Q&A with Harriet Usher (Theatre Craft)
She was also the project manager for Theatre Craft 2015. (The Biggest Non-Performance Careers Fair in the West End)
I asked her a couple of questions
HI YA! What is the purpose of Theatre Craft?
The purpose of TheatreCraft is to open the industry and give careers advice to young people, ages 16 – 25 interested in careers beyond the stage.
Anything that is non-performance in the theatre is present at TheatreCraft. There are Q&A sessions, workshops, tours and one to one advice sessions to take part in and over 60 theatres, theatrical organisations and educational establishments in the marketplace to meet, talk to and get advice from.
What are the key changes or trends within the industry/profession?
There is an increasing focus on traineeships and apprenticeships, on the technical side of theatre in particular – which TheatreCraft, of course, champions.
Why come to Theatre Craft 2015?
It’s the biggest theatre careers event in the West End. In fact, I’m pretty sure, in the county. There isn’t really anything else like it. If you want a career in theatre that isn’t performance based, you will find hundreds of options, suggestions and like minded people all in one place. Its quite a remarkable opportunity to explore and engage – it could be the start of your career.
That’s basically a square cake isn’t it. Amazing.
What would you say to young people to get the most out of Theatre Craft 2015?
Ask every question you have, take every opportunity. Everyone is at TheatreCraft because they want to contribute to your development and encourage the next generation of theatre makers. That’s the whole remit. The more you put in the more you get out – just like real life!
Happy 10th Birthday, Theatre Craft!
How did you get into this game? What led you to become a Producer?
I am fascinated by how it all works and the extraordinary creativity that goes into creating a production. How something gets created from scratch and all the brilliant, creative brains that are behind it are what makes this job so rewarding and fascinating. No two days are the same and we constantly get to create and re-invent. What more could you want from a career.
The end.
