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Welcome to the second edition of C21 News, bringing you the latest news, views, training courses and job opportunities from across the world of Front of House, Box Office and Marketing in arts venues and organisations throughout Glasgow and beyond - not forgetting exclusive offers for ArtsPass card holders.
Congratulations to George MacKenney from the Arches Front of House team. Not only did George write this edition's featured Review but for his efforts he is also winner of a night for 2 at Langs Hotel, Glasgow. Remember, we need to hear from you! C21 News is for you, about you and put together by GGA with your input. We're waiting to receive your contributions and, who knows, there could be a wee dram in return!
This month's C21 News features...
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ArtsPass - do you have yours?
 Have you signed up for the ArtsPass - unique to you as a valued member of Front of House, Box Office and Marketing teams in participating venues across Glasgow?
This is a new benefit for you and your colleagues working behind the scenes in the arts in Glasgow. It is your ticket to get a flavour of what's going on in more venues across the city than just your own. 94.5% of you who responded to the GGA TNA agreed this is a great idea - so, if you don't have yours yet, make sure you contact your supervisor to ask about the ArtsPass.
Once you have your card, the rest is easy. Each month you will receive a copy of C21 News with an update of the latest offers available exclusively to ArtsPass holders at venues across the city. Read on to see what's up for grabs this month. Remember ticket offers are exclusive to ArtsPass card holders and sometimes limited - so don't be last, act fast!
For further details, contact Kirsty at GGA.
Training Needs Analysis 
It's not too late...
So far Marketing/Press/PR are leading the pack making up 40% of the responses received so far. It's a close race and it's not too late for FOH and Box Office to catch them up! The GGA Training Needs Analysis (TNA) is still in circulation and we need to hear from you.
We want to understand the kind of training you want or feel you need to deliver excellent customer service and develop your personal skills. Already feedback points to some clear indicators of areas members of FOH and Box Office teams consider most important for training development [product/artistic knowledge; ticketing/database systems; customer service/complaint handling] and how this type of training could most effectively be delivered [workshops and on-the-job].
Do you agree? By completing this on-line survey, GGA will build up a picture of the training needs city-wide and structure a programme of training which is suitable for you.
Simply click on the link below:
Don't be shy. Whether you're full-time, part-time, casual or contracted personnel, we're looking for feedback from as many FOH/BO/Marketing staff as possible working in the arts in and around Glasgow.
Staff News
Who's on the move this month...?
New at the Citz
The Citizens' is delighted welcome Alison Martin to the team as Marketing & Communications Manager. Alison joins the Citz having worked as Marketing Officer at The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and City Halls (GCE) for 4 years. Fresh from a busy stint at the Fringe Festival as Press Manager for the Pleasance, Alison is looking forward to the new challenges ahead and taking forward the audience development strategy currently being developed with GGA.
All change underneath the Arches
Congratulations to David Bratchpiece, Box Office Supervisor at the Arches, on his promotion to club Duty Manager. David has worked at the Arches for 7 years and has been a highly valued member of the Box Office team. One could say an essential part of the team, which is why they're not letting him go completely and he will still be working about 20hrs in the Box Office. Nicola Smith, the Arches' Audience Service Manager said: "I think it would be too much for our regulars, and other Box Office staff members, to cope with if we lost him completely. David will make an excellent Duty Manager and we wish him lots of luck in his new role."
A change is also in store for Nicola herself - and not just at work! Nicola leaves the Arches on 24 November to head north, over the sea to Skye, where she will be working as the Audience Development Officer for An Tuireann Arts centre. Nicola has been a valued member of the Arches' staff for 4 years, employed initially as Box Office Manager before being promoted to Audience Development Manager. Nicola looks forward to enjoying the challenges of her new career and change in pace of life in Skye. Sarah Jane Flemming will join the Arches on 6 November to take over from Nicola. Sarah Jane has worked previously as Box Office Manager for the Underbelly in Edinburgh.
Congratulations to Penelope Bartlett from CCA's Front of House team, whose name was drawn from the hat to win the GGA Training Needs Analysis 'Pamper Pack'!
Scottish Ballet set to step out in £11m Tramway move
An £11 million plan to transform one of Glasgow’s most historic arts venues into a home for Scottish Ballet has moved a step closer. Glasgow City Council has given the company the green light to demolish part of the B-listed Tramway building to create new headquarters. Executive Producer of Scottish Ballet, Cindy Sughrue, said: "We're delighted our application to move to a new home at Tramway has been approved by Glasgow City Council. Our application will now go to the Scottish Executive for ratification and we're hopeful we will be able to progress our plans to create a state-of-the-art home at Tramway."
Evening Times - 26.10.06
New Lighthouse keeper has influence in mind
Nick Barley, editor of The List, has been appointed the new Director of Scotland’s architecture and design centre, The Lighthouse, in Glasgow. Mr Barley hopes to expand the influence of the centre beyond its city-centre location to all parts of Scotland. "I intend to build on the fantastic work done by [previous Director] Stuart McDonald and to campaign vigorously to bring designers and architects together with the public, and with Scotland's business community."
Herald - 27.10.06
Jobs Board
Front of House Stewards
The Bridge, an aspirational new cultural facility opened earlier this year in Greater Easterhouse and is currently seeking to recruit Front of House Stewards (£6.35ph). Responsible to the Arts Manager/Duty Manager, your duties will be to ensure the safe, smooth and effective running of the arts programme at Platform and across The Bridge. Application packs are available from Josephine McGlone at Greater Easterhouse Arts Company on 0141 276 9670 or can be downloaded from www.platform-online.co.uk.
Interviews week commencing 13 November 2006.
Deadline for applications: Fri 10 November 2006
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Head of Marketing & Press (maternity cover)
Scottish Ballet, Scotland's National Dance Company, has been revitalised under the acclaimed Artistic Direction of Ashley Page. With a host of awards and nominations, it is going from strength to strength. To complete the communications team, the Company now seeks a Head of Marketing & Press (fixed term maternity cover from February 2007) to lead and develop Scottish Ballet's marketing, communications and audience development strategies. Extensive experience at a senior level in a high profile organisation is essential. Salary negotiable.
For a copy of the job description and person specification, visit www.scottishballet.co.uk/careers, or call 0141 331 2931. To apply, please post your CV and covering letter to Joanna Millard, Administration Officer, Scottish Ballet, 261 West Princes Street, Glasgow G4 9EE.
Interviews will be held in Glasgow on the 14 November 2006
Deadline for applications: Fri 3 November 2006
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Box Office Assistant (Part-time)
Tron Theatre is currently looking for a part-time Box Office Assistant to work with an already strong team. Approx. 20hrs per week/£5.50 per hour. Hours will include evenings & weekends, so flexibility is a must. If interested, please send a CV with covering letter to Chris Amos, Tron Theatre, 63 Trongate, Glasgow G1 5HB.
Deadline for applications: 3 November 2006
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Visitor Services' Assistant (Part-time)
The Lighthouse is looking for a customer focused individual to join their Front of House team. Well presented and personable, the successful candidate will be flexible and committed to delivering excellent customer service. You will have an interest in Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the creative industries, with a willingness to develop your knowledge on architecture and design. Above all you will have a friendly and helpful approach to the many different individuals and groups who visit The Lighthouse. Part-time variable basis over 7 days - £5.46 per hour.
Deadline for applications: 3 November 2006
Training Events/Opportunities
Did you know that Scottish business spends nearly £2 billion a year on training? The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has just published a survey which shows that Scotland had the second highest number of employees in the UK receiving work-related training (18.4%) in 2005.
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Theatre Workshops
Come and join us at our fun and entertaining theatrical customer service workshops! (Don't worry - we promise you won't have to do role-play!)
How do you get the most out of interactions with your visitors? Join one of Pride & Passion's entertaining and FREE drama-based workshops to explore how making it better for visitors is better for you. Have fun discovering how easy it is to go from good to exceptional customer service and how that benefits YOU directly. Expect your perceptions to be challenged! Learn new ways to "WOW" your customers! Get practical tools to take away. You'll also meet other tourism people from round about, get a goodie bag and refreshments. Feel free to invite a pal or colleague (or two!). Log on to prideandpassion.net to find out more - alternatively e-mail team@prideandpassion.net or free phone 0800 028 0588.
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Have you been on any training courses recently? Did you find it useful? Do you know of any courses coming up which your colleagues in Front of House, Box Office or Marketing might be interested in? Why not share your views with colleagues across the city - send your training feedback to Kirsty and we will feature your comments in forthcoming editions of C21 News.
Reviews
blackSKYwhite - Bertrand's Toys - The Arches
Review by George MacKenney
"Obviously when someone hears 'toys', the image that springs to mind is one of a harmless child's plaything, which is there to entertain and develop the imagination. In this new, intensely physical production by renowned Russian performance company blackSKYwhite, 'toys' certainly entertain and develop the imagination. However, by no means do they appear harmless. In fact the real thrill of this production is that these toys could run loose from their world of play into your own. The intense physicality of the piece is carried off wonderfully by the performers who, in their jilted and spirited way, convince you that, however wild they seem, they are mechanised in some way or other. It also allows you to see objects that we view as under control commenting upon the human state: issues of gender, sexuality and human instinctive violence. The sound and lighting of the piece are all that convince you that these 'toys' have their own world, containing them to walls and rhythms. Yet you do not feel much more reassured. In short this was a truly terrifying yet awesome piece of theatre."
Have you been to anything interesting and inspiring recently? What did you think of the performance you saw with your exclusive ArtsPass ticket offer? Share your thoughts in C21 News by sending your reviews to Kirsty at GGA.
Industry News
Increasing access to the arts
VisitScotland has a new approach to their what's on listing and this service is now provided by The List magazine. The List upload details of around 15 events per city each fortnight covering the next 3 months. They also have plans to develop the software to allow VisitScotland to add other events. For example, VisitScotland will be able to load on info for all major events and festivals they have over the coming year, to ensure that anyone who searches under 'August 2007' will see the major festival details. When this capability comes on-line, with the addition of a 'cross selling' feature between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the system will enable events in both cities to be married up and promoted side-by-side.
C21 News will keep you posted as this project develops.
And the winner is...
Two firsts were celebrated by Scottish Ballet at the recent 20th Anniversary Arts & Business Scottish Awards. A new partnership between the Company and distinguished Edinburgh jewellers Hamilton & Inches was awarded First Time Arts Sponsorship in a celebration of excellence in partnership between business and the arts, and Scottish Ballet chair, Zoe van Zwanenberg won the newly created Arts Chair of the Year.
Other winners included the Royal Scottish National Orchestra who, together with Total E&P UK Plc, won the Arts & Brand Identity Award and Graham Rowan (Prudential) who scooped Volunteer of the Year for his work with Cumbernauld Theatre.
Amongst those who received Commendations were the Citizens' and Shepherd+Wedderburn in the Arts & Brand Identity Award category and the Tron Theatre and Royal Mail Group in the Engaging Employees in the Arts Award category.
Tourism record as 2.4m visit
A record 2.39 million overseas visitors came to Scotland last year, according to figures issued yesterday. It represents a 50% increase on 2001 - the year of 9/11 and foot-and-mouth disease. Tourists from overseas last year spent more than £1.2bn, beating the previous record of £1.13bn (in 2005 prices) in 1996. Patricia Ferguson, Minister for Tourism, Culture & Sport, said the Executive, and the industry, aimed to increase tourism revenues by 50% over the decade to 2015.
Herald - 25.10.06
Next year’s holiday hotspot will be ... Ayr
The world’s holidaymakers are avoiding Acapulco, missing out Miami and giving Honolulu the heave. Instead they are turning towards the Scots town of Ayr, according to a new survey of travel trends. The west of Scotland resort is set to be one of the world’s top ten hot destinations next year, the survey from Tripadvisor shows. It says that Ayr can “brace itself for a major influx of visitors from around the world next year”. This is just one of a number of predictions, based on responses from around 4,000 travellers globally and looking at trends for next year. The survey also found that 24% of Britons compared with an international average of 20% admitted to taking something from a hotel room!
Herald - 26.10.06
One night a customer said...
Earlier this year, Scottish Opera performed La Boheme at Clydebank Town Hall. With a scaled-down touring production, the sold out audience could watch the scene changes as there was no curtain to bring down at the town hall. As the diligent stage crew set up an oven and a sink, which they miraculously pulled out of fake walls in seconds, one audience member told her companion:
"Ah wish they could fit ma kitchen that quickly."
Latest ticket offers available to ArtsPass card holders...
What's on: The Magic Lantern Short Film Night
Where: CCA
When: Wed 1 Nov 2006 @ 7.30pm
ArtsPass Offer: 2 double passes
The Magic Lantern is Glasgow's independent monthly film night that showcases innovative new short films, combined with question and answer sessions with filmmakers, writers and programmers. November's screening features a selection of short films by female directors, including Andrea Arnold's Academy Award winning short Wasp and Hattie Dalton's BAFTA winner The Banker.
To book, call 0141 352 4900 and quote ArtsPass Offer
While none of the films have official ratings, some contain strong language and adult themes.
Visit CCA's website to find out more about other films events in November, including Digging Up the Dear Green Place (free admission - fundraising event for the JAM74 anti-motorway campaign).
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What's on: Tom Fool
Where: Citizens' Theatre
When: Wed 1- Sat 18 Nov 2006 @ 7.30pm (prompt!)
ArtsPass Offer: Special ticket price of £5 - saving £7!!!
Scottish Premiere!
Otto works in a nuts and bolts factory. His wife sells slippers. His son is growing up fast. He worries about paying bills, about his marriage, about how he'll retrieve the ballpoint pen he lent to his boss. Tom Fool is an explosive play from Frank Xaver Kroetz, one of Europe's leading and most controversial playwrights, which shows life at its more ordinary is never too far away from disruption, chaos and violence. Find out more...
To book, call 0141 429 0022 and quote ArtsPass Offer
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What's on: Colette Sadler - DdumY
Where: Tramway
When: Thur 2 - Sat 4 Nov 2006 @ 8.15pm
ArtsPass Offer: £2p/ticket (20 available for each night!)
Set within an itinerant performance space made up of everyday objects, choreographer and performer Colette Sadler presents DdumY, a performance that confronts the human conditions of speech, action, memory and repetition as means by which to articulate a sense of self, other and of world. Find out more...
To book, call 0845 330 3501 and quote ArtsPass Offer
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What's on: Death Disco
Where: The Arches
When: 16 December 2006 @ 11pm - 4am
ArtsPass Offer: half price tickets
Looking for hot beats and good times, baby? Some seriously glitchy, glitzy, dark, delicious, dirty, deathly disco? How about the best mixed-up monthly orgy of itchy, throbbing bass, anarchic electronic action, rock, roll and trans-Euro electro excess in the universe? Death Disco's XXXmas party with favourites Erol Alkan, Cajuan & DJ Mingo Go. Find out more...
Bookings in person @ Arches Box Office, Argyle Street - call 0870 2407528. Quote ArtsPass offer when booking in person. Tickets must be booked in advance. Over 18s only! "One of the best value-for-money eateries in Glasgow, high quality food in an attractive eating environment"
The Metro
Why not pop into the Arches for a bite to eat. Show your ArtsPass card and enjoy a complimentary glass of house wine whilst you sample the delights of the lunchtime and evening menus.
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 What's on: Ceol's CraicWhere: CCA
When: Saturday 11 Nov 2006 @ 8pm
ArtsPass Offer: 2 double passes
This month celebrating the genre of Gaelic political song. From 8pm there will be a screening of a previously unseen documentary followed at 9pm with an amazing line up of well known singers, as well of singers from other cultures that have a tradition of political song - Scots, Irish and African.
To book, call 0141 352 4900 and quote ArtsPass Offer
What's on: Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra Performance (promises promises...)
Where: CCA
When: Saturday 4 Nov 2006 @ 8pm
ArtsPass Offer: 2 double passes
Edgy Music: beginnings and endings with ( ) in between. The outrageously wonderful Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra November concert.
To book, call 0141 352 4900 and quote ArtsPass Offer
What's on: [rout] in assoc with Music in the University
Where: CCA
When: Tuesday 28 Nov 2006 @ 8pm
ArtsPass Offer: 2 double passes
With funding from The Ferguson Bequest
Dynamic and exciting ensemble, [rout], founded by composers Sam Hayden, Paul Newland and Paul Whitty, explore collaborative, experimental and cross-disciplinary approaches to composition.
To book, call 0141 352 4900 and quote ArtsPass Offer
Visit CCA's website to find out more about these musical performances and other events in November.
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What's on: Dave Anderson in Oran Mor’s Production of Mobile
Where: The Tron
When: 19 November 2006 @ 8pm
ArtsPass Offer: 2 for 1 tickets
Tickets Cost: £14 (£10)
A play with music about a bank manager, thrown (literally) into the wheelie bin of life. As he emerges to rail against our disposable world, he reasserts his right not to be so easily disposed of.
Quote ArtsPass Offer when booking by phone 0141 552 4267 or in person at 63 Trongate
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What's on: benchtours - Brecht's Mother Courage
Where: The Arches
When: 23 - 25 November @
ArtsPass Offer: 2 free pairs of tickets
Marking the 50th anniversary of Brecht's death, Mother Courage is the latest in a succession of acclaimed European classics from benchtours. Brechts famous masterpiece on mans unique inhumanity, this dark bitingly funny play probes at the heart of the human impact of our world at war. Find out more...
If you're not quick enough to grab the free tickets, don't despair as all ArtsPass card holders can buy tickets at concession rate.
Bookings in person @ Arches Box Office, Argyle Street - call 0870 2407528. Quote ArtsPass offer.
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What's on: International Classical Season
Where: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
When: Varies with performance
ArtsPass Offer: 2 for 1 tickets at the following performances...
The International Classical Season features performances from the world’s leading conductors, soloists and orchestras and celebrates star names alongside new and challenging work.
John Williams and Richard Harvey's World Tour
Date: Thu 9th November - Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £17.50, £15, £12.50
John Williams and Richard Harvey collaborate to showcase their shared deep interest and passion for the variety of musical cultures in the world with a 'World Tour' programme that includes African, South American and Chinese influenced sets.
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra with Lang Lang
Date: Fri 17th November - Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £25, £20, £15
One of the world's most exciting young keyboard players, Lang Lang, joins renowned Czech maestro Jiri Belohlavek for Rachmaninov's most popular work for solo piano, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
Log on for further details of these and other performances in the International Classical season.
To book, call 0141 353 8000 and quote ArtsPass Offer
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What's on: Needcompany - Isabella's Room
Where: Tramway
When: Thur 9 - Sun 11 Nov 2006 @ 8pm
ArtsPass Offer: 2 for 1 tickets (20 available for each night!)
With Isabella's Room, Needcompany return to Tramway with a sensational, emotionally explosive and internationally acclaimed piece of theatre. How do you sum up life? A world? A past? And in doing so, what does that say about the present - and the future? With songs and dance, laughter and sadness, those that experience it will not easily forget Isabella's Room. Find out more...
To book, call 0845 330 3501 and quote ArtsPass Offer
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What's on: Rainer Werner Fassbinder Season
Where: CCA
When: Thursdays in Nov 2006 @ 7pm
ArtsPass Offer: 2 double passes
Presented in association with the Goethe Institute Glasgow
Relentlessly innovative and prolific, iconoclastic and often controversial, Rainer Werner Fassbinder was one of the greatest post-war European filmmakers. This short season of four rarely screened titles from the late 1960s and '70s marks the recent release of The Fassbinder Collection (Arrow Films DVD), "... the start of a wonderful rediscovery of a major European filmmaking talent." (The List)
To book, call 0141 352 4900 and quote ArtsPass Offer
Don't forget, C21 News is for you, about you and therefore we need to hear from you with your comments and contributions. This month, as an added incentive to get your name in print, we are delighted to offer all contributors to the next edition of C21 News the chance to win a bottle of anCnoc - a soft and delicate Speyside dram that, once tasted, you'll wonder why you've not had it before! (kindly arranged by The Arches).
So don't delay, grab your pen or reach for the key board - we want to hear what you've got to say about what's going on with you and your colleagues at your venue, reviews of any performances you have seen recently (particularly having taken advantage of the exciting new ArtsPass offers!) and feedback/ recommendations on any training courses you have attended or are up-coming in the near future.
Please send contributions no later than Monday 20 November [together with your name and contact details to be entered in the prize draw] to Kirsty at GGA.
Terms & Conditions
All entries must be received by 20 November 2006. Competition close and draw date is 20 November 2006. Limit one submitted entry per person, email or postal address. Must be over the age of eighteen. There is one prize available to be won. The winner will be notified by post within 14 days of the competition close date, and the name of the winner will be posted on the GGA website. There is no cash alternative to this prize. GGA Director's decision is final.
 Birthday memories
As The Arches enjoys its 15th birthday celebrations, Kirstin Innes (Press & Publicity Manager) has been remembering some memorable moments. David Belcher wrote a play called Partick Thistle Football Crazy, which was performed at The Arches. Legendary Thistle player Gerry Britton came on opening night and the director ran excitedly backstage to tell his cast. "Gerry Britton himself is in the audience," he shouted at the 11 actors, all dressed up in their Jags strips. They all looked at him and said: "who?"
On another occasion, Mischief La Bas, produced their Elvis Cleaning Company, where a group of actors dressed as the King went around mopping and sweeping. The following week a water pipe burst near the bar when the club was in full blow. Water was gushing everywhere as a group of Arches staff quickly assembled with mops, brushes and buckets, and started vigorously to clean up the mess. None of the punters batted an eyelid. "Wasn't that their act last week?", they mumbled.
Until next time - best wishes
Kirsty
Kirsty MacLeod
Office Manager
Glasgow Grows Audiences
Suite 1/1
6 Dixon Street
Glasgow
G1 4AX
T - 0141 248 6864
F - 0141 248 4090
E - kirsty@gga4arts.co.uk
C21 News is brought to you by Glasgow Grows Audiences Ltd
GGA - Promoting the Live Arts Experience
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