What’s it like to run a theatre education charity? Susan Whiddington gives a peek into her life as Director of Mousetrap Theatre Projects.
What do you do and why do you love it?
I run Mousetrap, a theatre education charity. I love offering young people who would never otherwise have the opportunity to attend theatre the chance to go.
What’s the first thing you do when you get to work?
Check my emails.
What can you see from your desk?
Stacks of papers. Oh! And a wonderful view. I’m on Shaftesbury Avenue, on the corner of Rupert Street, right in the heart of Theatreland. Directly across from me is the Gielgud – where ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ is playing – so I can see its posters and the shining lights. When I get stuck, I watch people walking up and down Shaftesbury Avenue.
Do your days feel varied?
Very. Every single day is different. Some days I have lots of meetings and rush around London, and some days are spent at my desk working, writing and thinking. We have an incredibly beautiful building, so I do love it when I stay in the office and people come to visit us here. It gives them a sense of who we are and what we do. We have a sun-lit third floor space for workshops and rehearsals which is lovely. The floor I’m on is more administrative, and the second floor is where the programme managers sit so it’s full of chatter and banter. We feel our office is a very welcoming place.
Do you all get to eat lunch together?
When we can. This week we’re all gathering together, but most of us just grab a sandwich and eat at our desks. Time is a premium when you have 18 different programmes running at the same time.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
I guess it’s keeping all the balls in the air at the same time. All of the programmes need looking after and refreshing / rethinking at different times. The other part, which can become difficult is identifying funding while we grow – last year we took more than 16,500 young people to the theatre – but the more we grow the more money we need to raise. I feel like we are always moving forward, and I love the challenge of it.
Can you remember a time at work that made you smile?
Of course! I smile often. When I see young people really engaged and involved in our programmes, at the theatre or participating in an education event, I feel so proud about what we’re doing. I think that we make a real difference in their lives by giving them a chance to explore ideas, learn valuable skills, gain new perspectives and connect with others, either personally or on stage.
And although it’s great to think our work may inspire the next generation of designers, directors, actors or stage managers, we’re also trying to inspire the next generation of audience members. For me, it’s about giving young people a sense that London belongs to them, that theatre belongs to them – that this is not a privilege – and that everyone has the opportunity to experience the depth and breadth of London’s great theatre.
What’s the last thing you do before you leave?
You guessed it: read my emails!
Susan Whiddington is founder and Director of Mousetrap Theatre Projects.
www.mousetrap.org.uk
 |