Day 1

Although I had already met the company, and had planned buses/trains/walking routes, I was extremely nervous about starting this morning! I arrived at the studios just before 10.30 and met Rich and Ben, who were discussing ideas for a small project they are working on this week for the Arts Council at the Crucible in Sheffield. I sat in on their discussion until Catherine and Vic arrived and prepared to sit in on their meeting at 11 with new Production Manager, Dave, who will be working with them for their "Bring the Happy" project which is being taken down to Coventry in April.
The meeting itself was mainly discussing practicalities of touring the project; moving the set, viewing the venues, finding accommodation, possible partnerships, risk assessments, storage and sourcing new props. I enjoyed being present at this meeting as it gave me a great insight into the organisation needed for touring projects. I have been asked to source some props tomorrow and have been given the (ongoing) task of helping to find some possible temporary accommodation for the company in Coventry.
After lunch I sat with Catherine and Vic as they talked through the weekly agenda, which was also interesting as I was able to see the types of everyday tasks an independent company may have. I then met Alex, their artistic assistant, who will be helping with their project while it's on Coventry. I spent a lot of time today absorbing information, this was an extremely busy day for them in terms of meetings and organisation, so I did feel thrown in the deep end at times! I ended the day with a chat with Catherine about some of the tasks she has planned, and some of the things she can talk me through net week (budgeting, business planning, their arts council funding and how to start a project). Tomorrow I will be with Rich, Ben and Vic working on some creative development and sourcing props.