"If you have an idea, don’t let it go to waste"

Hometown
I was born in Bangladesh. Moved to England when I was three and have lived in East London ever since–first in Manor Park and then now in Stratford.

What do you do?
I currently work both as a freelance theatre practitioner and also am the artistic director of Youth of Creative Arts

What was your very first role in theatre?
Actor

What else have you done in theatre?
Acting jobs include Can you see me?, Immediate Theatre and Cleaning Up, Theatre Venture. I’ve worked as a facilitator and project manager with Half Moon Theatre, Futures Theatre Company and DV8

Have you got qualifications?
A degree in theatre studies from University of East London

What did you do before you worked in theatre?
I have worked in retail and also the banking industry. I started off in retail on a market stall at the age of 14 and then when old enough worked at various shops, and then just before I got my first acting job I was employed by Halifax and Bank of Scotland.

How did you make the move into working in theatre?
I took a deep breath and sought relevant advice from both family, friends and everyone else I could think of. I approached local theatre companies to see what kind of advice and opportunities they had on offer for local artists. I also sought advice from a careers adviser.

When I was younger I joined both the National Youth Theatre and Theatre Royal Stratford East Youth Theatre.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Initially an astronaut and then when that became boring because of science being delivered in the worst possible way. I then decided I wanted to become a creative artist as an actor and director. This would enable me to express my opinions and ideas through the use of theatre and drama.

What do you do all day?
I plan, co-ordinate and deliver workshops and drama related projects. I am constantly fundraising and thinking of new ideas and collaborations with other organisations. I also deliver projects in the capacity of being an actor, director and facilitator for other organisations on a freelance basis.

A typical day would involve delivering a project and then thinking of what is next on the agenda, making sure other freelancers that have been brought in have been paid accordingly and any other business related duties and of course administration.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Working with the young people and delivering high quality projects. Also watching performances that I have directed.

And the worst?
The administration that is required

What’s your dream job in theatre?
Artistic director of mid-large scale theatre company

Got any wise words for someone who would like to be where you are now?
If you have an idea, don’t let it go to waste. Research all elements of your idea and then approach individuals or organisations who are proven supporting bodies or structures that can provide help. For example when I had the idea of setting up my own company Youth of Creative Arts, I went and sought advice from Arts Council, Cultural Industries Development Agency, Aston Mansfield and the East London Small Business Centre, who provided relevant advice and help for me to push my idea and make it into reality.

Network and let people know who you are and what you do–this is really important, as they say it’s not always what you know but who you know that can make a difference.