What is an Archer?
‘Archers’ is what we call our amazing volunteers. Aged between 5 and 88, they are the heart and soul of Kynren. Quite simply, without them, we wouldn’t have our show. Archers are involved in every aspect of the production of Kynren, choose where you want to be!
Our Archers receive professional training from leading experts in their respective fields – stage combat, choreography, pyrotechnics, stage management, making props and costume, looking after the animals, horse riding and carriage driving, rescue divers and swimmers, first aid, setting up sound, lighting and special effects, performing in the show itself, welcoming visitors to the show, landscaping and maintaining the site during performances and out of season, managing the operations on event days.
Becoming an Archer is like joining an extended family and becoming part of a vibrant community. Many Archers make lifelong friendships, learn new skills, and discover that they can achieve great things.
What Roles Can I Do?
There are many roles within the five core teams which you can be involved with at 11Arches, there’s no need to worry about having – or not having – a special skill before you join us; all you need is the enthusiasm and a commitment to make our shows extraordinary.
The Five Core Teams
Show Team: Cast, Costume, Props and Go Teams
Visitor Experience: Experience Team and Event Operations
Cavalry Team: Horse Riders, Carriage Drivers, Grooms
Technical Team: Sound, Light, Hydraulics, Stage Management, Video, SFX and Pyro
Operations Team: First Aid, Rescue Divers / Swimmers, Show Ops, Estates
For a full description of all the roles available, click here
The Benefits of becoming an Archer
As a registered charity, 11Arches is committed to education and community development. We endeavour to professionally train all our cast and crew each year in the key skills needed to produce a world-class show to ensure its longevity for decades to come.
As an Archer you’ll add new skills to your CV; make new friends; spend time with old ones: increase your confidence or improve your fitness to name just a few of the benefits we hear over and over again.
How to apply to become an Archer
Any person aged between 5 and 15 as the season commences is automatically enrolled in one of the cast teams on stage, and they are considered as a child from a performance licensing perspective.
Due to licensing and operational reasons, the following conditions apply for all new children aged 5 to 15 as of 26th July 2024:
If you are thinking of joining us, come to one of our upcoming Open Calls*
Date: Tuesday 12th November 2024 - Fully Booked
Time: 6.30pm - 8pm
Date: Sunday 5th January 2025
Time: 10.30am - 12pm
Venue: 11Arches, Flatts Farm, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7SF
(parking available on site)
*Children aged 5 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult when attending an Open Call.
Open calls are the start of the adventure for applicants to become Archers, and an introduction to joining us if you are still undecided.
Open calls last 90 minutes, our sessions will help you discover all the opportunities available and the profiles relevant to each role, including the associated commitment.
You will take a behind-the-scenes look at the Kynren site, learn about the show and listen to Team Leaders to get a feel for what each team does. You can let us know your preferred team options so that we can do our very best to place you in the team which suits you and your skills. So hurry, come to see for yourself before you finally commit!
Please register your attendance on [email protected]
Regardless of which role you land - on stage, behind the scenes or visitor facing - each and every member of our cast & crew is going through the adventure of their lifetime!
