Ever wondered what a Literary Manager actually does? Steve Harper, of Theatre503, gives us a visual tour of his working week. Steve Harper: Literary Manager at Theatre503Swipe / click the arrow to begin MONDAYOccupying what I like to consider a ‘part full-time’ position as Literary Manager of Theatre503 means that although I'm only around the office a couple of days a week, I'm generally squeezing in meetings or attending shows and of course reading most other days. Today I met up with a writer at a cafe in Camden to discuss a play I’m interested in developing and possible directors we might approach, then met up with a new potential script reader for the upcoming Theatre503 Playwriting Award. TUESDAYJam-packed day! Began with a meeting to discuss an ongoing project, the fiery Kay Adshead’s ‘Acts Of Defiance’, and how this show can become a regular feature of contemporary political writing in 2016. I then read a great new play by Millie Thomas called 'Clickbait' that's coming to 503 in January, watched and noted the first dress rehearsal of our Christmas show, and headed off to see Steve Waters perform his piece of environmental activism, 'In A Vulnerable Place', as part of Radar Festival at The Bush. WEDNESDAYBack at the other day job today. I like to try and speak to as many of the organisations we are approaching as possible, and the Playwriting Award gives us a great opportunity to strengthen the links between Theatre503 and the wider new writing landscape of the UK. In the evening, it was our Writers' Night for the Xmas show. I try to ensure that all of us in the literary team attend so that writers have an opportunity to speak directly to us – and the department keeps an ethos of openness. THURSDAYToday is the big office day for the wider team. We have a team meeting where we discuss all the upcoming shows and the departments feedback on their work. For a team made up of a mixture of full-time, part-time and voluntary roles, this is a great opportunity to spend some time together in what can be quite a disparate working week. We often have our own Literary Department meeting afterwards; today we confirmed which writers we are approaching for our 503Futures opportunity and for a new community project. FRIDAYThe week comes to an end with some play readings. First, the Alfred Fagon award ceremony at the NT. This award does a brilliant job of promoting, supporting and celebrating the work of BAME writers across the UK and is an essential tool in addressing and strengthening the diversity of the industry. After the awards I head off to the Criterion Theatre for the final of three events focused on developing writers for bigger stages. And in the evening, it's a family trip out to see the new musical 'Wonder.land'. theatre503.com@theatre503 Steve Harper is Literary Manager at Theatre503. theatre503.com Arts PeopleTheatreLink to Author(s): Steve Harper Published: 08-12-2015 Log in or register to post comments