C21 News              December 2006   Issue3

 
Welcome to the third 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 more exclusive offers for ArtsPass card holders. 
 
We are delighted to welcome Cumbernauld Theatre to the C21 Service gang. Read on to find out what they're up to and why not take advantage of their ArtsPass offer to get in the festive spirit and experience what's going on in Greater Glasgow. 
 

 
This month's C21 News features... 
 
 
 
Staff News                                       Staff Achievements
 
Venue News                                    Jobs Board                
 
 
Industry News                                 What's in the news?     
 
One day a staff member said...       Latest ticket offers                          
 
C21 News needs you!                      And finally...
 
 

 
ArtsPass - do you have yours?
  
Don't miss out on the latest ticket offers available exclusively to ArtsPass card holders and featured in C21 News.
  
The ArtsPass is a new benefit for you and your colleagues working behind the scenes in the arts in and around Glasgow. No one working in front of house, box office or marketing should be without one!
 
Ask your supervisor how you can sign up or
contact Kirsty at GGA. 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!

   
 

Training Needs Analysis                      
 
Thank you to everyone who completed the TNA. Responses to the on-line survey have provided some interesting and powerful feedback.
 
In early 2007 the results will be collated to provide a picture of training needs city-wide which will be used to structure a programme of training focused on the areas that you consider most important for your development and delivered in a manner suitable for you. GGA has already taken onboard feedback from Box Office staff and are exploring the feasibility of facilitating bespoke Databox training workshops for those venues operating this system. GGA is in discussions with Databox and currently investigating funding options for workshops in Basic Housekeeping, Advanced Box Office, Beginners Marketing and Advanced Marketing to take place in the new year.
 
There's still time for you to complete the TNA if you haven't already done so at: http://www.ggaservices.co.uk/C21/training.htm
   

 

Staff News
 
Who's on the move this month...?
 
New recruit
The Tron welcomes Anna Tall to their Box Office. Anna has recently returned to Scotland after some time in Australia, having previously worked at the Edinburgh Festival.
 
 

Staff Achievements
 
Congratulations to Penny Bartlett from CCA. Penny co-organised the recent sell out Magic Lantern screenings at CCA - Glasgow's independent monthly film night, which showcases innovative new short films, combined with question and answer sessions with filmmakers, writers and programmers to generate discussion on the state of short film.
 
Screenings are held monthly at CCA and are open to submissions of all short films (under 30 mins), made in the past two years, from filmmakers working in Scotland and beyond. The aim is to let those interested in current developments in short film view a diverse range of emerging talent and participate in discussion. For further information or to be added to the mailing list please contact info@themagiclantern.org
 
 

Venue News 
 
In 2007, Tramway's nineteenth year, the venue enters the next stage of its evolution. Another demolition team will be on site, clearing off the last derelict parts of the building to make way for the new Scottish Ballet headquarters. In January it will be business as usual though as Tramway launches its first season of events for the year. Some of the highlights for the forthcoming Winter/Spring 2007 season include National Review of Live Art, the New Territories Festival, a collaboration with National Theatre of Scotland and Belgian theatre company Victoria, as well as an exhibition in Tramway's T2 Gallery by artists Katy Dove and Victoria Morton. During 2007 Tramway will be preparing for TWENTY, Tramway's 20th anniversary year in 2008. Look out for more information on this very special year!
 
Friends and supporters evening
Cumbernauld Theatre recently held an informal evening of discussion and entertainment for their most valued customers and keen supporters. This opportunity to hear about recent funding development and future plans was very well supported, with customers relishing the chance to find out more and have some input of their own. It is hoped this will become part of an ongoing programme of consultation, giving supporters and users of the theatre a real sense of involvement and empowerment. The evening also proved a fruitful source of potential volunteers for Cumbernauld Theatre's new Arts Ambassadors scheme, which will be rolled out from Spring 2007.
 
Spring season launched
The Citizens' spring season of 29 productions goes on sale on Tuesday 5 December. Highlights include Roddy McMillan's The Bevellers, a Glasgow classic celebrating working life in a glass factory; Tony Kushner's political epic about the AIDS crisis in the US, Angels in America; and a pioneering collaboration between TAG professional actors and members of the Citizens' Community and Young Co, Ice Cream Dreams, set at the time of Glasgow's notorious ice cream wars. Log on to find out more.
 
 

Jobs Board 
 
Customer Service Manager
Glasgow Cultural Enterprises, who manage The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Celtic Connections and Glasgow City’s new centre for music The City Halls, are looking for Customer Services Managers to supplement their team and deliver world-class service in all their venues and at all their events. If you relish the challenge of delivering excellent customer service, are an effective communicator and have at least one year’s experience in customer care management, this could be an ideal career move. Salary: £18,450 pa.
 
Please send applications by letter and an attached CV addressed to:
WJF Tambling, Personnel and Training Manager, Glasgow Cultural Enterprises, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3NY OR email: billtambling@glasgowculturalenterprises.com
 
Deadline for applications: 15 December 2006
  
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Events Bar Staff and Busers
"Friendly people; great clubs; magic gigs - and there's a brilliant cafe bar to boot. And this is work?"
The Arches require events bar staff and busers for their club nights and other events. For further details, call Blair on 0141 565 1017 or email blair@thearches.co.uk
  
 
  

Training Events/Opportunities 
 
Discovery Tours
Aimed at all staff in the front line of any business which counts tourists among its customers. It's fun! Mystery Bus Tours are taking place throughout Scotland to help you refresh and broaden your local knowledge, build local contacts and enjoy a great day of discovery! The more you know about the local area, the better it is for the visitor. Use them for formal networking; as a reward to staff members; as part of the induction process for new staff who may not know the local area, or simply as a useful but different day out of the office. Morning coffee, a light lunch, afternoon snacks and a goody bag are all included, as well as transport and entry fees.
 
This day will challenge your own perspective on what you think you know and how it feels to be a customer - all for only £25 per day, per delegate. To find out more and book a place email team@prideandpassion.net or phone 0131 226 3264.
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100k Welcomes Tourism Training Launched
Did you know that it costs 5 times as much to attract a new customer as to keep one you already have? So how does your training budget compare in size to your marketing budget? These are just some of the questions posed by the 100k Welcomes training courses being rolled out to businesses across Scotland. Targeted at industry professionals from the top down through The Leadership Programme and frontline staff through The Operations Programme, this training initiative is there to ensure that we truly live up to the spirit and sentiments of our celtic forefathers! Courses are currently programmed through to early March 2007 - log on to www.100kwelcomes.co.uk to find out more.
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Sales Process in the Box Office
5/6/7 Dec 2006 - Lafone House, The Leathermarket, Weston St, London
When you start working in a box office, or change ticketing system, you get lots of training about how to sell a ticket on the computer. This course, run by Baker Richards Consulting and led by Debbie Richards, focuses on what you say to your customers. Are you saying the right things to deliver your organisation's objectives? It will also look at 'how the work works' in the box office and how to enable box office staff to take responsibility for transactions and sales. The course is designed for whoever is responsible for the Box Office and/or training Box Office staff. Visit www.baker-richards.com for further details and booking details.
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Coming in 2007...                                         

Frontline II: Front of House Conference 2007
Birmingham Hippodrome - 13 June 2007
A one day conference on changing aspects and legislation within House Managers' responsibilities. Every business needs to ensure it develops and retains a competitive advantage. Service has a key role to play. Is there a difference between customer care and customer service? How do you measure service standards and who should lead in setting these? What is the relationship between marketing and house management? How do you deal with abusive and violent members of the public? Find out all this and more.
 
Essentials of Marketing: Druidstone Scotland
The TMA's Essentials of Marketing course has long been established as one of the most successful training courses for arts marketing professionals. In 2007 the Essentials of Marketing will be held in Scotland, providing an opportunity for arts marketers working in the performing and visual arts to participate in this unique course. Areas covered include advertising, copywriting, graphic design & print, marketing planning, press & PR and touring. The aim of the course is to give participants the confidence, based on the latest knowledge about existing and potential arts attendees, to develop their work to its maximum potential on returning to their own organisations.
 
To find out more about these events and to book a place, visit the TMA website or contact the TMA on 020 7557 6706.
 
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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  
 
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
 
 
TAG gets down with the kids on MySpace!
From YouTube videos featuring Ewan McGregor to regular blogs from cast members, TAG Theatre Company has been forging ahead on many digital fronts and the latest is...MySpace. You can check it out at www.myspace.com/tagtheatre and if any of you are MySpace users, please add TAG as a friend. TAG, along with other arts organisation who have been using new media, will be discussing their projects at the AMA Networking Event in Edinburgh on Thursday 7 December.
 
Some light reading...
 
Read how to avoid the 'Mad Hatter's Tea Party effect' and other top Box Office tips in this ADUK publication by Stephen Cashman, which contains definitions of commonly used terms and concepts, protocols for possesses involving audience data and guidelines for best practice.
Brought to you by fuel4arts.com, SAUCE covers all areas of arts promotion. Designed for those who are new to arts marketing or looking for fresh inspiration, it is one of the consistently most popular downloads from fuel4arts.com and is highly valued by the arts community.
  
 

What's in the news?
 
Science centre gets 5 stars
Glasgow Science Centre has been awarded five star status by tourist bosses. It is only the second visitor attraction in the city to be awarded full marks by VisitScotland. With a vision to set the global benchmark for science communication, Glasgow Science Centre remains committed to ensuring this is supported by a team of staff with excellent customer service skills to deliver an outstanding experience to its customers.
 
 
 

One day a staff member said...
 
 
At the counter in a Glasgow music store, a customer asked for a CD of Beethoven's choral version of Ode To Joy. The assistant tapped away unsuccessfully at her computer before asking: "Are you sure that's the singer's name?"
 
 
 
 
 

Latest ticket offers available to ArtsPass card holders...
 
What's on: The Magic Lantern Short Film Night
Where: CCA
When: Wed 6 Dec 2006 @ 7.30pm
ArtsPass Offer: 1 double pass
 
Following on from the success of the last two nights, The Magic Lantern returns with a selection of animated short films from Scotland and beyond, featuring films by animators and artists Rachel Bevan Baker, Andreas Hykade, Mandy McIntosh, Chris Shepherd and David Shrigley. This month’s programme explores a diverse range of innovative animation, from children’s tales to subversive experimental film. Documentary, comedy and drama all feature, demonstrating the wide potential of the animated form. Book early to avoid disappointment!
 
To book, call 0141 352 4900 and quote ArtsPass Offer
 
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What's on: Cinderella
Where: Cumbernauld Theatre
When: Sat 9 Dec 2006 @ 7pm & Wed 27-Sat 30 Dec 2006 @ 2.30pm & 7pm
ArtsPass Offer: 2 for 1 tickets
tickets cost £9.50/£7.50
 
In an enchanted forest, Cinderella has lost her memory but with the help of her friends - and the young audience - she might just be able to remember who her Prince really is. Magical storytelling and beautiful theatre combine to bring this classic story a new twist, in this Christmas show for all the family. And this year you'll be closer to the action than ever, with seating all around the stage for an extra special experience. Find out more...
 
To book, call 01236 732887 and quote ArtsPass Offer. Tickets must be booked in advance and offer is limited to 4 tickets per ArtsPass holder.
 
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What's on: James and the Giant Peach
Where: Citizens' Theatre
When: Tue 5 - Sat 30 Dec 2006 @ 11pm - 4am
ArtsPass Offer: Adult ticket for the children's ticket price of just £7!
Saving of £7.50 per ticket
 
The Citizens' magical, musical adventure about a peach that just won't stop growing will transport you to a world of glistening spiderwebs and towering skyscrapers inhabited by an assortment of mischievous puppets. Read more...
 
Offer available for any evening performance for the entire run and for any seat in the house - subject to availability. To book, call 0141 429 0022 and quote ArtsPass Offer.

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What's on: Death Disco
Where: The Arches
When: 16 Dec 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: Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra in concert with Steve Beresford
Where: CCA
When: Saturday 16 Dec 2006 @ 8pm
                            ArtsPass Offer: 2 double passes
 
Whether playing solo or as a contributor to a large ensemble, Steve Beresford’s unending curiosity, passion, musical integrity and all round joie de vivre make his live performances captivating and truly memorable.
 
To book, call 0141 352 4900 and quote ArtsPass Offer
 
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What's on: Martha
Where: Tron
When: Sunday 10 & 17 Dec 2006 @ 1.30pm & 3pm
ArtsPass Offer: £4 per ticket (20 available for each performance - max 4 tickets per purchase & subject to availability)
Tickets Normally: £6
Award-winning children's theatre company, Catherine Wheels, return to the Tron with a wonderful and humorous story about trust and friendship for everyone aged 4 and up. Find out more...

Quote ArtsPass Offer when booking by phone 0141 552 4267 or in person at 63 Trongate
 
 

C21 News Needs You!

Don't forget, C21 News is for you, about you and written by you!
 
So don't be shy and 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 by Monday 8 January 2007 to Kirsty at GGA.
 
 

And finally...
 
Rock On!
As the Cathouse celebrates 16 years at the top, the company behind the legendary rock venue, CPL, is also celebrating having scooped the prestigious SLTN Scottish Nightclub of the Year award. This latest award means the company is unprecedented in achieving a full-house in the Nightclub of the Year category, with their four clubs - the Cathouse, Garage, Tunnel and Cube - all taking the title since 2000. However, for the thousands of rock fans who flock through the doors of the Union Street club, it's all about the music. Where else might you bump into Lemmy from Motorhead sinking a pint at the bar!
 
 
 
Until next time - best wishes
Kirsty
 
Kirsty Macleod
Office Manager
 

 
Glasgow Grows Audiences (GGA)
Suite 1/1
6 Dixon Street
Glasgow G1 4AX

T. 0141 248 6864
F. 0141 248 4090
E. info
@gga4arts.co.uk
W.
www.gga4arts.co.uk