"It’s not what you know, it’s who you know"

Hometown
I’m from Leeds and am currently living in London

What do you do?
I am employed by the New End Theatre, Hampstead, as press and marketing assistant.

I am also a fully qualified drama teacher with four years’ professional experience in schools and privately. In additional to my main job, I am registered self-employed as a drama worker and I plan and facilitate workshops in schools, prisons and unemployment centres amongst other places.

What was your very first role in theatre?
I began running workshops on summer schools and directing for camps and theatre schools when I was just 15. I began acting at a very young age.

What else have you done in theatre?
I’ve delivered drama workshops in schools and with young offenders (working with TiPP) and I taught drama and English at three different secondary schools.

Have you got qualifications?
A drama degree, a PGCE (school teacher qualification) in secondary drama plus LAMDA acting certificates

How did you start working in theatre?
It’s all about being brave enough to make the leap from 9-5 security and comfort of a regular paycheck (however small!). It also has to do with utilising contacts.

I got this job at the New End because I happened to be speaking to the artistic director at just the right moment. We both seized an opportunity. It involved a big move – which is where the bravery comes in. You have to be bold enough to know that the risk attached is what makes the move worthwhile.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Always an actress! I’m still waiting to grow up and fulfil that particular dream.

What do you do all day?
There is no such thing as a typical day in theatre. At the moment I’m working on promoting a musical we have running here until September, promoting the launch of Steven Berkoff’s new book and making links with education groups and within the community for a play which is due to open in the autumn. Those are just the main projects.

I also have things cropping up on a daily basis like entertaining famous visitors to the theatre (Topol happens to be coming in this evening and I’ll be meeting and greeting!) But it isn’t all glamour and name dropping; there are plenty of mundane jobs like envelope-stuffing and mail-outs.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The fact that it relates directly to my passion for the stage. I get to spend every day in a theatre. And in all my jobs the variety is what’s kept me excited – no two days will ever be the same!

And the worst?
Erm…I don’t know to be honest. Probably the lack of stability. That’s what makes it frightening I suppose.

What’s your dream job in theatre?
To be on the stage instead of behind the scenes. But I really have the best of both worlds right now. I act on the amateur stage to keep me happy and I work in the industry as well. Win / win!

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Follow your heart wherever it takes you! Be brave enough to go after your dreams. Know that to be passionate about something is a blessing, so make the most of it. Above all, be prepared to work as a volunteer to begin with so you can build up a contact base. It’s not what you know, it’s who!