Volunteering for the Summer School

The Summer School relies on a large number of volunteers to help make the courses, performances andaccommodation arrangements run smoothly.

House Parents

House Parents are based in each of the residential areas, and make sure that Summer School attendees are well looked after. While House Parents have the time to participate in courses, they should consider themselves on duty at all times. Duties differ from area to area but may include anything from driving the Summer School minibus to registering late arrivals. House Parents receive all accommodation and food for their stay. House Parents MUST:

• have attended the Summer School previously
• be at least 21 years old

In addition, the Postern House Parents must have a D1 category on their driving licence and be at least 25 years old so that they can drive the minibus.

Stewards

Stewards provide the front-of-house operation for all Summer School performances. Duties include selling programmes and tickets prior to events, checking tickets and the evacuation of performances in an emergency. Stewards are the public face of performances and are responsible for ensuring high levels of customer care. Stewards are charged £75 towards their accommodation and food. In return for their work they have the opportunity to take part in Summer School courses when duties allow.

• Minimum age: 21
• Applicants must be physically fit
• Experience of customer service / stewarding is highly desirable
• Knowledge of Health and Safety and First Aid procedures is desirable

Trogs

Trogging is considered excellent experience for those interested in careers in arts administration. Trogs acquire a privileged knowledge of the ins-and-outs of running a major festival, and many former Trogs have found their way into some of the most acclaimed arts institutions in the country. Sir Nicholas Kenyon CBE (Managing Director of the Barbican Centre and formerly Director of the BBC Proms) began his career as a Trog.

A Trog’s role is to look after artists, stage manage concerts, and run the Summer School office. Duties include setting up spaces for courses and events, artist liaison, back stage performance management, writing programmes, running hospitality, moving pianos and harpsichords, page turning… and anything else that needs to be done! Customer care is paramount, and trogs provide a first point of contact for both artists and participants who visit the Summer School office.

Due to the long working hours, Trogs are unable to take part in courses, but do receive accommodation and food during their stay. Although Trogging is extremely rewarding and good fun, the work is demanding both physically and mentally, so please consider carefully before choosing to apply.

• Suggested minimum age: 21
• Must have musical knowledge to at least A-level standard or equivalent
• Applicants whose first language is not English must be completely fluent in English
• Full driving licence is highly desirable
• Computer literate

Please note that in Week 5, Trogs will be required to stay until the afternoon of Sunday 26 August.

Click here to download the application form for all placements.
Please send to
Volunteer Applications
Dartington International Summer School
Space, Dartington Hall
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 6EN

or email summerschool@dartington.org

Applications should be received by 4 May 2012.

For further information, please contact us on 01803 847080 or summerschool@dartington.org