General & artistic manager (street arts)
Mat Carroll
31
Mat Carroll, 31, is general and artistic manager of entertainment & street theatre company Genii Productions Ltd. He not only does the admin, but devises and performs in shows, as well as designing and creating props, set and costumes.
"A lot of people do not realise all the work that goes into performing a 45 minute show on the street"
Hometown
Originally from Leicester now based in Leicestershire and working all over the UK
What do you do?
As a director and performer a bit of everything! This is my company, Genii Productions
What was your very first role in theatre?
Youth theatre leader and designing and devising props, costumes and sets
What else have you done in theatre?
Designer & youth theatre leader for Arts in Education, Leicester City & Leicestershire County Council’s arts service
Theatre-in-education set, costume and properties designer for Youth Arts Leicestershire
Various arts projects for young people and adults
I was previously general and artist manager for Bill Brookman Productions
Have you got qualifications?
A degree in theatre and arts management
BTEC national diploma in performing arts
What did you do before you worked in theatre?
I did different jobs to tide me over until I got the job I wanted – a mixture of mundane day jobs to get some cash in and then as many evening and weekend jobs that were creative or theatre related – such as youth theatre projects and theatre design.
You may need to take other jobs to survive. Try and get ones that will build up your skills in whatever area – admin, design or whatever could be relevant to your preferred future profession.
How did you start working full-time in theatre?
I built my CV up with as much creative and varied arts projects as possible. Some were paid positions, other projects voluntary and some self-initiated.
Eventually, I landed a job with Bill Brookman Productions. The job was limited to admin, although I persisted and then I ran the creative side and spearheaded the company for over two years, including performing etc.
What do you do all day?
Devise shows and perform in them, design and create the props, set, costume and then there is administration to do!
Performing could be at any of the following: street events, festivals, schools, banquets.
Types of performance include stilt-walking, fire-performing, MC-ing, puppet plays and workshops.
The office work includes taking and chasing bookings, preparing proposals and answering the phone and emails.
On the creative side, I devise shows and design and create costumes, props and set.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Performing and making new stuff
And the worst?
Early starts after a late finish!
What’s your dream job in theatre?
I think it may well be what I’m doing now – having my own performance company Genii Productions
Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
A lot of people do not realise all the work that goes into performing a 45 minute show on the street after travelling for three hours. It’s not as glossy as it seems. Try joining an existing group of performers and see if it’s for you before you give up your day job.
