News

Short film “Even Secret Agents Have a Bad Day!” is running the “Funny Or Die” gauntlet at the moment. It is a fast paced Action Comedy that was produced on a shoestring budget. It was shot in Dublin with fantastic contributions from a very talented cast and crew.

Below is a short synopsis:

Even Secret Agents Have A Bad Day! tells the story of special agent Mitch Maxwell as he struggles to find the balance between work and life. When the girl of his dreams invites her parents to dinner, it clashes with Mitch’s work schedule but being the professional that he is, he devises a solution. Fly out Friday morning, complete the mission and fly back in time to meet the folks. Sounds easy but this seemingly simple plan rapidly goes wrong.
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/f13de63cab/even-secret-agents-have-a-bad-day

RTÉ Television has announced the search for MasterChef Ireland 2012 and is calling on all passionate amateur cooks to apply to take part in the new series.

Michelin-starred chef Dylan McGrath and top restaurateur Nick Munier will once again be joining forces as judges on MasterChef Ireland 2012 and are calling on people with a passion for food to take part in the hit RTÉ Two series.

Speaking about the new series Dylan McGrath said: ‘We want to find Ireland’s best amateur cook and we want to hear from everyone in Ireland who thinks they have what it takes to be the next MasterChef champion. MasterChef Ireland is such a great opportunity to show off the talent that exists in Ireland at an amateur level, and to showcase the Irish produce that we have. Although we have a small population I’m absolutely confident that we can compete at an international level.’

Executive Producer, Larry Bass: ‘We want to hear from everyone in Ireland who thinks they have what it takes to be the next MasterChef champion. Last year’s series was a huge hit and really captured the public imagination. This year we expect it to be even bigger and better! We are looking for brilliant amateur cooks who will be available to take part in a busy filming schedule over this summer. You need to be obsessed with food and cooking and up for a challenge. We want to hear from all over Ireland so if you think you’re a fantastic amateur cook get online now and apply at www.rte.ie/masterchef.’

Nick Munier said: ‘I’m hoping to see exceptional cooks that operate by instinct and have a natural flair for taste and flavour. This could be a life-changing opportunity for the winner and I want to find someone with the determination and drive to succeed, regardless of their background.’

Applicants will have just under two weeks to apply to take part. Successful applicants will compete against the best amateur cooks in the country to gain a place on the hit television series.

Those who prove themselves worthy of a place in the final 16 will be put through a series of intense tasks and challenges each week to test their culinary talent and skill as they try to impress MasterChef judges, Nick Munier and Dylan McGrath. Contestants will be eliminated at different stages of the series until there is one winner, who will walk away with the title of MasterChef Ireland champion 2012 and the prize of €25,000.

The closing date for applications is the 28th May 2012.

For more details on how to apply and terms and conditions please go to www.rte.ie/masterchef

MasterChef Ireland is produced for RTÉ by Screentime ShinAwiL LTD

County Sligo Youth Theatre is seeking a dynamic and experienced Youth Theatre Director to

Ø Facilitate a programme of drama/theatre workshops

Ø Co-ordinate and manage all activities in relation to the Youth theatre including the development and implementation of policies and procedures.

Ø Provide leadership and strategic direction in relation to furthering the artistic vision of the youth theatre.

County Sligo Youth Theatre is a vibrant, inclusive organisation, dedicated to developing County Sligo’s Youth arts programme in the area of theatre/drama. The youth theatre is dedicated to developing creativity and confidence in its members and delivers a year round programme for young people including workshops, at least one major play and a number of small productions.

The successful candidate will have:

Ø A minimum of two years work experience in theatre/drama/youth arts.

Ø Relevant experience of designing, delivering and leading youth theatre workshops

Ø Commitment and passion to youth arts and knowledge of the youth theatre field.

Ø Excellent organisational and communication skills.

Ø Demonstrated ability to think and act strategically.

Ø Ability to initiate projects and be self motivated.

This position is being offered on an initial contract for services basis, for a three year period, with one year probation. The renewal annually is dependant on the continued availability of funding. The hours are approx 30 per week, which may include evening and weekend and some Bank Holiday work. The director reports to the Chair of the board of Sligo Youth Theatre.

For more information, see the website www.sligoyouththeatre.ie

Completed C.Vs. and letter of application should be sent for the attention of Stella Carroll www.sligoyouththeatre.ie
The deadline for applications for this position has been extended to 26th May 2012.
Those who have applied already, need not apply again.

http://sligoyouththeatre.ie/

ABBEY THEATRE Amharclann na Mainistreach | Job Description

JOB TITLE: Visitor Services Coordinator

RESPONSIBLE TO: Sales & Customer Service Management Team

The Abbey Theatre is Ireland’s national theatre and occupies a unique position in the hearts and minds of Irish people. It has two theatres: the Abbey, with a capacity of 492 seats, and the Peacock, with a capacity of 132 seats. The Abbey produces a year round programme of productions, public readings, workshops and artistic development work. We produce work on our stages and on tour, which not only showcases Irish and international theatre but also engages with the artistic and civic life of contemporary Ireland. If you would like to join a thriving national arts organisation which represents the past, present and future of Irish theatre, this could be the opportunity for you. This role requires a person who has a passion for Sales & Customer Service.

PURPOSE OF JOB

An opportunity exists for a full time Visitor Service Coordinator. The Visitor Services Coordinator will support a strong sales and customer focused team that consistently delivers an efficient, informed and professional service to Abbey Theatre customers and stakeholders. S/he will work to ensure that each visitor has a positive, engaging experience while also developing new customer and business relationships.

Three Visitor Services Coordinators work with a team of managers and support staff to deliver on departmental goals and objectives, including sales targets, in the context of the Abbey Theatre’s overall mission, vision and goals. Each Visitor Service Coordinator is line managed by one of the Sales and Visitor Service Managers and reports to the designated Manager on duty during hours of operation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties include but are not limited to:

Sales & Customer Service

· Ensure that all visitors have a positive experience by implementing and maintaining excellent customer service standards that are reflective of the brand and values of the Abbey Theatre.

· Proactively resolve visitor issues in a timely and professional manner and document all feedback on Tessitura (the Abbey Theatre’s CRM system).

· With the management team, identify opportunities and implement initiatives to maximise sales and exceed targets, and to make the visitor experience more engaging and memorable.

Operational

· Coordinate and supervise the team across the full range of services – front of house, ticketing, membership, reception, bar, merchandise, events and guided tours, in line with departmental standards.

· Ensure that the day to day operations of the Sales and Customer Service team are efficient, that staff coverage is adequate to meet demand and that staff are equipped and informed.

· Act as Duty Manager as required, a minimum of once a week.

· Supervisory User of Tessitura (CRM), Point of Sale (POS) and TMS (time and attendance) systems.

· Complete cash reconciliation, lodgements and end of day reporting.

· Assist with effective stock management.

· Conduct team briefing sessions as required.

· Maintain and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies and systems to improved efficiency and reduce costs.

· Provide cover for managers as required.

Training

· Support, coach and motivate the Sales and Customer Service team to deliver on sales targets and departmental goals, always leading by example.

· Implement staff training and development programmes.

· Participate in and contribute to the performance management process.

Health and Safety

· When required Act as Chief Fire Marshal in the event of an emergency evacuation and ensure the safety of all visitors and staff.

· When required be the point of contact for any incidents/accidents involving customers and ensure that the team adheres to company policy and procedures in line with first aid training.

General

· Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation.

· Work closely with colleagues to strengthen interdepartmental relationships and understanding.

· Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable and appropriate.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

The post holder will have:

· Proven experience of delivering an exceptional standard of customer service in a high volume sales environment.

· The ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills.

· High level of computer literacy is essential, with CRM database (Tessitura) or box office experience desirable.

· Demonstrable experience of meeting and exceeding sales targets.

· Good administration and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.

· Ability to work effectively as part of a team and individually, to make decisions, take initiative and prioritise tasks.

· Reliability and the ability to work flexibly and effectively under pressure.

· Cash management and reconciliation experience.

· Ability to react positively to and embrace change.

· Good Industry knowledge is desirable.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Customers, Suppliers, Clients & VIPs, Abbey Theatre Staff

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Post: This is a full time permanent post with the Abbey Theatre.

Hours: The hours of work will be based on a rotating roster and will require day, evening and weekend work. 40 hours Net per week.

Annual Salary: Salary commensurate with skills and experience.

Probationary period: 6 months.

Holidays: 24 days per annum (including Good Friday & Christmas Eve).

Public Holidays: 9 Public holidays per annum.

Pension: The Abbey Theatre provides employees with access to a Personal Retirement savings Scheme Account (PRSA) and will match contributions up to 5.5% of salary.

Employees must contribute a minimum of 3% to avail of employer contributions. Contributions are made through payroll.

Life Assurance: The Abbey Theatre Group Life Assurance plan provides a benefit to all employees of 4 times annual salary in the event of death while in service.

Health Insurance: Employers are provided with the option to join the Abbey Theatre – VHI Group Scheme. Participant employees receive a 10% discount on any VHI plan and the subscription is deducted through payroll.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please go to:
http://www.abbeytheatre.ie/behind_the_scenes/article/vacancy-visitor-services-coordinator

Michelle Sheridan

HR Administrator

Abbey Theatre

26 Lower Abbey Street

Dublin 1

Alternatively email: recruitment@abbeytheatre.ie

The closing date for applications is 12noon on Wednesday 23 May 2012.

The Abbey Theatre is an equal opportunities employer.

The Board of Second Age theatre company is seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer. This is a new position and it is envisaged that the Chief Executive Officer will deliver an exciting programme, and lead the company into a new phase of development.

Second Age is committed to delivering a programme of classic’s based theatre. Currently the company delivers 1-2 large scale national touring productions per year with each production being attended by up to 20,000 people. Second Age’s programme focuses each year on the current Leaving Certificate English Drama syllabus and its chief activity includes producing a large scale Shakespeare and programming a range of supporting and complimentary activities.

Overall responsibilities will include:

1.Strategic planning and goal setting

2.Developing and managing budgets

3.Producing a rich and varied programme of theatre

The ideal candidate will have a

•Deep understanding of current Arts & theatre practices with specific reference to young people’s theatre

•An excellent track record in strategy development and implementation

•A proven ability to work within a budget

•Experience in the organisation and production of theatre

•Experience in employment law and more specifically in negotiating all theatre personnel contracts.

•An awareness and understanding of current working practices within a professional theatre environment.

•An ability to negotiate successfully all theatre venue contracts and continue to build on the excellent relationships the company currently maintains with venues throughout the country.

•An ability to deliver and oversee a sales and marketing strategy that ensures the financial success of each theatre production and activity undertaken by the company.

•An ability to support and foster a professional and safe working environment for all personnel engaged in each production.

Development

•In consultation with a team of Associate Directors put in place a wide range of programmes in keeping with the companies mission statement

•To act as the representative and advocate of Second Age.

•To broaden and diversify Second Age’s current programme of activities.

•To identify and foster new relationships with organisations and people that wish to participate in the future success of Second Age.

•Oversee the development and implementation of an exciting new visual communications strategy and rebranding of the company.

Financial

•Plan and oversee strategies that will grow annual revenue and ensure future financial security of Second Age.

•To liaise with our key funder the Arts Council and to develop new relationships with other sources of funding revenue

•To build a programme that is deliverable within set budgets.

•To monitor and evaluate financial performance in a regular and systematic fashion and make adjustments to future spending in accordance with financial outcomes.

•To prepare for the company’s immediate and long term projections to include:

annual budgets, monthly management accounts, regular cash flows

•To oversee the keeping of books of account and the preparation of the annual accounts for audit.

•To ensure that all taxes are filed on time.

Personal qualities

•This position is ideally suited to a candidate with strong leadership qualities.

•Exhibit excellent interpersonal leadership and communication skills.

Experience

•Will possess experience working in a professional theatre environment, with demonstrated experience in programming and delivering theatre within a specified budget.

•Have experience in marketing, advertising and public relations activities with demonstrated experience in driving growth in ticket sales and associated revenues.

•Have a strong work ethic, with stamina and passion to thrive in a dynamic and exciting environment.

•Have proven experience in a previous leadership role

Governance:

•To work with the board of Directors to ensure that Second Age theatre company meets all its statutory obligations. To ensure that the company’s assets are protected and to prepare and maintain an analysis of risks.

Human Resources:

•To recruit, contract and support administrative and box office staff, as well as all theatre contract personnel.

•Will be responsible for payroll administration and assisting all staff in ensuring their revenue filing is carried out efficiently.

Administration:

•To be the company secretary. Prepare the agenda , reports and minutes for all meetings with the Board of Directors

Deadline for receipt of applications: Friday 25th May @ 5pm

If you wish to be considered for this position please send a relevant CV and cover letter indicating your suitability and motivation in applying for this position to:

linda@secondage.com

Or by post to

The Board of Directors

Second Age Theatre Company

5 A Upper Fownes Street

Temple Bar

Dublin 2

Recruitment process:

A shortlist of candidates will be contacted on Monday 28th May

Interviews for this position will take place on Friday 1st June

Terms of Contract:

This is a full time position. The contract offered is for an initial 1 year term and subject to a 3 month probationary period.

http://www.secondage.com/

RTÉ Radio 1 Documentary on Depression Wins Crystal Clear MSD Health Literacy Award

The RTÉ Radio 1 Documentary on One: My Dad’s Depression has won first place in the category of ‘Best Health Communication through Journalism’ at this year’s Crystal Clear MSD Health Literacy Award.

The awards took place today at Dublin’s Royal College of Surgeons, where producer Conor McGinnity was presented the award for Documentary on One: My Dad’s Depression; his first documentary.

The biographical documentary centres on Conor’s personal story of how his father’s depression has affected his whole family.

This is the second award for Documentary on One: My Dad’s Depression, which earlier this year was named ‘Radio Arts and Features Show of The Year’ at the 2012 Hybrid Award.

The documentary is part of RTÉ Radio 1’s multi-award-winning Documentary on One strand and the award also noted the roles of production supervisor Nicoline Greer and series producer Liam O’Brien.

To listen to the full documentary and find out more about the people who made it, visit: http://www.rte.ie/radio1/doconone/radio-documentary-family-living-with-depression.html.

RTÉ Documentary on One on Twitter: @RTEDocOnOne

GENERAL MANAGER POSITION WITH DRUID

“Because its Druid, expect top-notch production values and acting to die for.” The Irish Times

Be a valuable part of world class theatre as Druid seeks a General Manager.

The successful candidate will lead and manage the full production process from initial planning to the final performance. Including, but not limited to, promotion and budgeting as well as general management of the administrative offices and theatre in Galway.

We seek a highly organised team player with excellent communication, administrative and IT skills. She /he will play a pivotal role working with innovative and dedicated artistic professionals in a fast paced environment impacting theatre on a Global Level.

This is a full-time position, based in Galway. It will involve travel throughout Ireland and overseas. The contract is offered for a one year term subject to a three month probationary period.

A full Job description is available on www.druid.ie

Applications in confidence detailing relevant experience by email to DruidTheatreGM@gmail.com before 5 pm Thursday 7th June 2012.

Trashfest presents: Showgirls The Screen Cinema May 25th

In the history of movies so shockingly bad you can’t help loving them, Showgirls is right up there at the very top. With its terrible script, gratuitous nudity, ridiculous characters and awful acting, it should be virtually unwatchable – but perhaps because of all of the above, Paul Verhoeven’s 1995 cult classic is an utterly enjoyable, totally hilarious romp through the back-stabbing backstage of Las Vegas’s show circuit.
Elizabeth Berkley transferred her considerably crappy dramatic skills from TV’s Saved By The Bell to play Nomi Malone, a wannabe topless dancer who is inexplicably irresistible to everyone that happens upon her – and lots of people happen upon her – when she arrives all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in Vegas.

Among those entranced by her personality-free personality is Queen Bee dancer at Stardust, Crystal Connors (Gina Gershon), who becomes dangerously obsessed by the increasingly sulky Nomi, who in turn uses her ‘charisma’ to first become Cristal’s understudy and then her replacement, with some very badly scripted bitching along the way. Kyle MacLachlan (from TV’s Desperate Housewives and Twin Peaks) is also roped in to this cinematic mess, most memorably in the worst sex scene ever filmed.

Sit back and enjoy the most deliciously awful movie ever made in a laugh-out-loud group experience like no other at the Trashfest screening of Showgirls. Banned by the Irish censor when first released, Showgirls finally arrives on the big screen in all its mind-bendingly vulgar, outrageous, bizarre, hilarious and depraved glory. This just might be the movie experience that makes your year!
Tickets €10 (€8 concession) are available at Entertainment.ie
http://entertainment.ie/tickets
Doors from 8pm.
Strictly over 18’s.
For more information see www.trashfest.ie

About Trashfest

Lovers of all things trash and the art it inspires, join us for an exploration into the divinely terrible but wonderfully entertaining world of trash cinema.
Trashfest is a celebration of alternative culture, taking its cue from a genre of film that can be termed as ‘trash’. The festival will feature films we love to hate, hate to love, and some the most ardent fans of trash can’t get enough of.
Trashfest aims to introduce Dublin audiences to an ‘underground’ experience of film, television and art,that is rooted in the low-budget foundations of trash movies. Trashfest will merge the multi-platform, multi-media experience of underground trash art, culture and movies together for a weekend long party.
Trashfest will run from July 12th to 15th 2012 with once off events in the run up to give you a taste of what you’re in for.

Barbaric Genius, a new documentary on the life of John Healy, writer of The Grass Arena, to be released exclusively at the IFI from 25th-29th May 2012

Paul Duane’s feature documentary Barbaric Genius tells the story of John Healy - wino, chess prodigy, author of a classic memoir, and forgotten man. Once a media darling for his charisma and aura of violence, he’s spent the past twenty years living in extraordinary isolation, embittered and angry.

Healy was born into a London-Irish family during World War 2. Hounded by violence at home and on the streets, he took refuge in drink and spent the ’60s as a street wino and a mugger. Then, learning to play chess in jail, he became aware of his own potential.

Sobering up, he went on the tournament chess circuit and caused controversy and sensation not only with his unbelievable ability, but also his volatile and sometimes belligerent personality.

As he began to realise his own formidable intelligence, he entered the world of literature with his 1989 memoir, The Grass Arena, and became a celebrity – and that’s when things started to go wrong…

Filmmaker Paul Duane says: “I had been a fan of the book on its initial publication, and had tried to buy the film rights in 1991. When John Healy re-surfaced after fifteen years of total obscurity, he agreed to take part in a film that would try to explain how he managed to go from the gutters of Camden to Hollywood, then back again, and what happened? How did he destroy his career, why were his books removed from the shops and destroyed?.”

This is a story that encompasses almost every aspect of the human spirit, from violent intoxication to transcendent spirituality. It also provides a remarkable picture of the hidden tensions in British life around class, privilege and education.

Barbaric Genius is presented by Screenworks in association with the Irish Film Board/ Bord Scannán na hÉireann and RTÉ . Its cinema release has been supported by Bord Scannán na hÉireann.

John Healy and Paul Duane will attend the opening night screening at 19.20 and will take part in a post-screening Q+A session.

Tickets for this limited run are available now at the IFI Box Office on 01 679 3477 or www.ifi.ie

Glass Hammer Productions are seeking two actors for our upcoming production of “The Pitchfork Disney” by Philip Ridley which we are planning to stage in late July at a city centre location.

Cosmo Disney - Male actor aged 20 - 30.
Pitchfork Cavalier - Male actor aged 30 - 40 (this character has very little dialogue but a certain “presence” is required)

They are also seeking applications from directors who are up to the challenge of directing this surreal and controversial show.

Unfortunately they cannot offer payment for any of the above roles but we are hoping that this initial run will lead to further paid runs in the near future.

If interested, please email your C.V. and headshot to glasshammertheatre@gmail.com

Auditions are likely to take place next week.