"After a year or so, if you’re good, the work will find you"

Hometown
I am from Cumbria originally and now live in London

What do you do?
Associate producer, Artichoke (outdoor creative event producers)

What was your very first role in theatre?
Assistant administrator, Emergency Exit Arts

What have you done in theatre?
Various freelance contracts including:
* Interim director of Stockton Space (The UK’s first centre for international street arts)
* Producer, Spiral Flight
* Company manager, Artichoke
* Project manager, Independent Street Arts Network
* Project manager, NVA / The Hidden Gardens
* Carnival coordinator, Deptford Festival

Have you got qualifications?
A philosophy and English literature degree and an MA (a second, higher-level degree) in cultural criticism

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I can’t remember. I’ve always been a bit rubbish at planning my future too far in advance!

What do you do all day?
Artichoke produces extraordinary performances and events, usually large-scale and often outdoors or in other unusual locations. Artichoke also runs a separate consultancy company. My job covers both sides of Artichoke’s work. The consultancy work usually involves research and report writing. For the events, my role can include working with artists to develop an idea, bringing together a team to deliver it, fundraising, budget management, logistics, marketing, and coordinating additional projects such as outreach and volunteering programmes.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The events themselves. I love the adrenalin of working a large-scale event–nothing beats escorting a 40-foot elephant through Piccadilly Circus. (See what she’s talking about) I enjoy seeing the reaction of the audience and I enjoy using my skills to enable artists to realise their vision.

And the worst?
The time it can take to get things done – it can be very frustrating! And unnecessary hoops to jump through.

What’s your dream job in theatre?
Pantomime dame…but of course I’m the wrong gender

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Freelancing is a really good way to get a very broad experience in a relatively short space of time. It can be daunting having to find work, but there is demand as many companies can only afford to take on a full team temporarily. After a year or so, if you’re good, the work will find you. Be diligent and care about your work and what it says about you. Also, care about the people you work with.