I wanted to talk about two pathways that I’ve followed, since I’ve left the BA Drama course at Exeter in 2021. I feel really blessed that the Exeter Drama course offered me a diversity of pathways - and that I found such strong interests, rooted in creativity and research, that I have been able to build on in my career.

One pathway is Access, Participation and Education. I’m the current Participation Coordinator at the Almeida Theatre, which is a varied role working across the design and delivery of Community, Young Artist, and Schools programmes. The desire for this career pathway - carving out space for creative communities - came from an Applied Module and Production Assistant Internship I did at Exeter with Erin Walcon from Doorstep Arts. Here, working across creative provision in Torbay, my love for participation and education in the arts was born. Fast-forward, I now work day-in-day-out to open up access to the arts - essentially as a ‘Producer’ but for participatory arts programmes. This can mean anything from fundraising, to writing social media copy, to facilitating a group in the rehearsal room…! For me, this work is increasingly integral in the current socio-political and economic landscape.

I've also always liked making my own work - starting out with an idea, an impulse, an event that sticks out in my brain… So, another facet of my career pathway has been as a theatre-maker. We are currently touring RIGHT OF WAY around the South West, which is a production that I wrote, designed and perform in. I wrote RIGHT OF WAY whilst walking the South West Coast Path, about my experiences with disability, chronic illness and being a Young Carer. It is messy, uses video projection of landscapes, explores movement, and natural materials (all things I explored during my time at Exeter). My biggest advice (to anyone) is that you already have all the Creative Tools that you need to make creative work - and all the collaborators too. I’m still making work with people I met on my first day at Exeter! They have become some of my most trusted creative collaborators (and are all making such rich, exciting work of their own).

I started at Exeter with no creative network – nobody in my family works in the arts. For me, there were a lot of unknowns in the theatre industry. Through the Drama course, societies and applying for Internships and opportunities, I was able to slowly plant seeds. I learnt how to design and facilitate a workshop. I learnt how to write and talk about my work. I learnt how to translate my creative ideas into process and output (sometimes failing, but accepting this). I learnt how to conduct research, and integrate this into my creative practice. I learnt how to play games, how to play with ideas, and how to listen openly to others' ideas. I hoped (and hope) to take every opportunity to learn about my creative interests, taste and passions – whether that be from lecturers, friends or just watching a play created by a Company I admired.

So, trust in what you know, and have learnt along the way. Apply for that paid internship. Make your own work! If there’s something you care about, rage about, love about, make theatre around it. Test it at scratch nights & test it in rooms with friends, families and new connections. Ask that director, producer or technician that you admire to go for a coffee, to talk about their practice! Why not try out marketing, social media, fundraising, producing, stage management, or facilitating? Plant those seeds.

Hi, my name is Susannah - I am a Creative Producer working in theatre and live performance. I graduated from the University of Exeter in 2021, after studying English and Drama. I am now based in London, but also work across the South West. Currently, I work in the programming team at Shoreditch Town Hall, and I am the Producer for ‘RIGHT OF WAY’.

A producer is a very varied role that can mean different things to different people! Mainly, a producer helps to create a project, and finds the best people, and partners, to get the show on its feet. Often, they take care of the finances, and sometimes they lead on marketing. Some producers work in the subsidised sector, and some are commercially focused. All producers need to be able to anticipate and solve problems, and enjoy working as part of a team. A key thing is to figure out the kind of producer you want to be, and make sure your experience lines up!

I started wanting to be a producer in my first year at Exeter. I had never produced before, but a show called ‘Unknown’ needed a producer for the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019, and I thought why not! The practical experience I got under my belt while being a student really helped me get my foot through the door post graduation. Getting involved with theatre societies was a great introduction to all the different jobs that go into making a piece of theatre (from marketing to stage management) - which is crucial for a producer to know! I was also the president of EUTCo, and I got to work with Maketank through a University funded internship, where I helped deliver the Kinder Exeter Festival. These were all really impressive pieces of experience for my CV, and were incredibly useful in broadening my knowledge of producing.

After I graduated, I did the MA Creative Producing at Central (a drama school in London). This was useful, as I got to do a placement at Shoreditch Town Hall which then turned into a job. I was also able to delve into my practice, and got to build my network of producers and creatives - many of whom I worked with in future freelance projects. However, you definitely don’t need to go to drama school to be a producer. There are other ways you can learn the skills, including: doing your own research to build your understanding of the UK’s cultural ecology as well as your practical knowledge; going to skill focused workshops; applying to young producers schemes; mapping the careers of producers who inspire you; and joining producer groups to learn from your peers.

It’s also really important to go and see as much work as you can - it helps build your creative taste, and helps you meet future collaborators! Networking is also really important. Both with more experienced producers (seriously, just ask them for a coffee!), but also peer networking - I have found most of my work through word of mouth recommendations. Ultimately, just try to get as much hands-on experience as you can - this could be through a venue placement, or through asking creatives to work with you on a project! The best way to learn is by doing.

Finally, I’d like to share some resources I have found useful with you:

• Read venues “How We Programme” pages, this helps you learn the language of presenters, and helps you understand how to pitch and get programmed
• The White Pube have a Successful Funding Application Library, which is great to use to help you get better at writing grants.
• Read 'Let's Create', Arts Council England’s funding strategy. This is really useful to read as it helps you understand how the Arts Council allocates their funding.
• The Uncultured have lots of resources on funding / finance, and also general tools for freelancers.
• The UK Theatre website has useful information on standard industry rates and contracting practices. UK Theatre also has a great Producing / Touring Handbook.
• There is a huge selection of resources on the House Theatre Network website - including on access, finance, marketing, technical, and touring.

South West Tour Dates

The Phoenix, Exeter - 11 March | TICKETS HERE
The Poly, Falmouth - 15 March | TICKETS HERE.
The Brewhouse, Taunton - 22 March | TICKETS HERE
Beaford Arts, Barnstaple - 27 March | TICKETS HERE
The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol - 28 March | TICKETS HERE