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Magic Mark

Hi Guys,

Well, i left school about 10 weeks ago, and in that time ive had no employment other than working in my corner shop most mornings. I applied for an apprentiship with BT, so far i dont know if my interview was sucessful as 8 people were going for the 1 job. For this reason, i decided that i would see what i could get which was entertainment based, and being a fan of Butlins sine the age of 4, i decided to fill in an enquiry form into becoming a Redcoat at Skegness.

My question is, does anyone here have or know anyone with experience of working at Butlins as part of the entertainment, beit a redcoat or other. Your responce and experiences will be welcome.

Cheers Guys

Mark
*Red Rolo has many friends, many friends has reeeeeeed rolo! I am one of them, and so are you!* sorry, went off on one then Embarassed

stephenmagic · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 7:43 pm Post subject:

I have not worked at Butlins but friends have. It is very competitive to get into. Many thousands apply for only a few spaces. They said being a redcoat was very hard work and hours were very long. They look for people who are allround entertainers, singing and dancing, you will find that some went to stage school or did perfoming arts degrees at university. I don't know about getting the odd gig or a summer season contract as a magician, i am trying to go down this route myself so the best of luck to you.

Zack · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 11:32 am Post subject:

The entertainments teams for Bourne Leisure (Bourne own Butlins, Haven and some others) must be aged 18 or over, I'm afraid, Mark. There's no specifics to get in, but if you're more than comfortable on a stage then you have an advantage over the 'wannabes.'

As Stephen said - I'm not sure how the stats work for Butlins, but we were told, as Haven entertainers, that there were over 5,000 people waiting for one of our jobs.

Also, because there are so many that want to work there, they pay you peanuts.

In fact, I think peanuts would have been preferable to the paltry amount I got paid...

However, it is the best job in the world, and I'll never ever forget my days as a holiday park entertainer. There is nothing more satisfying.

Did I ever mention that Haven awarded me with 'Havenmate of the Year 2003?' The directors at Bourne Leisure deemed me their best resident entertainer, on their parks, in the country! I have a huge trophy and everything!

Sorry to blow my own trumpet, but no-one else will...

dat8962 · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 1:22 pm Post subject:

Mark - You'll never stand a chance of getting if you don't apply Crying or Very sad

.

I've no experience of holiday camps but would have thought that having good magic skills will be more of a rarity that singing and dancing etc.

As Zack has said, you have experience already which should / will give you the edge over the wannabes so nothing ventured, nothing gained, as the saying goes.

I think that a lot of companies tell you a few white lies about having thousands of people waiting in the wings but perhaps not as many as they try to make out. Still, if you put a price on the experience you'll gain then it becomes much more attreactive, particularly being away from home with your food and accomodation thrown in.

I wish I was 18 again Crying or Very sad

Zack · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 11:32 am Post subject:

Happy Toad · Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 2:23 pm Post subject:

Mark if you want the job you will get it. My business partner is an ex red-coat I'll ask him, in fact he is on this board somewhere I think his handle might be coinlover he doesn't post much here.

Magic Mark · Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the advice guys, will give me something to concentrate on when i get home from Ireland!

cheekylilmonkeys · New User Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

Hi Mark,
I have recently left butlins after being there for 3yrs as a redcoat. What i would say is right now you are to young you cannot start as a red untill you are at least 18. I am not really a singer or dancer and i still had an amazing time as a redcoat a also never went to uni or college to stusy drama or what ever i just auditioned worked very hard and was lucky enough to get the job. it isnt all glamorous as some people think it is extremely hard work. not only do you work very long hours you also have to deal with some of the rudest people you will probably ever come across. the money isnt brilliant but your accom is included when you live on site. Some people think you will meet a lot of famous people to this is also not really true not unless your there for quite a while... however despite these little bits it is one of the best things i have ever done and wouldnt change a min of it. No one can tell you how to audition it should just be you being yourself.. if you cant dance have a laugh with it show them some magic and have fun! they dont look for the next best thing there looking for personality and no college or uni can give you that.
hope this helps a bit
GOOD LUCK

Whalemeister · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:59 pm Post subject:

I could tell you about my experience with a redcoat but I don't think that's what you're looking for. Wink

Good luck with whatever you do!