On Tuesday 12th October Jessica Farmer form West Yorkshire Play House came to discuss the forthcoming workshop - "Off Stage Choices". Jess also kindly answered any queries we had about her job an Educational Officer for the theatre.
Here is the interview with Jessica -
1. How long have you worked at the playhouse ?
I have worked at the playhouse for 4 1/2 years now, previously i worked part at the playhouse part time then progressed to working full hours.
- what is your favourite project you are involved in ?
My favourite project is the National Connection's which is an annual competition which the Play House takes part in every year with our theatre group "First Floor" which is situated within our off site building next to "The Wardrobe" where all our costumes for our shows are made and prepared.
-Are there any upcoming events ?
The National connections are coming up in the next three months and our annual Christmas show will be "Aladdin" this year which we are in the prices of preparing for and promoting.
2. How do you connect with varied audiences?
We now have an arts development scheme which is run with many schools throughout Leeds, we contact schools to give the younger generation a chance to experience all aspects of theatre such as the workshop which you will be attending next week - "Off Stage Choices". We have even tried to connect with people who have learning difficulties my running a night club for people with learning difficulties.
-Do have face book or twitter to help connect with your audience?
We have recently acquired a flickr site for the theatre and we are on twitter so people can keep up to date with whats on at the theatre anywhere they go.
3. What is involved in your creative process when putting a project together?
We begin by assessing what skills we would like to employ into our project and a theme we then have a creative discussion with the senior staffing at the theatre. Then we query schools on whether they would like to take part in the workshop.
-How do you decide what it is going to involve?
We often decide to base workshops around current shows so the workshop goers experience the play in other lights and maybe this will spur them on to come see the shows at the theatre.
4. What began your interest in theatre?
I took part in local amateur dramatics from the age of seven and then went on to complete a performance studies course at college, i have always been interested in theatre.
5. What merchandise do you sell and how does it affect your income?
The West Yorkshire Playhouse is a registered charity so our wages are payed by the council. We sell lots of merchandise during and after big shows for example, Aladdin teddies will go on sale this Christmas.
-How do you promote this?
We promote merchandise with leaflets and programmes. We also have promotive meal deals in our restaurant.
6.What type of play attracts which type of audience?
Typically we have people who will come certain shows, for example Shakespeare attracts mainly schools.
-How do you go about pleasing them ?
We change and put together plays one after another which are very different but will compliment each other. We choose safe options like well known plays and dramas to attract large audiences.
7.How do you know when a project is successful?
We have a range of financial targets which we wish to meet once a show is finished, we will also know if we have been successful in our latest venture if we have been critically acclaimed and had good reviews. We also base success on public feedback and surveys.
8.What opportunities are there in the play house for a promotion?
In my area of work I could go onto strategic planning but i prefer the practicalities of taking part and watching people get something out of the workshops they are taking part it.
- Is there anything you aspire to achieve?
In the future i would like to move onto management.
9. Do you enjoy your job?
Yes, my work is varied- every day is different, from meeting to school visits to office work.
-What does it entail?
My job entails, seeing shows and running backstage tours and other kinds of workshops.
10. What do you think the benefits are of days like offstage choices?
Its an enjoyable encouraging activity packed day which shows the theatre makers of tomorrow whats the theatre could give to them !
I enjoyed talking to Jessica and learning more about the creative side of the day to day job of an enducational officer of an acclaimed theatre.
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