Hometown
I was born in Middlesbrough and then aged 10 my family moved to Leeds, where I have lived ever since

what do you do?
Company administrator & project coordinator for Red Ladder Theatre Company

What was your very first role in theatre?
This one! Although I started as part-time admin assistant and was then made full-time company administrator with the latest edition of coordinating the Red Grit actor training company.

How did you start in theatre?
I actually heard of Red Ladder through being a participant in the Asian Theatre School (now replaced by Red Grit).

I performed in the first production ATS did in 1998 and was really inspired by the artists working on the summer school that year especially as they were from a real mix of ethnic backgrounds which fueled my desire to work for a company that worked with such culturally mixed artists.

Have you got qualifications?
A degree in cultural studies from Leeds University and three A-levels A-levels (English literature, theatre studies and sociology)

What did you want to be when you grew up?
At an early age I wanted to be an archaeologist and then I got a passion for the arts so I wanted to be an actress. But as the time got nearer to choosing my future path after school, I decided drama school was not the place for me (and I’m glad I stuck to that decision)

What do you do all day?
As project coordinator I am in charge of coordinating and managing our actor training company, Red Grit.

The work involves organising schedules, sending out information to participants, working on marketing and publicising the project and facilitating recruitment workshops. I am also the Arts Award advisor for Red Grit.

As administrator for Red Ladder I have a range of roles from selling the touring show, press and marketing, supervising placements, assisting financial needs, casting and auditions and I also facilitate and deliver workshops on behalf of the company.

As you can see this combination of many roles means no two days are the same.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Definitely being able to give opportunity to young emerging talent that may not ordinarily get the chance to follow their dream. Red Grit strives to offer a job (on tour) to one participant each year and it’s great to see someone performing on stage and working alongside a professional cast after completing their Red Grit training.

I’m a strong advocate for alternative routes into theatre and hope Red Grit can continue to provide this to local people.

And the worst?
Having to do boring things like order stationary!

What’s your dream job in theatre?
I would love to run my own multi-art form company or building and direct plays myself

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Believe in yourself and don’t give up. And on a practical note, try and gain experience with as many companies/ organisations as you can, in whatever way you can (even if it’s not exactly the type of work you want) as people will always remember the eager beavers(!) and often employ them after seeing the skills they can offer.