"You have to be a bit of a yes person, but also have balls"

Hometown
Originally North Warwickshire, now London

What do you do?
Arts events manager, The Barbican

What was your very first role in theatre?
A casual stage technician for The Hexagon in Reading, dealing with getting productions in and out

What else have you done in theatre?
* Trainee stage technician for English National Opera
* Lighting for touring rock and roll bands
* Stage management for West End and touring theatres
* Deputy stage manager for a few fringe theatres
* After these, I took a step backwards to take two steps forwards and went to secretarial college. That allowed me to get a few months’ work temping for a company giving architectural advice to companies building arts centres.
* I then became a temp in the technical department at The Barbican, which led to my current job

Have you got qualifications?
A drama degree from University of Kent and a certificate in arts administration

Did you ever not work in the theatre?
Just a few summer jobs while I was at university

How did you start working in theatre?
When I finished my degree I was singing in a band based in Reading, so I moved there and needed to make some money. I applied to the local theatre and kept badgering them for work. I phoned constantly and was a bit pushy, and finally they gave me a foot in the door on a show that was running for a week.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Between the ages of five and 10 I wanted to be an artist. Then between 10 and 15 I wanted to be a dancer or a singer.

What do you do all day?
I organise arts events at The Barbican, whether in the exhibition space, galleries or concert halls. I liaise with the music department, education department or external company to find out their needs and see it right through to the day of the event.

I have to ensure that everything is dealt with, from security and box office to technical and cleaning.

I might be organising a private viewing at an art gallery, a Brazilian music workshop for inner city schoolchildren or an adult storytelling event. I dealt with the Queen’s visit for The Barbican’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

What’s the best thing about your job?
That you can’t predict each event as it comes. I like the idea of having something on paper and making it a reality.

And the worst?
Dealing with bureaucracy

What’s your dream job in theatre?
I would have liked to have been a set designer

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Have an absolutely tenacious attitude, be a self-publicist and show you are a hard worker. You have to be a bit of a yes person, but also have balls. See everything as an opportunity for networking and pushing yourself.