"Don't pigeon hole yourself"

Hometown
Originally Stockport, now, near Stockton

What do you do?

Executive and artistic director, ARC

What was your very first role in role in theatre?
Actor

What else have you done in theatre?
For 13 years I was an actor and director, whilst also spending time as stage crew at Forum Theatre Hatfield (now closed), a company stage manager for Nexus Dance Company, technical manager at the Broxbourne Civic Theatre, then manager of the same theatre.

I’ve been assistant festival director of the Broxbourne Arts Festival, director of Horsham Arts Centre (closed 2002), director of Fanfare (Horsham Arts Festival), manging director of film and video production company Metro Productions, associate producer for Good Company Productions, vice chair of South East Dance and chief executive of Arts Culture Harrow.

Have you got qualifications?
8 O-levels and 3 A-Levels
A degree in drama and theatre (University of Wales)
GWCMD (Graduate Welsh College of Music and Drama)
LLCM (TD) (Licentiate Teaching Diploma London College of Music)
A diploma in management studies from University of Hertfordshire

What did you want to be when you grew up?
An RAF pilot

What do you do all day?
There’s no such thing as a typical day. But my job description says I have overall responsibility for the achievement of the centre’s vision and its key objectives, and for the overall strategic and operational planning of all aspects of the company’s activities.

My key responsibilities are:

• To develop an artistic programme which meets the overall aims set out in the mission statement, and to work with artists to ensure its effective delivery
• To develop and implement effective partnerships with arts organisations; schools, colleges and universities; private sector organisations; regeneration agencies and the local community to ensure a balanced programme which maximises customer support and public benefit.
• To coordinate the delivery of an education and training programme, in collaboration with external partners, to give young people the opportunity for both accredited and informal arts training.
• To take overall responsibility for the financial management of the company and to maximise income throughout all of the company’s operations.
• To take overall responsibility for all personnel issues within the company including recruitment, discipline, staff appraisal and training.
• To ensure the efficient operational management of the centre, and its facilities, and to ensure compliance with all current legislation in relation to company and employment law, local bylaws, licensing laws and hygiene and safety regulations.
• To maximise the venue’s role in the local and wider community by being an ambassador for the organisation

What’s the best thing about your job?
Creating things. Helping make events happen and getting people to participate in arts and cultural activities. Changing people’s opinions through theatre.

And the worst?
The paperwork!

What’s your dream job in theatre?
Performing with the RSC in a play that I directed

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Work hard, never accept second best, don’t pigeon hole yourself into one box – learn about everything and never give in