Today (8 March) marks International Women’s Day. A globally recognised day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
In our latest blog post, we speak to our very own superwoman, Alison Rigby-Roberts, in her varied role as Production Manager at Theatre Hullabaloo!
Hi Ali, can you tell us more about your role as Production Manager at Theatre Hullabaloo
In usual circumstances, pre-covid, my role is to oversee all production and technical aspects of shows, creative play, events not only within The Hullabaloo but also any event that may be taking place outside today too. This covers everything from sourcing unusual props, rigging lights, making arrangements with visiting companies, loading vans, painting musical caves, it’s a very varied role to say the least, which I love!
Sounds very varied, how has your role changed since covid-19?
As The Hullabaloo has had to temporarily close, Theatre Hullabaloo have adapted their work and I have been involved in lots of great projects, such as Hullabaloo Baby Play Packs, overseeing window installations such as Halloween and Winter Wonderland and, of course, planning for reopening.
How did you start your career?
I always had an interest in Theatre, I started at the Civic Theatre, now Darlington Hippodrome as a casual dresser, before that I was in the youth theatre at school and would regularly travel to Edinburgh.
After a few years at Darlington Civic Theatre, I spent some time as a touring electrician at theatre companies D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and Opera North before heading back to Darlington to take up the role of Senior Technician at Darlington Arts Centre. Once the Arts Centre sadly closed I moved over to Darlington Civic Theatre and after taking voluntary redundancy from the Civic Theatre, I was offered a permanent post at Theatre Hullabaloo as a Production Manager.
Tell us about the best bit of your job
For me, it’s the variety of what we do. We are doing things that matter and that’s the most important thing to me. I have great job satisfaction in my role and that means a lot.
How do you start your career in technical theatre?
Nowadays I would recommend studying at college and getting your qualifications. I didn’t do this and applied for anything within theatre but today I would recommend getting the qualifications needed.
Any advice for people wanting to start out?
See as much theatre as possible, be reliable and have a can-do attitude to tasks
Thanks, Ali! x