"It’s never dull, every day is different, plus I get to see lots of work for free"

Hometown
Originally from Crowborough in East Sussex, now living in Nottingham

What do you do?
Marketing assistant, Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham

What was your very first role in theatre?
This is my first job since leaving university

Have you got qualifications?
MA (second, higher-level postgraduate degree) photography and a degree in media, culture and communications

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Lots of things! I went through stages of wanting to be a hairdresser, a pop star and an actress. It was whilst I was doing my GCSEs that I decided I wanted to work in the arts or in the media.

What do you do all day?
Blimey, I don’t think there is such a thing as a typical day in arts marketing! As there are only two of us in the marketing department here I deal with both press and marketing. So what do I actually do on the average day…? Well, I’m responsible for the Lakeside website, so I have to check and update on a daily basis. I also have to respond to any emails we get through the website.

We have a seasonal brochure which comes up three times a year. My colleague and I are solely responsible for putting this together. The process involves liaising with different departments to bring the programme together and working with our designer and printers. There’s heaps of copywriting and proofreading so you have to have a good eye for detail. I write press releases, send out listings, speak to the press, write direct mail letters, manage finances, produce front of house displays, keep press cuttings and archive files up to date.

I organise press nights and private views, arrange distribution for our brochure and other in-house print. I also liaise with other regional arts organisations fairly frequently.

What’s the best thing about your job?
It’s never dull, and every day is different, plus I get to see lots of work for free

And the worst?
It’s got to be the money! Working in the arts is a labour of love!

What’s your dream job in theatre?
I’m pretty happy where I am. I’d perhaps like to specialise in marketing children’s theatre. I think working on a festival would be good too.

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
You’ve got to be passionate, and really believe in what you’re selling…it’s impossible to market something if your heart’s not in it