AUGUST HOST: PLEASANCE THEATRE
When I was a boy of 18 years, I was traveling in New Zealand and a song came on the radio. The lyrics sang, “I can’t stand myself. I’m being held up by invisible men. Still life on a shelf when I got my mind on something else.” I loved the voice of the singer. I loved the song.
It turned out that the band was called TRAVIS, and they were from a fanciful place named Scotland. It was a land of bagpipes and kilts and haggis and ridiculously seductive accents. And I knew someday that I should like very much to visit.
So here I am.
I figured that the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival would be a fun time to visit the city. So I applied to the Pleasance Theatre, and after some ups and some downs (you have to wait for the book for the details), I managed to snag a volunteer position.
I have been brought onto the Press Team as the official Broadcast Liaison. And the obvious question is, “What the hell does that mean?”
Essentially it’s my responsibly to bust the chops of anyone walking around the Pleasance sites with a professional camera (photography or video). My task is to ‘liais’ between three stakeholders: 1) journalists/photographers/videographers. 2) PR reps of the various shows. 3) Venue Managers (there are 20+ performance spaces).There are over 200 shows with the Pleasance, and subsequently dozens and dozens of PR reps and journalists.
Today, the BBC emailed me. Whatevs.
Ultimately it adds up to a ton of work. Today was fourteen hours (those are VOLUNTEER hours). But it’s an interesting opportunity…
EXPECTATIONS:
- To work really, really, really long hours.
- To see an eclectic mix of theatre, comedy and music shows.
- To learn more about the delicious interplay of public relations and broadcast journalism.
- To eat haggis (even though it REALLY does not appeal to me).
- To blush each time someone speaks Scottish to me. Damn, it’s sexy.
Daniel! I know for a fact veggie haggis is available – no idea if you can just get some at Waitrose or Tesco, but ask around and I’m sure you’ll find some. That was you can say you tried it, but avoid having to ingest the actual thing. Which is VILE (I’m sorry, but it is – and I’m a proud Scot, so it’s not like I’m bashing or anything).
Enjoy your stay, and chug some Irn Bru for me! ;)
XXX
ZOMG I AM SO JEALZ.
Ahh yes i agree, have some Irn Bru! (just like Inca Kola… ) Got to agree on the accent, though Geordie is close behind.. :) x
Hey Daniel, thanks for the twitter shout out for Waverley Care ;) As a thank you I can add to Alexandra’s comment by saying that veggie haggis is indeed available – MacSweens do the ultimate in veggie variety – much much tastier than the ‘real’ thing actually, and you can get it from Tesco usually, or Peckams if your near one;)
Ps you’ll probably bump into our volunteer Calum as he’s about the courtyard with a video camera and should be checking in with you – he’s gathering jokes to encourage people to get involved in our competition so if you feel the need to release some funny!!!