions: N/A.
Contract: N/A.

Hello - I need your help. I'm making a little scratch performance called 0.0008, it'll be at Royal Exchange on 18th July.

I'd like to collect all your happiest days or moments. I don't need to know the whole story but just like a headline or caption or phrase which kind of sums it up, plus the date, doesn't have to be day and month but the year would be good, and how old you were. So mine would be something like

Solomon's tiny pearl pink toes, futon, whalley range, 1994 aged 28.

A kiss, a spliff, a sparkler and moonlight, Llandudno pier, 2004, aged 38

doesn't have to be about love or babies, more varied the better.

It would be great if I could have them asap (Monday would be great, but keep them coming anyway because i'm hopefully doing a bigger show later on). Pass this on to friends who you think may be willing to contribute.

A thousand thankyous

Sonia soniahughes65@hotmail.com

"It takes the solar system about 225-250 million years to complete one orbit (a galactic year), and so is thought to have completed about 20-25 orbits during its lifetime or .0008 orbits since the origin of man."

PANDA: Management Training Courses for Theatre Professionals

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 15:11:39 BST

Independent Theatre Council (ITC).

One-day training courses in management techniques and specialist theatre skills from ITC. The courses and events will not only equip you with essentials skills and knowledge, but also provide a space to share your experience and network with a diverse range of arts professionals.

Tour Booking

Wednesday 9 July, 10.00am-5.00pm

Are you new to the responsibility of tour booking or feel you would benefit from reflecting on your current practice? This course provides the essential information on how to successfully book tours of your productions in the UK. You will have the opportunity to share your successes and challenges with others doing the same task.

Coaching and Mentoring Skills

Friday 25 July, 10.00am-5.00pm

Coaching as a style of management can reap huge benefits for your organisation. In using effective coaching techniques you will keep your team enthused and motivated, improving the overall productivity of your organisation. During this course you will discover how you can unlock the full potential in key people throughout your organisation.

Maximising your Career

Friday 19 September, 10.00am-5.00pm

This course is designed to help you begin the planning process of your career. Whether you need to develop a training plan or want to assess your current skills set, you will leave this course motivated to make the most of your current situation, boosting your job satisfaction, and keeping you focused on your career goals.

Handling Challenging Behaviour and Volatile Situations

Thursday 25 September, 10am to 5pm

This course will enable you to deal effectively and appropriately with challenging behaviour and volatile situations. Particularly useful for those who are working with members of the public, young people in schools and youth settings, and with vulnerable groups.

Promoting your Work Widely: Communicating with diverse groups

Thursday 2 October, 10am to 5pm

Are you among the many organisations that appreciate the benefits of reaching out to diverse audiences, but need some practical tools and techniques on how to achieve this? This course draws on a range of marketing techniques to enable you to, effectively communicate with new audiences and develop lasting relationships with key stakeholders. You will look at the effectiveness of direct marketing, sales promotions and public relations, and begin to develop a plan to meet your organisation’s needs and objectives.

Passport to International Touring

Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 October 2008 (£300 for the two days)

This dynamic and interactive course covers a range of topics and issues from legal and contracts, technical and logistical planning, budgeting and funding to marketing and promotion. This training event includes an evening reception where you can make new contacts, build your networks and share your knowledge. Leaving you confident and equipped to successfully take your work abroad.

Promoting and Presenting Young People’s Work

Delivered in partnership with Kazzum Children’s Theatre Company.

Thursday 13 November, 10am to 5pm

Whether you are a venue or performing arts company wanting to reach out to young audiences, you will find this course provides the essential tools to develop this work. This is a chance to review your current marketing activities and explore new and effective techniques to promote your work. You will also look at how to create a ‘family friendly’ atmosphere and develop lasting collaborative relationships between venues and producing theatre companies.

All courses (unless otherwise specified) are priced at £110 (plus VAT) for ITC Full Members and £160 (plus VAT) for non-members. All courses take place at the ITC Training Room in Central London. Visit www.itc-arts.org for full details.

In addition, to the one day training courses ITC will be running a series of professional development events throughout the year.

Special Offer for PANDA Members

ICT offer a 20% discount on all membership rates for PANDA members. See the Full Offer Details for more information about how to take advantage of this offer.

PANDA: Performing Arts Network for Chester and Cheshire

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 17:39:16 BST

Chester Performs.

Chester Performs is a new organisation driving the development of the performing arts in Chester and Cheshire. It is responsible for the development of Chester’s new Performing Arts Centre and is a leading producer and promoter of diverse events in and around the city.

Chester Performs' Performing Arts Network provides a platform for project ideas and discussion. Bringing organisations and artists together to improve communication and assist in developing a cohesive programme of performing arts activity for Chester and Cheshire. The network will feature an online forum and regular networking events will be held at the Chester Performs office which all members are welcome to attend.

Performing Arts Network is open to any organisation, school, college, community group or artist working within the performing arts in the region.

If you would like to register or you simply wish to receive network updates please contact Amber Jones either by email amber@chesterperforms.com or phone 01244 409113

PANDA: One-Day Meisner Technique Workshop

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 17:00:09 BST

Olivia Nelson.

Date: Saturday 19th July 2008, 9.30am - 6.30pm.
Venue: 274a Upper Chorlton Road, Mancheser, M16 OBN.
Cost: £39 / £29 concessions.

The Meisner Technique: A simple technique created originally for actors that leads you directly into spontaneous, authentic, communication. This work will give you the opportunity to get in touch with the core of who you are in relation to other people – “exciting”, “phenomenal”, “risky” and “liberating”. It’s not for the faint hearted but it is for those of you who want to explore your inner resources and creativity whilst being supported and encouraged in a safe environment. You don’t have to be an actor to explore this process, although actors are most welcome, as are beginners.

What to expect from the day:

We will spend most of the day exploring the ‘Repetition Exercise’ – The foundation of the work, where you will continue to transfer attention from yourself onto your partners' emotional and physical behavioural state, thus prompting truthful reactions.

The main objective of the day will be to deepen the ‘Repetition Exercise’ with the help of additional exercises to promote trust and a stronger connection between participants.

What previous participants have said:

“I enjoyed working in a focused and intensive environment, which allowed the freedom to explore without fear of judgement… a deeper way of exploring the job of an actor.” Kate Gilbert, Actor

“I thought that the wide range of different personalities made the course interesting, rewarding and unique” Les Fullerton, Musician and Health and Safety Advisor

Facilitator: Olivia Nelson.

Originally trained as an actor (BA Hons) and movement teacher, Olivia has studied numerous courses with the Actors Institute For Creativity, including the One Year Course in Professional Acting & One Year Leadership Programme. Olivia teaches a range of movement, drama, acting & self-development techniques privately and in business, as a specialist consultant. She continues to co-lead acting and self development courses in London, Bristol, Manchester and the U.S.A. Acting experience includes, Brief-Blue-Electric-Blue with Hooh Hah Theatre Company, Of Mice and Men with the Chester Gateway, To Kidnap a Princess, Granada TV and Heart Beat, Granada TV.

BOOKING DETAILS:

TIME: 9.30 am till 6.30pm PLACE: 274a Upper Chorlton Road, Mancheser, M16 OBN

PRICE: £39/29con. CONTACT: 0161 2251835 / 0795 1940111

olivia@olivianelson.co.uk

PANDA: Dancers Required for Outdoor Carnival Theatre Performance

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 16:49:40 BST

Walk The Plank, Liverpool.

Deadline: Not specified.
Workshops / rehearsals: Monday 28th - Thursday 31st July 2008.
Event dates: Friday 1st - Saturday 2nd August 2008.

Be part of an amazing Carnival Theatre Spectacular in Liverpool in August.

On Friday August 1st Walk the Plank will be staging a large scale outdoor carnival theatre performance 'The Emperor and the Tiger' in Newsham Park, Liverpool in collaboration with Kinetika.

The show features the Greedy Emperor, the Wise Man who persuades him to change his ways, and a 5m mechanical Tiger on a catwalk/stage 100m long. Music, fire drawings, fireworks and carnival dancers in fantastic costumes all help bring the story to life. The show is free and designed to be seen by up to 7500 people.

There are opportunities for up to 46 local dancers to work with renowned carnival choreographer Jean Jeanefer Charles (Kinetika) to participate in the show... after workshops that involve working with the costumes, and learning to create movement within the context of an outdoor show.

The following day, Saturday 2 August, the dancers can accompany the Emperor and the Tiger in the Brouhaha carnival parade, alongside young people from all over the world who are coming to celebrate carnival in Liverpool.

We are looking for a groups of young people (16 yrs upwards), or individuals, who have some dance/movement experience, or who fancy trying carnival dance.

Workshops will take place in the week of the show, Mon 28,29,30 July.

Rehearsals on site will begin on Weds 30th July - eve, with dress rehearsals on the evening of Thurs 31 July for which all participants will need to be available.

If you think your group might be interested, please get in contact with Ellie Turner on 0161 736 8964 or email ellie@walktheplank.co.uk for more information. Or please pass this on to any individuals you think might find this opportunity a good way to develop their experience as dancers, or to be part of an amazing event.

PANDA: Creative Outreach Facilitator Required

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 16:29:02 BST

Lime, Greater Manchester.

Deadline: Monday 28th July 2008.
Interviews: Monday 18th August 2008.
Contract: 40 days over 10 months.

Lime is looking for a freelance creative outreach facilitator for the final year of their Comic Relief funded project ‘The Amazing Doctor Sober’.

The contract will begin in September 2008. The work will cover approximately 40 days over a 10 month period, and the aim is to deliver training sessions to workers and creative alcohol resource pack across all 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester. The fee is £7,600, and any applicant must be willing to travel and have their own transport.

If you would like more info, or to apply please can you send a letter of one side A4 outlining your interest in the post and a CV with two referees to kim@limeart.org or by post to Kim Wiltshire, Lime, St Marys Hospital, Hathersage Road, Manchester, M13 0JH by July 28th 2008.

Those shortlisted for an informal interview will be contacted by August 11th and informal interviews will be held on Monday August 18th 2008 at Lime.

PANDA: Premises Manager Vacancy

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 16:12:05 BST

Contact, Manchester.

Deadline: Friday 18th July 2008, 12 noon.
Interviews: Thursday 31st July 2008.
Contract: Full time.

Contact is entering an exciting new phase of development. We are looking for an individual to take forward our unique vision of theatre for young artists and audiences.

Premises Manager (£18,927 pa)

We’re looking for someone with proven experience and a working knowledge of buildings, their systems, maintenance and their future development. Developing and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers & contractors, have sound knowledge of Health & Safety and Fire Regulations with good people skills. You should have a keen interest in developing our policies, including those for the environment and sustainability. You will also need a strong commitment to creating the best physical environment for young people, audiences and fellow workers and taking pride in delivering consistently high standards.

Deadline for submission of applications is Friday 18th July 2008 at 12-noon
Interviews will take place on Thursday 31st July 2008

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Harshad Mistry (Administration Manager) on 0161 274 0623. Application packs are available from www.contact-theatre.org/about-us/jobs.htm, vacancies@contact-theatre.org, our ticket and information desk or by calling Harshad Mistry on the above number. Only applications using the form can be accepted.

Contact is committed to Equal Opportunities and positively welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Registered Charity No. 501953

Supported by Arts Council of England, Manchester City Council and Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA).

PANDA: Supporters

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 12:31:57 BST

PANDA is supported by:

PANDA: Scriptwriting for Screen Writing Group

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 17:34:37 BST

Primary Creations.

Dates: Mondays from 14th July 2008, 7.30pm - 9.30pm.
Venue: Dancehouse, Oxford Road, Manchester.
Cost: £40 for 6 weeks.

This group is open to anyone who knows either knows the basics, is experienced or has been experimenting with scriptwriting for screen.

The group is designed so you can work at your own pace on whatever you like, i.e short films, tv, feature film, tv series.

Get feedback on your ideas
Be inspired and motivated by like minded people
Keep discipline in your writing
Work at your own Pace
Opportunity to network with other Manchester writers

Just £40 for 6 consecutive sessions.

Place are limited so if you would like to book a place or get more information please email primarycreations@yahoo.co.uk or call 07857 906 014.

Postgraduate Diploma in Writing for Performance

The focus of The Arden’s Postgraduate Diploma in Writing for Performance is to enable you, the writer, to produce your own work for theatre, radio or film.

Recent graduates have found commissions with BBC North, as well as having their work showcased at leading theatres and festivals.

This intensive one-year programme starts in January 2009. For more information contact: Charlotte Goodwin, Programme Co-ordinator via cgoodwin@ccm.ac.uk or Victoria Muir on 0161 279 7257.

This is an advertisement and is not related to the opportunity listed above.

PANDA: Seminar for Aspiring Script Writers

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 17:27:22 BST

Your Scripts And What To Do With Them.

Date: Tuesday 8th July 2008, 5.00pm.
Venue: Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester.
Cost: Free.

The Not Part Of Festival are pleased to announce the seminar – Your Scripts And What To Do With Them at 5pm 8th July at Urbis.

With Guest Speakers from BBC Writersroom and North West Playwrights this is an excellent opportunity for those who are interested in scriptwriting but aren’t sure which route to take, or have written a script and don’t know what to do with it.

“The Not Part Of Festival is all about providing opportunities for those who feel they are not part of the creative industries but are passionate about creativity. This seminar is an excellent platform for those people to discover the first steps towards a career in script or playwrighting.’ Beth McCann, Not Part Of

BBC Writersroom are the first point of call at the BBC for all unsolicited scripts and writers. All work is assessed primarily for the talent of the writer, and in addition for the script’s suitability for further development. When BBC Writersroom reads a script that excites them they will do all they can to champion that writer within the organisation and help with their development.

North West Playwrights exists to develop and promote new writing for the theatre in the North West Of England. Their services include collaboration and support, script reading and writer support.

‘We hope to run many more seminars like this in future festivals, and it’s exciting to think that in future Not Part Of’s we could be showing films and plays written by those at this seminar.’ Beth McCann, Not Part Of

This is a completely free event, no need to book just come along. Further information can be found on our website: www.notpartof.org

PANDA: Fun Bits and Festival VIPs at the PANDA Summer Social!

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:59:48 BST

PANDA are thrilled to exclusively reveal further details about the...

PANDA Summer Social: Festivals Warm Up Party

It's summer, it's festivals, it's summer festivals, it's a festival summer! So get your bermudas and bikinis out and kick off the season in style by joining us for...

Summer Fun

Cool down (or pretend it's hot, if it's not*) with free fruity ice pops.
Have a splash in the paddling pool by the terrace. Towels provided, bring your own inflatables.
Have a lucky dip in the bran tub and see if you win 24:7 Theatre Festival tickets, the heart shaped sunglasses or another summery treat.
Plus, first 40 people to RSVP will be treated to a free Pimms and lemonade on arrival, in all it's mint and cucumber splendor.

*In the great British tradition, summer related fun will take place regardless come rain or shine. Rain won't put a dampener on our outdoor shenanigans as we're good Scouts and are prepared with big brolleys and a gazebo for the paddling pool!

Festival VIPS

We're delighted to confirm that movers and shakers from the following festivals will be joining us at the party...

Buxton Festival Fringe
Not Part Of Festival
Hazard08
24:7 Theatre Festival
Contacting the World
Emergency
Moves Festival

Mingle with the festival organisers, swap flyers and use the opportunity to tell us how PANDA can support you at the festivals this summer.

The fun commences at 8.00pm on Friday 4th July 2008 in the gorgeous surrounds of the Kro Old Abbey Inn. This hidden gem can be found in Manchester Science Park, just off Lloyd Street North behind Manchester University. There is ample parking near the venue for designated drivers or it's just a 5 minute stroll from the main bus routes on Oxford Road.

Update!

Sadly you won't get chance to say farewell to PANDA Project Manager Zoe Pickering at the PANDA Summer Social. The good news is that you will be able to welcome baby Isabelle Jane Pickering into the world! Yes, the bump has arrived two weeks early, fit and well. So come and join us to wet the baby's head and sign the card for Zoe instead.

RSVP

The PANDA Summer Social is open to everybody, all over 18's are invited to attend. So bring your friends along to meet us. There will be info about PANDA available for anyone who might be interested in joining the clan!

Please RSVP to Rachel on 0161 274 0626 or email rachel@panda-arts.org.uk.

Event Details

Date: Friday 4th July 2008, 8.00pm till late.
Venue: Old Abbey Inn, 61 Pencroft Way, Manchester, M15 6AY (map).
Cost: Free to PANDA members / £5 for guests and expired PANDA members.

See you at the Summer Social, whoop whoop!

PANDA: PANDA Welcomes A New Cub!

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:49:54 BST

PANDA are thrilled to announce the birth of Zoe's baby girl, Isabelle Jane Pickering.

Zoe left the employ of PANDA just two weeks ago, following nearly two years as our dedicated PANDA Project Manager. Just like her mum always did, baby Isabelle arrived early! She entered the world at 9pm on Monday 30th June 2008, two weeks ahead of schedule, but fit, healthy and totally beautiful as you can see...

Mum and baby are both doing brilliantly and we are remarkably proud of Zoe and delighted for her, husband Stuart and the rest of the family.

Come and join us on Friday 4th July 2008 at the PANDA Summer Social to wet the baby's head and sign the big card which we will be hand delivering to Zoe.

Obviously, Zoe will be otherwise engaged looking after her brand new baby daughter and so won't be able to make it on Friday to collect all those lime and sodas she's been promised. So we'll just have to drink them all for her (perhaps with a little something extra added) to celebrate the arrival of the latest member of the PANDA family...

Welcome to the world Isabelle!

PANDA: Volunteers Required for New Writing Festival

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:00:59 BST

24:7 Theatre Festival, Manchester.

Deadline: Friday 11th July 2008.
Interviews: N/A.
Contract: Voluntary.

The 24:7 Theatre Festival is back for it’s fifth year this summer.

24:7 is an annual festival which takes over non-theatre venues across Manchester city centre to bring you the best in new writing and performance. It is all about excellence in theatre and creating opportunities for writers, directors, actors, and pretty much everyone with an interest in theatre! Each year the Front of House has been supported by an amazing team of volunteers, without whom the festival couldn’t survive, and this year will be no different.

Volunteering for 24:7 is always fun, a little bit different, and a great opportunity to take part in one of the highlights of Manchester’s’ summer calendar.

This year the festival runs from Monday 21st July to Sunday 27th July, with matinee and evening performances daily.

If you’re able to work for three or more shifts you become entitled to a ‘24:7 Volunteer Pass’ which allows you access to all of the performances for free, on a standby basis.

Whether it’s for one afternoon or the whole week, we need smart, interested people to help run the Box Office and Front of House – selling tickets, directing audiences and ushering performances. No previous experience necessary, just a good attitude.

For more information about 24:7 visit www.247theatrefestival.co.uk

For more information about volunteering and how you can get involved, please email Rowena Reekie, Front of House Manager.

Tel: 07908 421 440
Email: rowena247@hotmail.co.uk

PANDA: Temporay Marketing Officer Vacancy

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:56:00 BST

The Bluecoat, Liverpool.

Deadine: Tuesday 1st July 2008.
Interviews: Not specified.
Contract: 3 months, full or part time.

We are seeking a temporary marketing officer to support our marketing team on key projects. Working to the head of marketing, you will assist the team with planning and implementation of a new literature festival and a market research programme, amongst other projects. You will have at least one year’s experience of marketing, preferably in an arts environment.

This is an exciting time to work at the Bluecoat, which reopened in March following a £12.5 million redevelopment project that restored the historic fabric of the beautiful Grade 1 listed building and created new galleries and performance space. The Bluecoat offers visitors a unique way to participate in the arts from production to consumption. Working here could allow you to truly contribute to Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008 at one of its premier arts spaces.

The position will be offered full/part time for at least 3 months with a salary of c£17,000 depending on experience. The contract will commence as soon as practicable.

Please forward CV to:

the Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX
or email: Recruitment@thebluecoat.org.uk
www.thebluecoat.org.uk

Bluecoat is striving to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

PANDA: Casting for National Tour of New Play for Young People

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:51:51 BST

Red Ladder Theatre Company, Leeds.

Deadline: Monday 7th July 2008.
Auditions: Monday 21st July 2008.
Contract: Equity/ITC, August - December 2008.

‘Forgotten Things’ by Emma Adams - UK Tour Sept - Dec 2008.

A new play suitable for cross-generational audiences.

Production company : Red Ladder Theatre Company, Leeds

Type : National tour to small-scale venues, youth clubs and community halls
Audition date: 21st July in Leeds
Rehearsals: From 18 August in Leeds
National Tour : September to December 2008
Contract : Equity/ITC

Writer : Emma Adams
Director : Rod Dixon
Designer : Sara Perks
Composer : Jaydev Mistry
Puppet trainer : John Barber
Production Manager : Chris Lloyd
General Manager : Chris Lloyd
Tour Manager : Stefanie Gascoigne
Admin Assistant : Laura Hamlet
Producers : Red Ladder. Red Ladder is funded by Arts Council England.

The company seeks one male actor who has experience of and/or enthusiasm for working with young people in non-theatre venues. Some of the tour will take place in small-scale theatre venues and will include some workshops with young people.

One male performer:

To play Toby a teenager contemplating suicide AND to operate a large puppet playing a second role as Dr Kevin.

We are looking for versatile physical actors. Puppetry skills would be useful but there will be an extra week’s rehearsal with the director and puppet trainer

The Actors will be part of a touring team, including a stage/company manager and will be involved in audience discussions and workshops with young people as part of the contract.

Send a CV & Photo by 7th July 2008

By post: Red Ladder Theatre Company, 3 St. Peters Buildings, York Street, Leeds, LS9 8AJ.

If you wish details to be returned please enclose a SAE.

By email : laura@redladder.co.uk (type ‘casting’ in the subject box)