Info req: Stewarding at Sidmouth?

Subject: Info req: Stewarding at Sidmouth?
From: Nemesis
Date: 21 May 02 - 02:17 PM

I'm thinking of applying as a volunteer steward to Sidmouth. NB they still need stewards asap www.sidmouthfestival.com

Any one done this? I guess it'll be a lot of fun - but pitfalls for the unwary? Unexpected highlights? Advice? Should I do it at all? There are 3 categories, all requiring 35 hours work and upwards...

Hille xx

Subject: RE: Info req: Stewarding at Sidmouth?
From: Col K
Date: 21 May 02 - 04:19 PM

Pitfalls Not always able to get into any event if not working, if event is full and punters want to in stewards are removed from audience Long hours Commit for all week only Otherwise go for it

Subject: RE: Info req: Stewarding at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 May 02 - 09:56 AM

Pro's Free ticket and campsite resembling a ski slope to camp on. Getting to know some other stewards and performers.

Con's They really want their moneys worth of hours out of you. Working hours often don't coincide with performance times so you miss THE events you really wanted to see. Ticket does not guarantee entrance to any event. Sometimes having to choose between eating and getting to an event. If you end up in a marquee on the hillside you can be eating burgers in thick cloud for a week, not my idea of fun.

I have bought tickets, stewarded and gone without a ticket and paying to see events I particularly want to attend. The last is definately the best fun and much, much cheaper. The money saved can be spent on booze.

Subject: RE: Info req: Stewarding at Sidmouth?
From: vectis
Date: 23 May 02 - 09:46 AM

I have stewarded and fringed. I prefer fringing.

Subject: RE: Info req: Stewarding at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 23 May 02 - 05:40 PM

A lot depends on the venue that you end up at and for the first year that is really the luck of the draw. At most places you will probably be on a different shift every day which will screw you if you want to do a workshop series.

It is some years since I have stewarded at Sidmouth so unless the rules have changed I don't understand ColK's comment about stewards being removed from full events. The only time I knew of that happening was when somebody tried to use their badge to jump the queue.

If you get a good venue it is a great way to get to meet both other folkies and performers.

Subject: RE: Info req: Stewarding at Sidmouth?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 May 02 - 06:55 PM

There is a clause in all Mrs Casey's steward 'contracts' that states that preference will be given to paying customers over non-paying stewards should a venue prove overpopular. Using the badge to get into a venue first is frowned upon, although some with a mate on the door manage it far too often.... Using the badge to get freebies from concession stands is also a no-no (I've seen it tried, and also queue jumping at concessions by a steward), luckily, stewards are mostly a sensible lot and don't try to screw the system.

The festival has to make money, so the emphasis will always be on fee paying customers. Even season ticket holders have been asked to make way for single event ticket holders at some venues.

LTS

Subject: RE: Info req: Stewarding at Sidmouth?
From: Nemesis
Date: 24 May 02 - 11:04 AM

The application form states that there are 3 types of stewarding jobs: a: Volunteer steward working approx 35 hours anytime of the day or night b: Key Volunteer Steward - willing to work more than 35 hours - any time of day or night. c: Team Leader/Deputy Team Leader - WILL work more than 35 hours

(AND this :) ? "Names of anyone with whom you cannot work"

Subject: RE: Info req: Stewarding at Sidmouth?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 May 02 - 02:58 PM

That's really important, especially if you are a parenting team who cannot do conflicting duties... plus if there is someone whom you can't stand, you can get put onto a different duty so that they don't distract you from your job.

LTS