Introduction & Background
Moonstruck Astronaut is a not-for-profit community theatre company based in Newport, Shropshire. Our mission is to bring the local community of Newport and surrounding areas together through theatre projects and foster friendship, self-expression, belonging and confidence amongst our children and young people. We run the Newport Youth Theatre for 7-13 year olds and outdoor ‘Drama in the Forest’ workshops for 6-12 year olds. The theatre company’s work is going from strength to strength. We have been awarded an Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant to run the Drama in the Forests 2024.
Volunteers form an integral part of all our projects; we are very grateful to them as they are a big part of our success story. Please apply if you want to help support our local children’s creative development whilst extending your own skillset and experience.
Please see www.moonstruckastronaut.com and www.facebook.com/moonstruckastronaut to learn more about the theatre company.
Call out for Drama workshop assistant volunteers for our Summer Drama in the Forest 2024:
Please note: volunteers must be 16 years or over. There is no upper age limit.
This role ideally suits a drama student or a person interested in teaching or youth work or the arts.
Monday 17th June deadline to apply!
‘Summer Drama in the Forest’ (Summer DNF) Assistant Drama Workshop Volunteers:
Event: Outdoor 5-day drama workshop on the Events site of Wrekin Forest School (WFS), with 20-23 children, mixed ages (6-12 yrs), abilities and drama experience, run by Moonstruck Astronaut theatre company.
Venue: WFS, Events site, Crudginton Moor Lane, Telford,
Dates & times required: Mon 5th – Friday 9th August, 8am – 4.30pm* (*until 5pm Friday 4th August for performance) and for a volunteers briefing at the venue or on zoom on Sunday 28th July, provisional time at 2-3pm.
Role description: To support Drama, movement and music workshop leaders, pastoral workshop leader and each other to facilitate the project where 20-23 children will be taught drama, movement and music skills culminating in a triumphant sharing of our communal creativity at the end of the last day to parents/guardians/supporters. You will be part of a team of up to 6 volunteers.
This role ideally suits a drama student or a person interested in teaching or youth work or the arts.
Main duties:
- Volunteers are to support the mini play development when the children work in small groups, acting as a facilitator/ lead for their own group
- Help facilitate and take part in drama/dance/music/craft/ sport activities
- Assist all children in having a great time, ensuring all feel respected
- Input into team meetings at the end of each day
- Support the fun, inclusive and safe collaborative environment, building up the confidence and trust of all participants and celebrating /recognising their achievements over the week.
Skills:
- A certain degree of physical fitness and stamina is needed.
- Work as part of a team, efficiently communicating with each other.
- Reliable and arrive to help on the dates and times agreed.
- Model a pro-active, engaged, supportive attitude.
- Confident and assertive with younger children.
- Quick-thinking, resourceful, positive and adaptable.
- Prior experience in drama and a passion for drama would be ideal.
- Understand the importance of the groups’ Health & Safety procedures.
- Understand the importance of confidentiality & safeguarding vulnerable children, efficiently reporting to the Safeguarding leads any concerns as they happen.
Benefits:
- Valuable experience of hands-on drama workshop facilitating
- Impressive CV credit as a ‘workshop leader’ on professional cross-arts workshop
- Enjoyable work experience supporting younger children’s development
- Reference provided upon request
- Travel expenses can be covered if requested, lunch every day will be provided.
To apply to be a drama workshop assistant volunteer on the Summer DNF please send an email to Rosy at admin@moonstruckastronaut.com by Monday 17th June, detailing why you are a great fit to volunteer on the project, detailing any relevant experience and skills (attaching a CV if you have one), referring to the role description. Returning volunteers please respond in the WhatsApp group.
