This week is Careers Week, and so we thought we'd talk to the Theatre Hullabaloo team about their roles, their journeys, and any advice they have for those interested in a career in the arts.
FIONA
How would you describe what you do at Theatre Hullabaloo?
As Administrator, I support the team across all strands of work. This ranges from data input, ordering resources, coordinating schools’ sales, tour administration to Box Office cover and Front of House duties.
How long have you been working here, and can you tell us a bit about your career journey?
I have worked for Theatre Hullabaloo since May 2018, and in the arts since I was 18. After a year of University, I realised it wasn’t the right decision for me. I started Front of House in a Theatre as a Steward, working in cafes and moving to Box Office. I then progressed into Duty Management, Box Office Management and working in Visitor Services in Durham Cathedral.
I saw this role come up at Theatre Hullabaloo and thought my skills learned in the variety of roles would be a good fit and good development for me.
What does your average day look like?
All days begin with a cup of coffee and a catch up with colleagues!
To start, I always make a to-do list, have a diary check and ensure I know what is happening in the building that day. I check Front of House of The Hullabaloo before we open to the public to ensure it is presentable. I would usually spend an average morning doing Finance data entry, filing emails and paperwork.
I might then prepare and send schools mailings, follow up schools’ sales and coordinate bookings on email and the phone.
Other tasks are usually responsive to the needs of the business at the time, such as booking accommodation and travel, scheduling and anything else the team needs administrative support on!
What’s your favourite thing about working at Theatre Hullabaloo?
Working in a small team to deliver great quality theatre and participation events. This means we are often hands-on with families experiencing theatre for the first time. It is highly rewarding to be part of this experience!
What’s your favourite thing about working in the arts?
Working with people who are passionate about what they do to enable people from all backgrounds to experience the arts.
What advice would you give to students who hope to follow your career path?
Gain experience in all areas of the arts to have an all-round knowledge of the industry. Don’t turn down any opportunities even if you think they are beneath you. These experiences will serve you well in the future!
CATH
How would you describe what you do at Theatre Hullabaloo?
I look after the finances and general administration of the day-to-day operations at Theatre Hullabaloo. I manage the income and expenditure, and produce reports to monitor spend and receipt of funding. I also look after our HR requirements and other reporting and administrative functions.
How long have you been working here, and can you tell us a bit about your career journey?
I have been here for two months; prior to that, I worked for New Writing North, the regional literary development agency, for 13 years doing a very similar to my job here at Theatre Hullabaloo. Over that time, as the organisation grew, my role developed from that of an administrator to Senior Manager with budgetary and line management responsibilities. Before that, I worked in administration for Durham County Council and also spent a year teaching English in Greece.
What does your average day look like?
One of my favourite things about working for Theatre Hullabaloo is the fact that the organisation is such a family-friendly employer; I have two small children and work 20 hours a week, and I’m able to fit those hours around school and nursery. My average day often includes paying invoices, creating reports and developing administrative systems (my favourite pastime!)
What’s your favourite thing about working at Theatre Hullabaloo?
I love the buzz of the venue and feeling like I’m working in a place which is important to children and families.
What’s your favourite thing about working in the arts?
I get a lot of satisfaction from knowing that my work is contributing to the wider arts sector and knowing the difference that can make to our society.
What advice would you give to students who hope to follow your career path?
Be ready to get involved in all sorts; arts administration is a broader experience than spreadsheets and invoices. Being flexible and adaptive is a great asset in what can be a fast-changing and exciting environment.