"I feel so privileged to have worked with some truly amazing theatre practitioners"

Hometown
I am originally from Chester but I am now based in London

Do you consider yourself to have any disabilities?
Dyslexia

What do you do?
Self-employed theatre director. I also work as an assistant director, script reader and dramaturgue

What was your very first role in theatre?
My first professional job in the theatre was my one and only foray into acting. I was an actress in a play for Impact Productions.

What else have you done in theatre?
I have assistant directed on shows including An Inspector Calls at Theatr Clwyd (and tour), Hamlet at The Swan Theatre, Stratford and a national tour of Rejects Revenge’s The Bicycle Bridge.

I have directed work at The Patravadi Theatre, Bangkok, Diamonds In The Rough Festival, The Oval House London, the Joe H Makin Drama Centre, Liverpool and Her Majesty’s Theatre, West End.

I’ve also worked briefly as a stage manager, co-produced a new writing festival in South Africa and marked theatre studies A-level papers.

Do you have qualifications?
A first degree in drama from John Moore’s University, and an MA (second, higher-level degree) in theatre directing from Middlesex University. Before that, I got a BTEC in performing arts.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a cushion (age four) and then an astronomer and I did consider nursing or jewellery design because theatre was seen as such an unstable and difficult industry to get into. I began directing plays in the back garden from the age of about five and so it is not really surprising that I have made directing my career.

What do you do all day?
There is not really a ‘typical’ day as an assistant director because your role and what it entails is so dependent on the director you are assisting and the nature of the production you are working on.

Generally you can do anything from making tea and prompting during rehearsals through to directing small scenes, taking understudy rehearsals and going on tour with the play. It is a demanding role because you have to be able to have all the skills of a director, yet you are not in charge, you are there to assist. You must be good at gauging what it is the director wants you to do. In some way, the first week of working with a director is spent working out what your job is, what they expect from you and how much input creatively they want you to have. You have to become expert in anticipating what the director’s wants and needs are. You are there to assist them, not for them to carry you.

What’s the best thing about your job?
I feel so privileged to have worked with some truly amazing theatre practitioners. Being an assistant director has allowed me to learn ‘on the job’ and grow in confidence, in particular dealing with big casts of world renowned actors. I adore working on wonderful plays with fantastic companies, meeting extraordinary people in places all over the world. Assisting lets you learn and develop as a director with out having the full weight of responsibility upon your shoulders. I am so, so lucky to have a job that I always dreamed of. I love going into work each and every day.

And the worst?
The worst thing about the job is how difficult it is to break through into the industry in the first place, and then how to sustain it. The money is not too great either while you are working your way up the ladder.

What’s your dream job in theatre?
To be a freelance theatre director and work on a wide variety of plays from new writing to obscure classics, and to work internationally as much as possible

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
You have to have total belief that you will make it. You have to turn ‘no’ into ‘yes’ and you must be open to any opportunities that come your way, big or small. You must take risks both artistically and professionally. If you want a ‘safe’ job, do not consider assisting or directing. Being in this industry can put a huge strain on your personal relationships because you do have to be so committed to your career. It can dominate your life, especially in the early years.

Amy is a member of the Directors Guild of Great Britain and The Young Vic Directors Programme. She is represented by Alison Hargreaves Management.