hubalicious.org - Professional Profile: Lorna Rees-Theatre Development Co-ordinator for Dorset

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Professional Profile: Lorna Rees-Theatre Development Co-ordinator for Dorset

What is your name?
Lorna Rees

What is your profession?
I am the new Theatre Development Co-ordinator for Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole (job share). Previously I have been an Education Manager for a couple of London Theatres and also a freelance project manager and arts education consultant.

What does it entail?
I’ve not started my new job quite yet (end of oct!) bit it will involve meeting people, networking, watching theatre and making theatre happen!

How did you get into it?
I did work experience in 1995 with Bournemouth TIE (Theatre in Education) which made me realise that I wanted to go into this field and not just into acting. I then did a degree in Drama Education at the Central School of Speech and Drama.

Did you need any qualifications?
Yes, probably you do to prove that you can do the job (which often requires a lot of writing and critical thought). I got my A levels and did a degree.

If not, did you need any other skills to get into your profession?
Lots of confidence and people skills I think. And performance skills have definitely helped me too.

What tips would you give to someone interested in your profession?
It’s very rewarding, I loved my degree but most important to me was that we had work placements, which meant I got work straight after I graduated. Otherwise it can be hard to land your first job.

How competitive is it to get into your area of work?
Pretty competitive, but not (probably) as competitive as acting!

What do you enjoy the most about your profession?
Making a difference to people’s lives. It’s idealistic, but I think theatre and brilliant experiences in and at theatres can really enhance your quality of life.

What do you enjoy the least about your profession?
The money and some long hours!

What’s the most interesting thing you have done or the most interesting person you have met?
I did a year’s worth of workshops in Grendon Prison around playwriting when I worked at the Royal Court Theatre with category ‘A’ inmates. It absolutely changed my life – and some of theirs.