Co-op Placements
For over 20 years Tarragon has hosted co-op students from the secondary school level. Co-op students gain a variety of skills from a Tarragon placement. Working in a professional environment expands their personal development and acquisition of solid communication skills. Students learn how a theatre functions as an artistic entity, as well as a business, and begin to formulate concrete goals about their own careers (our Front of House Manager first came to Tarragon 14 years ago as a co-op student!). Each student is paired with a mentor on the staff whose role is to provide support, guidance, and feedback throughout the co-op term.
I think the [co-op] experience exposes young people to job settings that they otherwise would not be familiar with…. Nowhere is that more critical than in the arts, where we must continue to encourage students who show potential to further their studies. Shelly Meichenbaum
Dramatic Arts Teacher, Cedarbrae CI, TDSB
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter, stating which placement position you are interested in, and resume, c/o Andrew Lamb, Director of Education and Outreach. These can be faxed, mailed, emailed to , or dropped off at the front desk.
We accept both full year and semestered students
Important Note: If, after reading these outlines, you have specific questions please contact Andrew Lamb, at 416.536.5018 x 229 or by email at .
Tarragon is a fast-paced work environment - for that reason we are best suited for students who already have skills in a specific area and are looking to apply those skills in a professional environment.
Tarragon Theatre is a community environment. Our hope is to host students who will be interested in the work that the theatre produces and who will engage in the culture of the building beyond the specific parameters of the placement.
Education and Outreach co-op
This placement includes some weekends and evenings, as many of the programs happen outside of the regular school day.
Overview
Students will work out of the studio office at Tarragon assisting the Education and Outreach department, occasionally branching out and assisting other departments. Students will be assisting with student matinees, learning to facilitate discussion groups and teaching workshops (both in house and in school). Experience will be gained in organizing and running educational and community outreach programs for youth, young adults, artists and the other members of Tarragon's audience.
Qualities
- Self-directed, motivated and enthusiastic learners
- Ability to take on a variety of different tasks including researching for study guides, communicating with the public, database entry, Maintaining of the facebook page and promoting Outreach events and activities
- Active interest in theatre (interested in working with all artists)
- Strong interpersonal skills, outgoing personality
- Ability to prioritize
Administration Co-op
This placement is not timetable specific but afternoons or full days are preferable.
Overview
Students will work out of the Administration office at Tarragon assisting the Administrator and other administrative personnel. Opportunities will also be available to attend read-throughs and productions, audit meetings and develop personal projects.
Qualities
- Self-directed, motivated, enthusiastic learners with an active interest in theatre
- Ability to take on various administrative tasks that would include knowledge of MS Office, faxing, photocopying, filing documents, setting up for special events, etc (PhotoShop/Adobe Illustrator a plus but not required)
- Strong communication skills and outgoing personality
Front of House Co-Op
This placement is not timetable specific but afternoons or full days are preferable.
Overview
Students will work out of the front of house office assisting the front of house managers with box office tasks, telephone inquiries, mailings, subscriptions, student matinees, etc. Opportunities will also be available to attend read-throughs and productions, audit meetings and develop personal projects.
Qualities
- Self-directed, motivated, enthusiastic learners
- Active interest in theatre (interested in learning about our organization and acting as a host/liaison to patrons and members of the theatre community)
- Ability to take on various administrative tasks that would involve work on computers (MS Office), reception (answering telephones on a multi-line system and greeting patrons in person), general inquiries, assisting with special events and handling money
- Strong oral and written communication skills, an outgoing personality, organizational skills and a strong memory
Building Management Co-Op
This placement is not timetable specific but afternoons or full days are preferable.
Overview
This position is considered an ideal introduction to the various trades involved in building operations. Working alongside the building manager, students will gain experience in all areas of building management and maintenance including, but not limited to, daily custodial responsibilities, carpentry, gardening, special event setup, and minor plumbing and electrical repairs. In addition, ongoing building projects, and opportunities to work with various production departments, may arise.
Qualities
- Students seriously interested in gaining exposure to building trades and how they relate to building management
- Self-directed, motivated and enthusiastic learners
- Some experience with hand-tools, hardware, and building materials are an asset
- Good communication skills and a willingness to work as part of a team
- Interpersonal skills and ability to prioritize
- Accountability is essential