Claire Eason-Bassett charts the progression of her career
Director Event Cornwall (2007–present)
This is the job where I‘ve been happiest, because it’s my company so I have been able to make my work life what I want it to be – interesting, challenging, supportive and fun! I continue to chase that elusive work/life balance, particularly now I have a young son, but I get to work with fantastic people on brilliant projects in a beautiful part of the world! My job covers everything in the business from project delivery through to teaching, from HR to marketing, from sorting the event kit to negotiating national projects.
General Manager The Works: Dance & Theatre Cornwall (2006–2008)
This was my first job when I moved back home to Cornwall where I grew up. I looked after all of the operational and financial aspects of the organisation as well as specific projects. I reconnected with a lot of old friends in this job, and I worked with exciting emerging practitioners on collaborative projects and large-scale events.
Operations Manager Creative Partnerships London North (2005–2006)
I learnt a lot in this job – managing a small independent team, delivering educational events, working with young people, teachers, artists and academics... I also had the opportunity to work with the inspirational Jocelyn Cunningham.
Company Manager Rambert Dance Company (2002–2005)
This was the first job where I felt truly confident and professional. I had the pleasure of working with Sue Wyatt, from whom I learnt how to be strategic, and numerous others who inspired, challenged and supported me. I most enjoyed being part of a really tight team, working together to create fantastic dance works to tour nationally and internationally. In this job I realised how much I enjoy doing the deal and solving difficult problems to move projects forward.
PA to the Managing Director English National Ballet (2000–2002)
Working with Christopher Nourse, I developed thorough administration and management skills realised my childhood dream of working in ballet. Not on the stage, as I thought when I was six, but close enough!
Production Assistant English National Ballet (2000)
This was my first proper job out of university and although the money was rubbish and the hours long, it rebuilt my confidence which had been shattered in a previous very poor work placement. Measuring fabrics, organising fittings, liaison with designers, working in a small wardrobe team... the one memory I treasure most is sticking sequins on over 100 tutus in the basement of the Royal Albert Hall at 2 am after the technical rehearsal for Sleeping Beauty!