careers

YOUNG EAST LONDONERS DIVE INTO SADLER’S WELLS’ CAREER IMMERSION DAY

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While the wide range of jobs that exist in the arts and culture sector are well known to those working in it, to many young people, what these roles entail and how to obtain them is not always clear.

To help demystify the industry, clarify what the opportunities available are and offer guidance on how to get them, we recently hosted a career immersion day for a group of 25 young people.

The initiative was part of the Creative & Cultural Opportunity Programme (COP), designed by Create Jobs in collaboration with Sadler’s Wells, which aims to help young east Londoners start their careers in the arts by providing training, advice and networking opportunities.

COP participants meet Communications Coordinator Shirley Ahura during the speed-networking session.

Led by members of staff from three different teams, this first-of-its-kind session offered insight into the various roles in each and gave participants the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge through a real-life digital brief.

COP participants with Head of Campaign Marketing Sammie Squire
during the speed-networking session.

The day kicked off with a round of speed-networking sessions, introducing the participants to our Campaigns & Sales, Corporate Communications and Content & Audiences teams.

COP participants with Digital Manager Mark Doerfel
during the speed-networking session.

In small groups, the participants rotated around the room and heard from each member of staff about what their job involves and what their teams’ role is within Sadler’s Wells, as well as their professional background and path into the industry.

Director of Content & Audiences Ankur Bahl talks to COP participants.

Our staff members had five minutes each to share information on a range of topics. This part of the day was designed to offer useful tips on navigating the sector as a young professional, as well as practical knowledge about ‘portfolio careers’ and pathways into the arts generally and into Sadler’s Wells specifically, via our apprenticeship opportunities.


Content Officer Rosie Mackie talks to COP participants.

Lively and interesting discussions emerged from the Q&A section of the day, with the young people engaging in wider reflections about their own interests and aspirations. Of particular interest were two opportunities currently being offered at Sadler’s Wells, one for a Digital & Content Apprentice and another for a Campaign Marketing Apprentice.

COP participants share their thoughts during the session.

We asked some of the young people who participated in the sessions to share a bit more about their career interests and biggest takeaways from the day.

Ibrahim

“I want to get into digital media content. My biggest takeaway from today was the fact that Sadler’s Wells is offering two apprenticeships, giving young people like myself the opportunity to work in that field – that’s been fantastic to hear!”

Eleni

“I really love drama and would love to get into the performing arts, theatre and maybe film one day.

My biggest takeaway was seeing how many jobs there are behind the scenes. I didn’t know there were so many roles involved in theatre and it’s really interesting to see first-hand what you don’t see from the outside.”

Pembe

“I would like to get more involved in production and the technical aspects of live music events and stage management. I’m starting up a female-led production company acknowledging women that work backstage in the creative industries. I would like to continue inspiring more women to do more sound and backstage work, and my biggest goal is to be the Production and Technical Manager at somewhere like Glastonbury – I’m in talks with the organisers at the moment about making this happen!

My biggest takeway from today was probably the workshop on navigating the creative industries. I really like how it connected with us, and all the interesting facts and figures that I didn’t actually know. I knew that a lot of jobs in the creative industries weren’t advertised, but I didn’t realise that it was 60%! It was also really inspiring to actually see someone that’s quite young, fresh and from a BAME background working in a space like this and being recognised for the work they do.”

Michelle

“I’d really like to get into presenting and making documentaries, because I love the idea of interviewing people and getting to know their stories. I’m also interested in journalism and review writing – I’d love to have my own column one day.

It’s been really nice to hear from the Sadler’s Wells Campaigns & Sales team about what they do here. I live near Angel; I would always pass Sadler’s Wells and only ever think of it as a place for dance. Today, I’ve become more aware of what marketing a dance show involves, and I’ve learnt that there are so many creative industries that use marketing in their day-to-day work.”

Eric

“I’m very interested in English and Drama, and in terms of roles I’d like to get into communications and publications. I also like the advertising and marketing side to promoting shows and content in theatres.

I think my biggest takeaway was getting insight from people in managing positions at Sadler’s Wells, and getting an idea of what their jobs entail. I found it very useful talking to [Director of Content & Audiences] Ankur about prioritising, strategising and what it takes to lead successful theatre. Talking to [Digital Manager] Mark about the apprenticeship opportunities here has helped me think a little bit more about my future as I go into sixth form and later, university.

I have a better understanding now about the skill set I can develop on an apprenticeship, and I feel that I’ve taken away useful knowledge that there are many different routes my career could take.”

Kash

“I’m interested in fashion, styling and art directing but I’ve also always really loved theatre and drama, which I was studying at university until I took a bit of a break – mainly because I didn’t know which route I wanted to go down. Today has really opened my eyes up to something I hadn’t considered before, and that’s the programming aspect of theatre. It’s really interesting to see how a single person’s vision helps determine what is shown and who sees it.

Finding work that is commissioned by a more diverse group of people – by younger people, by people that have a voice – is important to me. I think we’re seeing a push towards it in the arts right now, but organisations in the sector can do more. When a place like Sadler’s Wells is looking for these voices, a useful question to ask is: ‘Are these voices of people who need to be represented or of those that are already represented?’ So yeah, that’s my biggest takeaway. Who knew programming could be so interesting!”

Images throughout: Dave Barros.

INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION OF THEATRE PROFESSIONALS

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At Sadler’s Wells, we are committed to nurturing tomorrow’s generation of arts professionals. Since 2015, we have collaborated with over 15 organisations and supported over 100 individuals in forging a career in the creative industries.

Access to opportunities in the cultural sector can be challenging for young people for a variety of reasons: limited in-school careers services, cuts to arts education, informal recruitment processes and lack of industry awareness and networks. Through our paid training and employment opportunities, workshop initiatives and work experience placements in different departments we aim to break down barriers to employment, address skills gaps and create entry routes into the sector.

On #InspiringFutureTheatreDay, we take a look at the ways in which Sadler’s Wells is working to inspire and equip young people to access opportunities and discover career routes in theatre, and hear from some of the young talent that we are supporting into the industry.  

Internships and apprenticeships

We offer paid six-month internships and 12 to 18-month apprenticeships across different departments: from Programming, Technical & Production and Producing & Touring to Human Resources, Visitor Experience and Catering & Events. We also offer placements in our Learning & Engagement, Breakin’ Convention and Development teams. Looking ahead, we’ll also be introducing two new kitchen apprenticeship opportunities.

Human Resources, Marketing and visuals are some of the areas that I was able to learn about and it’s made me realise that you don’t have to be a dancer to be part of such a big organisation like Sadler’s Wells. It’s also made me become more open-minded about jobs overall. 

Maimuna Kigenyi, 10-week work experience placement student

This has been such a great experience for me because I’ve been able to learn first-hand what it’s like to work in an office setting. I’ve realised that there are so many different aspects to an organisation that exist, and that I shouldn’t be afraid to broaden my horizons.

Rachael Olumuyiwa, 10-week work experience placement student

Through these opportunities, students gain a unique and comprehensive insight into how we work to make Sadler’s Wells a world-leading dance house – providing them with valuable experience and know-how from the perspective of those working behind the scenes, in our offices and in public-facing roles.

I wasn’t aware of the theatre beforehand, so it was definitely a learning experience. I would have never thought that there would be so many departments for a dance organisation, but it all makes sense now. I’ve learnt that it’s not just about the great performances and the dancers. A lot of work is done by many people with different roles and tasks which altogether achieve something great.

Maimuna Kigenyi, 10-week work experience placement student


Because of my huge interest in the computing field, I also met with a few people from IT. They really helped me understand the world of IT much better, and the many different paths and issues that fall under IT. It also helped me figure out what pathway in Computer Science I wanted to go for, which I am really grateful for.

Rachael Olumuyiwa, 10-week work experience placement student

Work experience placements

We now offer more work experience placements than ever before, including work experience opportunities for Key Stages 4 and 5, college and university placements (as a required part of students’ courses), work shadowing and leadership development placements. These placements allow young people to gain relevant, professional experience and knowledge, and increase their chances of finding and retaining employment that meets their aspirations. Students learn about the various aspects of Sadler’s Wells’ activities and their requirements, while gaining insight into back-stage operations and roles available across the organisation and beyond.

As a dancer, I’m very used to being on stage. The opportunity gave me great insight into what goes on behind the scenes at a theatre, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time.

Milly Clarke, one-week work experience placement student

COP students on a tour during their visit to Sadler’s Wells.

We are also involved in two initiatives with an employment and career focus: the Creative Opportunity Programme (COP) and Shared Training and Employment Programme (STEP).

Creative Opportunity Programme (COP)

COP is a two-week pre-employment programme for east Londoners aged 18-30. Through workshops and networking events led by industry professionals, the initiative aims to introduce young people to a range of opportunities and careers in the creative sector, and to provide them with the skills, insight and confidence to successfully apply for jobs. Delivered by Create Jobs, the programme has been running since 2017 and we are one of its founding partners.

COP students participate in workshop discussions during their visit to Sadler’s Wells.

Shared Training and Employment Programme (STEP)

Alongside Create Jobs, Bow Arts and London College of Fashion, we co-designed and developed STEP, a programme designed to increase representation in the creative, cultural and digital industries.

Open to young east Londoners, the paid opportunity sees participants complete two six-month internships (either in two different organisations or within two different departments of the same institution), take part in professional development workshops and work on a year-long curatorial project. Interns have the chance to build a strong peer network and, working with a specialist industry mentor, are equipped with the skills, experience and connections to begin their career in the sector.

I’ve only been here a month and feel like I’ve learnt so much already. Learning about how productions work behind the scenes, getting to see the shows, meeting and being around people who share the same interests as me and finding out just how many roles are needed in an organisation to put on shows has definitely benefitted me.

Leila Jassal, STEP intern working in the Producing & Touring team

iDISCOVER STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths)

iDiscover is a week-long programme for primary schools, introducing pupils to a range of STEAM careers and experiences. As part of the initiative, members of our Technical team have been leading visits by groups of 8 to 9-year-olds, where they discuss the different jobs available in theatre and, through practical activities, explain how they apply their knowledge of STEAM subjects in their everyday jobs.

Primary school children are given a tour to behind the scenes of Sadler’s Wells by our Technical team.

iDiscover STEAM is integral to the range of training and employment opportunities we offer at Sadler’s Wells, as we believe it is important to inspire and engage young people from a very early age, and to raise awareness among them of the variety or roles and paths available in the sector.

Primary school children are given a tour to behind the scenes of Sadler’s Wells by our Technical team.

Reflecting with some final thoughts on their time here at Sadler’s Wells, our students said:

One thing that I love about Sadler’s Wells is the diversity that is portrayed and how people of many backgrounds come together and create something wonderful.


Maimuna Kigenyi, 10-week work experience placement student


I didn’t know much about NYDC and Sadler’s Wells, so it was really refreshing to know that they worked so closely with loads of different young people.

Rachael Olumuyiwa, 10-week work experience placement student


I’m super inspired by the work that Sadler’s Wells does with their young artists and emerging choreographers. It’s such an encouraging thing to see an organisation care about and develop that.


Leila Jassal, STEP intern with Producing & Touring


Inspiring Future Theatre Day is a nationwide campaign launched by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre in 2017, showcasing the multitude of offstage theatre careers available to young people. The campaign also recognises the role and work of arts institutions and organisations in strengthening connections between schools, colleges and local theatres.



SW Voices: Katy Stephens, Events Sales Executive

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Katy Stephens joined us in September 2018 as Events Sales Executive. With over 20 years’ experience in London’s conference and events industry, in her new role Katy focuses on maximising opportunities for Sadler’s Wells’ spaces as hire venues and searching for new clients.

Hi Katy, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I was born and bred in a small coastal village in Essex. After miserably failing my A-Level exams, a friend suggested that I should enrol on to a BTEC National Diploma in Hotel Management, Hospitality and Operations. I had the best time there, learning not only all the aspects of hotel management, but also how to cook, plan menus, and run restaurants and bars. After college, I went on to do a management training programme, rotating in various departments in different hotels until I decided to focus on Front of Office and Reception.

Within a couple of years and with further progression, I became Conference and Event Manager at an independently-owned, four-star hotel in South Kensington. Apart from the hotel sector, I also worked in the catering industry, corporate hospitality and event management, holding positions such as Regional Sales Manager and Senior Events Manager supervising spaces like ExCel London and working on prestigious events such as the London Boat Show, the Classic Car Show and World Travel Market.

A key moment in my career was when I joined the events team at the Hilton London Metropole, where I had the opportunity to arrange one of my most memorable events: the organisation and event management of the Olympic Sponsors, VISA, in 2012. I was lucky enough to attend the Opening Ceremony!

From setting up hospitality and VIP dining in a tent to sumptuous banquets in the Hinze Hall at the Natural History Museum, the list is of events I managed is endless, and each one was completely different! I’ve worked in Front of House to greet guests, but also put the gloves on, and helped the team clear plates and glasses. That’s how this industry works!

Have you noticed any difference working at an arts organisation compared to working in a more corporate setting? Was there anything particular about Sadler’s Wells that drew you in?

First of all, the atmosphere is much more relaxed at Sadler’s Wells compared to a corporate setting. The environment in the office is a joy to work in, with many laughs and discussions on the wide and varied range of events that we hold. This is not to say that working here comes without challenges. The deadlines for venue availability are ever-changing, making some of the sales aspects a little more difficult.

Also, as my background is more corporate, it has been hard to ensure that we are targeting the right market sector for the spaces. This has involved going down the more artistic route, hunting out contacts and looking for business in areas where I had not ventured before! It’s great that I have the opportunity to work with a new type of business and learn the way of working within a theatre environment, where each event enquiry is unique.

Before coming to Sadler’s Wells, I was briefly exposed to event management in the arts. During a temporary contract with a leading catering company, I worked with the Event teams organising The Brits Awards 2018 at the O2 and the Mercury Music Awards 2018 at the Eventim Apollo. When the opportunity to join an exclusive artistic venue like Sadler’s Wells arose, it was too good to miss.

You joined the events team in September. What does your job entail? What are the most exciting and challenging aspects of it?

Since joining the team, I have been asked to take a more proactive role to ensure that we are up to date with our online listings for both venue information and availability and to increase the number of enquiries that we receive.

The additional capacity within the Events team since I joined also means that we can now be more involved with our partners at Unique Venues of London, London City Selection and London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and their activities. I regularly attend the members’ meetings and search for opportunities to work and network with them, and open up the venue spaces to a wider audience who maybe didn’t know about all of the facilities that we have available for hire. Our goal is to maximise the use of all our spaces through bookings from corporate and commercial business

I have always firmly believed that ‘people buy from people’ and that, if you are confident and believe in your product, your clients will be more inclined to go with you as a venue.

What advice would you give to people thinking of pursuing a career in event management in the arts?

Be prepared to learn and be quick! In the events and catering industry you are always learning. It is an industry that is ever-changing.

Be mindful that event management in the arts world is not the same as in the corporate environment. Therefore, learn the rules! Have an understanding of how systems work in each setting and what you need to get in order to make a complete and concise proposal. Make sure you copy in all relevant colleagues to emails and correspondence, as in this environment it is a 24/7 operation. Event management is not a Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 job! To be a successful event manager, be prepared to work hard and often long hours.

Have the memory of an elephant. You will have hundreds of conversations in an hour and someone will always come back and say, “You know that thing you mentioned…”. If you are not sure, write it down!

SW Voices: Programming Coordinator Sarah Lacombe

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Sadler’s Wells offers a number of internships in different departments within the organisation, giving young people the opportunity to take their first step into a career in the creative industries. Programming Coordinator Sarah Lacombe is responsible for organising the logistics of the productions which are presented at Sadler’s Wells. She first joined the programming team in March 2016 through the Creative Employment Islington Programme, and in July 2017 she became Programming Coordinator. We asked Sarah about how her internship helped her to access the creative industries and the advice she would give to other interns.

What is your background?

I studied in France and read English Speaking Countries Culture and Arts for both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. It would be the equivalent of English Literature in the UK, with a focus on performing arts (theatre, dance, circus), visual arts and cinema. I also did an Erasmus exchange here in London at King’s College London studying mainly French Literature.

You started out at Sadler’s Wells as part of the Creative Employment Islington Programme, can you tell us a bit more about that, such as how you found out about it and what made you want to work in programming?

I discovered the Creative Employment Islington Programme on the Arts Council England’s mailing list – Arts Jobs. I was living in Islington at the time and thought it would be a great opportunity. I was fascinated by the idea of curating a programme and working closely with companies. Through a variety of different internships, I gained experience in the creative industry. I learnt that I wanted a career that enabled me to be as close to the artists and their creative processes as possible. The Creative Employment Islington Programme provided this experience and served as a perfect stepping stone for me to proceed into artistic programming.

What was your experience interning at Sadler’s Wells, for instance the kind of day-to-day tasks and projects you worked on?

There is a very positive attitude shared amongst the staff at Sadler’s Wells. I felt welcomed and included from the beginning. As an intern, I worked on every production we presented at our three venues (Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Lilian Baylis Studio and Peacock Theatre) and off-site, as well as artists development projects such as our Summer University programme. I provided administrative support to other members of the team, from booking transfers and accommodation to planning receptions or greeting visiting companies during airport pick-ups. With two to three new productions opening each week, my role was very diverse and interesting.

How do you think that the Creative Employment Programme influenced and helped you pursue your career?

The Creative Employment Programme narrowed down the competition during the application process, which I think is even harder for young people with little work experience. It was a great opportunity to take a step further in my career, and I have been able to evolve quite quickly after it. It would also have been a great kick-starter to then continue a career in the arts.

What would you say you particularly enjoy about your job and working in programming specifically?

What I enjoy the most about my job is working with artists and being close to the creative process. The communication and social aspect of the role are also very interesting as I get to meet lots of new people from all around the world every week, all with different backgrounds and experiences – which is fascinating.

What have you learnt so far in your time here?

During my time at Sadler’s Wells, I have learnt many valuable things both on a professional and personal level. Working on so many shows at the same time has enabled me to improve my ability to manage competing workloads and prioritise tasks accordingly. I have also developed my communication skills, which is vital when serving as the main point of contact for visiting companies. As a result my self-confidence has improved greatly, and of course, my knowledge of contemporary dance!

What advice would you give to other young people doing an internship at Sadler’s Wells?

My advice to people doing an internship at Sadler’s Wells is to see as many productions as possible and research each department to get a clearer understanding of what each team’s role is within the creative process. I would highly recommend doing an internship here as it is a vibrant place with many fascinating projects to work on. It’s a great opportunity to meet many people in the industry, develop and refine artistic taste and start a career in the arts.