From a receptionist in Glasgow to Communications Manager at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre, Paula Rabbitt tells us about her career.
Receptionist, Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow (1999 – 2000)
This was my first full-time job after graduating from Glasgow University. I was desperate to get a foot in the door of an arts venue. I knew that I wanted to work in the arts I just wasn’t sure what role was right for me. Being a receptionist means you get to meet everyone in the building, get an insight into what they do and, most of all, make lots of contacts. It was a great introduction to the arts scene in Glasgow.
Project Assistant, Intervention Festival, The Arches, Glasgow (2000 – 2001)
After leaving the CCA I was asked to get involved with Intervention, a fashion and arts festival run and created by The Arches. I got to do a bit of everything from sponsorship deals to writing copy, dealing with the press, programming and working closely with the artists. The days were long, but it was exhilarating, there was such a strong sense of team and it really made me realise how vital good communication is in making your project work. It was during this time I decided arts PR was the right direction for me. It’s very sad to know that this venue no longer exists. It truly was a breeding ground for emerging cultural voices and I certainly owe a huge amount to my short time there.
Freelance (2001 – 2004)
Working on any festival means you meet a huge number of people, so when my contract finished I thought I’d give freelance work a shot. I was lucky as my partner supported me to do this. I began to build up a customer base by working with a few small fashion clients, then a contact from the small business network at Glasgow City Council put some work my way and slowly word spread. I was asked to work with Vanishing Point Theatre Company by Matthew Lenton. His faith in me was the boost I needed and I began to work regularly for them as a marketing and press officer. I then went on to work with Suspect Culture who had an office down the corridor. Vanishing Point and Suspect Culture became my two major clients and I got to work on some very exciting shows like ‘Lost Ones’ and ‘8000 Meters’. I had lots of firsts in these roles: my first design process, my first big national news piece, my first experience of managing touring budgets. Working for these brilliant smaller companies, alongside people like Severine Wyper and Julie Ellen, really helped me to understand the complexities of running a company and prepared me for a move into a building.
Senior Press Officer; Head of Press; Head of Marketing & Communications, West Yorkshire Playhouse (2007 – 2015)
I joined West Yorkshire Playhouse’s communication department after I had my little girl. I was thrilled to work in a building and as part of a larger marketing team. Having moved from Scotland to England I needed to rebuild my contacts and I worked very closely with the then Head of Press Rachel Coles. As well as introducing me to everyone she really helped me to focus my campaign planning and improve my writing skills. I still use the format she introduced me to for all of my press releases.
When Rachel left I was promoted to Head of Press. Working closely with Ian Brown and Sheena Wrigley, then Artistic Director and Executive Director, to tell the larger organisational stories was a huge learning curve and a very enjoyable challenge. Being at the front line of policy and political comment is exciting and something I enjoy very much. I remember getting Ian Brown on the front page of the Financial Times and Sheena on the BBC Six O'Clock News – I was so proud that we were able to make our statements on a national platform.
I moved into the position of Head of Marketing and Communications as part of a larger restructure. It was great to put my marketing qualification to good use but my heart has always been in communications.
Board Member, Eclipse Theatre (2010 – present)
I have been a voluntary member of Eclipse Theatre for the past five years and plan to support this brilliant company for as long as I can. Sitting on a board gives you incredible insight. As a board member you are aware of every aspect of the organisation from the business side to the artistic plans. We are in the middle of a huge project called ‘Revolution Mix’ so board meetings are really exciting. I’d tell anyone that sitting on a board is a brilliant experience and an amazing exchange of ideas.
Communications Manger, The Royal Exchange Theatre (2015 – present)
I joined the Royal Exchange in June as their Communications Manager. I’m a Manchester girl and saw my first play here, so it was like coming home. My remit is very wide and I cover all communications both external and internal. I work very closely with our senior management team and of course with my colleagues in the marketing department.
The theatre recently moved to a sole artistic directorship under Sarah Frankcom and it’s very exciting to join just as her vision for the future of the organisation is being cemented. The Exchange is a truly unique theatre and it still takes my breath away when I step into the building. That’s as much down to work on and off the stage as the architecture. I’m really thrilled to be part of this very special team of people who work towards securing the future of original and brilliant theatre every day.
Paula Rabbitt is Communications Manager at the Royal Exchange Theatre.
www.royalexchange.co.uk
 |