"I love the feeling of seeing an audience pack into the auditorium"

Hometown
I’m originally from Derby but I now live in Northampton

What do you do?
Print & publications manager, Royal & Derngate

What else have you done in theatre?
Prior to this job, I was marketing assistant at Derby Playhouse between November 2004 to June 2006

Have you got qualifications?
9 GCSEs, 3 A-levels and a degree in English studies

What did you do before you worked in theatre?
I was working as a journalist for a group of free newspapers in Derby, writing editorial to run alongside advertising copy

How did you make the move to working in theatre?
I’ve always loved the theatre, but if I’m honest, I fell into working for one. I was looking for a different challenge while working for the paper and saw a marketing assistant post advertised at Derby Playhouse and it sounded like something that I would really enjoy, so I applied for it and got the job.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a journalist, writing for one of the glossy magazines like Vogue!

What do you do all day?
As print & publications manager, I’m responsible for producing the season and classical brochures, flyers and posters that help to publicise our own shows, as well as the schools and groups newsletters that we produce. I also write and help to organise the direct mail letters that we send out to our audiences and put together the theatre programmes for each show.

I wouldn’t say that there is a typical day in this job really. On any one day, I can be writing copy for the brochure, proofing text for a flyer, helping out on a photoshoot, and handing out flyers in a shopping centre alongside the Tweenies!

What’s the best thing about your job?
I love the variety of the work that I get to do and the challenges that come with the variety. And I love the feeling of seeing an audience pack into the auditorium to see a show and leave having had a great time – knowing that I work in the department that helped to publicise it.

And the worst?
The hours are very long and can be unpredictable – and sometimes it can be very hectic and stressful, so it’s sometimes hard to leave work at work and relax!

What’s your dream job in theatre?
My dream job would be to be the head of marketing/communications director for a big theatre – probably a regional theatre, rather than a London-based one.

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
My advice would be to work hard and be dedicated to the job that you’re doing. It is hard work and there are many occasions where you’ll need to work outside of your normal working hours, but staying dedicated and getting involved in everything you can is a great way to learn about all aspects of marketing, and in the long term, that is the best way to move up.