Nat is Digital Communications Officer at Northern Stage. Her job involves managing the Northern Stage social media channels, as well as creating a range of digital content such as graphics, trailers and more to promote shows and events. She has worked at Northern Stage since December 2021.
Tell us a bit about your career path before landing at Northern Stage.
I didn’t know it at the time, but my marketing career began back in university through amateur dramatics. I was part of my university’s theatre group and got involved with many shows by doing the publicity for them. In my second year, I was nominated as the Publicity Officer of the whole society, so I managed all the marketing output we did as a society. In my third year of university, I led the marketing for our Edinburgh Fringe show – designing our flyers, trailer and all promotional materials, as well as writing press releases. I think it was here that I realised this could be a career for me.
When I began looking for professional jobs after my Masters degree, I realised I had a huge skillset in the digital marketing field that I hadn’t quite acknowledged. This led me to apply for marketing jobs. Northern Stage is my first professional marketing job in the arts sector.
I love the fact I’m now doing what I did back in my amateur dramatics days, but professionally!
What drew you to Northern Stage?
I’m not originally from Newcastle so when I moved here, I wanted to find places that would connect me to the arts. Northern Stage is one of the first theatres in the region that I heard about. I had previously taken part in Natalie Ibu’s ‘So Good To Zoom You’ in order to try and establish contacts/identify opportunities in the region. I also attended Open Auditions at Northern Stage (which was a bold move considering I hadn’t done much acting!). When I saw the job advertised, it felt right because I already knew of the building, knew some of the people there and liked the type of work they did.
I was also very keen to work in the arts sector, having studied and engaged with Theatre since a young age.
What do you like about the North East?
I’ve moved about the United Kingdom quite a lot, first for my undergrad, then for my masters, as well as flitting back and forth to North Wales where I’m originally from. Other than Wales, which is my home, I had never managed to achieve that ‘settled’ feeling which I really craved from living somewhere. Newcastle has really provided that for me and feels like my home away from home.
Things I love about Newcastle are:
- Access to the coast. Whitley Bay & Tynemouth both have beautiful beaches providing that fresh sea air and gorgeous coastal walks. In Wales, my family live close to the beach so being near the sea is important to me.
- It’s got all the benefits of a city but it’s easy to learn your way around. And you can walk everywhere too! Got to get those steps in…
- The parks. Heaton Park & Jesmond Dene are both lovely.
- There’s a farm in the city centre and in the spring you can go and spend time with the new born lambs. It’s such a lovely place.
- I love Ouseburn, which is an area full of lovely bars, artist spaces, delicious bakeries and music venues. You can walk down the canal towards the Quayside, a walk I do regularly.
What do you enjoy in your typical day at Northern Stage?
Walking into work every day and going through Stage 1 is just really exciting. The stage is a place that is full of possibility, walking through the space each day reminds me of what I work here for.
The office is a place where I feel comfortable to be myself. Everyone is approachable and we have a lot of laughs in the office, as well as all working hard too of course! It’s nice to have that balance.
A particular highlight is office dog Obi. Natalie Ibu brings him to work lots, so the regular opportunity for dog cuddles is also very valued!
I love seeing audiences in the building too knowing that I’ve played a small part in getting them here.
Walking into work every day and going through Stage 1 is just really exciting. The stage is a place that is full of possibility, walking through the space each day reminds me of what I work here for.
What do you get up to outside of work?
I like to keep fit by running about three times a week. I got into running properly in 2022 and really caught the bug! I go to a running club twice a week and will be doing the Great North Run in Sept 2023.
I also love creative activities. I’ve recently started a pottery course at the local college which is very fun. I’m also in love with crochet, so I can often be found snuggled up under a blanket with yarn scattered everywhere with far too many projects on the go at once.
I’m also really trying to read more in 2023, after realising I spend way too much time on social media. We’ve just established a monthly book club at Northern Stage, which has been lovely and encouraged me to read more.