Productions

Personal & Artistic Assistant

Background

In today’s operatic practice the backgrounds of the main figures in a production team are nowadays very disparate. They speak a different 'language'. This is often causing dissatisfaction and inefficiency in the process of making a music-theatre production.

From such experiences I have defined the function of Coordinator. It forms a bridge between all parties to prevent misunderstandings and other 'language' issues.

A more constructive collaboration of the various departments is being enhanced, leading to an overall improvement of the artistic outcome.

Experience has proven a more efficient working environment to be created by one person in the team who:

• has knowledge and expertise of every field of the production

• shares or partly takes on responsibilities of all the departments

• enables constructive communication and provides feedback for all parties

This alleviates the collaboration of singers, actors, musicians, technicians, stage manager, conductor and director and supports their performance.

What to expect: Accountabilities

• Establishing personal contact between the stage and music directors, already in the preparatory phase

• Participation in all production team meetings

• Participation in all individual rehearsals

• Participation in all stage and orchestra rehearsals

• Establishing communication between the musical and technical departments during the end rehearsals

• Assistance at all technical rehearsals

• Feedback for performers, musicians and production team

• Vocal coaching (also as part of feedback)

• Bodywork (also as part of feedback)

What do I offer:

The requirements in my function as coordinator are that I speak the 'language' of both the stage/director as of the music/conductor. An outstanding, fully-fledged musical training is therefore prerequisite. One then needs experience with the work on stage as a performer, as well as being a stage and/or musical assistant. Added to this are the important skills of a mediator: to conciliate, balance and clarify communication. A personality that works out solutions, and strives to get the best out of all parties in good harmony.

My professional background:

• Musical and singing training

• Drama training

• Professional experience as a musician/singer in opera productions

• Professional experience as a musician in chamber music and concerts

• Professional experience as a singer in chamber choirs and ensembles

• Experience as artistic assistant

• Insight in the work of stage director, experience as assistant

• Experience in the field of balancing, soundcheck, acoustics

• Experience reading full scores, musical consultancy and interpretation

• Experience in the field of dance, bodywork and physical awareness on stage

• Experience as mindfulness trainer

• Diplomatic skills, experience in mediating, dispute resolution, negotiation

• Solution orientated

• Empathy and respect for diverse opinions and backgrounds, patience, tenacity

• Good language skills (Dutch, German, English, French)

When you would like to get in touch for more information and have a conversation about what Simone can mean for your production : mail@simoneriksman.nl