"Have genuine passion for theatre and the performing arts–there is no room for artistic snobbery!"

Hometown
I was born in Reading, grew up in Leicestershire, and moved to Birmingham for my first big theatre management job. I now live in North London.

What do you do?
Theatre manager of the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue for Nimax Theatres

What was your very first role in theatre?
As a volunteer, set painter. Professionally, assistant theatre manager.

What else have you done in theatre?
* Assistant theatre manager, and within six weeks, deputy general manager at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
* Assistant stage manager in charge of props, costume, lighting, front of house, publicity/marketing and crew at Concordia Theatre, Hinckley
* Director, producer and co-leader Concordia Youth Theatre, Hinckley

Have you got qualifications?
An arts management degree and BTEC national diploma in performing arts

What did you do before you worked in theatre?
I taught for a year whilst looking for my first professional job in theatre after graduating. I was a cover supervisor at a large community college. I was lucky enough to be based in the expressive arts department and tutored extra classes in Shakespeare after school.

How did you make the move to working in theatre?
I always knew I wanted a career in theatre so it was a matter of constantly applying for jobs and hoping for interviews. I joined a website called artshub.co.uk and received weekly jobs bulletins. These are great and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a job in the arts. They provide a comprehensive listing of all arts jobs across Britain.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Either a doctor or an actor – fairly typical

What do you do all day?
Being a theatre manager is almost like being a parent to the building and the staff. You are the person that the staff must be able to come to, trust and respect. You hold a great deal of responsibility for the safety and welfare of the staff, resident company and patrons.

A lot of the job is based on personality. The theatre industry can be a very tense field to work in because of its inherent unpredictability. A theatre manager needs to lead and set the tone for the venue.
You cannot be too precious as a theatre manager, the great thing about this job is the constant learning curve.

On a typical day, I start by ploughing through paperwork, such as payroll and stock counts. Once the paperwork is completed it is time to get ready for the performance. I co-ordinate the work of the bar staff, kiosk and front of house ushers.

I check in with the resident company manager to find out if there are notices for the performance and to see if there is anything they need from us as their building hosts.

The 45 minutes before the show starts are vital. It is important to ensure the best possible customer service is being provided at all times.

De-brief for the staff happens once the building is clear of patrons and we all tend to leave and head home about 10.30pm.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The people I meet

And the worst?
Some of the other people I meet. Cleaning up sick and dealing with drunks.

What’s your dream job in theatre?
Transatlantic artist and theatrical production liaison

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
* Never underestimate tenacity and the ability to dream big
* Gain as much experience as you can from wherever you can, you never know how this might help in the future
* Get involved in your local theatre group
* Try not to take situations personally. The cultural sector is so highly charged with emotion that sometimes people don’t know how to deal with it other than to lash out – this is not your fault, just understand it and move on!
* Trust in your friends and mentors
* Have genuine passion for theatre and the performing arts–there is no room for artistic snobbery!