A section of wooden machinery with ropes and winches

Availability Details

Volunteers will be able to offer as much time as they are able. Practical sessions are likely to be held monthly in the evening (timetable dependant on the theatre programme).
Posted on behalf of
Tyne Theatre and Opera House

Venue Address

109-119 Westgate Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 4AG
United Kingdom

54.970526637837, -1.6208992818371

Areas covered
Gateshead Wide
Key words
History / Heritage
Music / Film / Dance / Drama
Adults
Other information

Age restrictions apply

Yes

Details

The machinery is not accessible to wheelchairs as it is under the stage.

Over the last 12 months Tyne Theatre & Opera House has been restoring its Victorian stage machinery as part of a National Lottery funded project. 

We are looking for individuals to join a team of volunteers who are being trained to maintain and operate both our under-stage and fly-floor machinery, which includes our demon/grave traps, Thunder Run and the ‘bridges’ and ‘sloats’ that moved the scenery onto stage.  More information on the machinery can be found at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/historic-stage-machinery/

This is a unique opportunity to work with what is one of the only surviving Victorian stage machinery systems in the UK which, in time, we hope to be able to use for demonstrations and potentially for historic performances. Session tasks may include cleaning, repairing, greasing and re-roping parts of the machinery, as well as training in the operation of the traps, sloats and bridges.

The theatre Master Carpenter will support volunteers and be a point of contact within the theatre.

Skills needed

Volunteers should have an interest in learning about heritage and be able to work in a team environment. Please note that this role is fairly physical.

Benefits for the Volunteer

Learning how to operate a unique piece of heritage
Being part of a team and connecting with others

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Your details will be passed onto the organisation offering this volunteer opportunity so that they can contact you directly with more information. Anonymised information will be kept for monitoring purposes.