What first sparked your interest in live events?
“I started doing sound for high school theatre productions and events. I didn’t want to be on stage but I always had an interest in anything technical. Following work experience placements in the local theatres at the weekends, I decided I wanted to go into lighting and when I went to see Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto Tour, my heart was set from there.”
How did you land your first gig?
“My first proper gig was landed through one of my lecturers at BIMM. Although I studied Live Events Management, I was much more interested in lighting. My lecturer shared his contacts with me and I began shadowing and working at some local venues in Manchester. Once I got my foot in the door, my first tour landed through word of mouth. It was hard work at first – I was working smaller gigs for not a lot of money at the start, while trying to build a name and a CV in addition to freelance work within different venues. Once I had built myself a name, the touring work gradually started coming in.”
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
“Take every opportunity thrown at you but know your worth at the same time.”
Have you faced any barriers breaking into the sector?
“Honestly, there definitely have been some – especially with being a young woman within the industry. As women in the sector, I think we all have felt as if we have needed to work harder to prove ourselves, but I also know I’ve been extremely lucky to have the ongoing support of the vast majority of my male colleagues.”
Where would you like to see yourself in five years?
“Hopefully still on a good career path, progressing with current clients would be amazing. Maybe crew cheifing or even as a lighting designer for larger tours.”