Tag: theatre

‘Well, good for you, you look happy and healthy’ – Olivia Rodrigo

What a year 2021 has been. From political madness to the continuation of the pandemic – it’s been a tough year for everyone, but that’s not why I’m here. I had group therapy in 2020; the biggest lesson I learned was to stop worrying about what I can’t control. I’m no superhero who could stop the pandemic. With that in mind, I attempted to do my very best in 2021to live life to the fullest. So if you are looking for a sob story, please leave this article now!

Without a doubt, Olivia Rodrigo’s Good 4 U has been the soundtrack to this year. However, I did have a good 2021. I am ‘happy and healthy’ despite the curve balls that came my way. I could list what I got up to this year, but it’ll take all of 2022 to get there! So, here are some of the highlights.

University

Whether you loved your time or not or are still currently there, I had a blast in my last semester. I managed to graduate (finally) and made friends with people that I didn’t even expect would want to associate with me. Of course, graduating does put a strain on friendships. Yet, you learn to check in with them and have deeper chats when you do catch up. Although they may be in another part of the country or the world, that does not change the person. And hey, we survived a world where online calls are vital for everything – we can do it again!

I admit I struggled a bit in the final months. I had dread; you know, the existential crisis of ‘what next?’ but I also found joy in creating my short stories for my dissertation. I got to binge watch loads of shows and called that ‘studying’. I could procrastinate without the guilt! I’m not advocating to put off important tasks, but do take time to do something you enjoy because life is too short to be in a stressed state all the time.

Anyway, I enjoyed creating the worlds for my story and learning about the short story form despite never doing a module on this until then! I achieved a decent grade considering this was my first time. My dissertation taught me that I am passionate about spirituality, our education system and philosophy. So I followed that path into reading following the end of my degree. I know an MA is probably not for me too. I continued to write and joined a local artist network to continue to develop those skills I picked up. Who knows, maybe I’ll publish them one day or keep them for storytime with my nieces and nephews. The point is, I love to create things.

Starting Work

I have applied for over 100 jobs since the start of 2021. That is no exaggeration. You can do all the prep in the world, yet there is no denying graduates are finding it harder to secure a job within a year of graduating. Thankfully, I was able to secure an interview at one of the local theatres in my university town as a Marketing assistant. It’s been interesting. I don’t come from a marketing background. As an English graduate, I tend to keep to the traditional pen, paper and book rather than zipping around cyberspace and getting creative with various technologies. I had used some software before at college and could remember some of it, but it’s been intense to relearn and get into the swing of it.

Although I lack confidence, I am nailing the admin stuff. Furthermore, I am working to ensure that our marketing is inclusive by captioning all in-house videos. Likewise, we are working on getting the word out about accessible performances. People may miss the opportunity to see a great show as they believe we do not offer accessible shows.

Surprisingly, there is a range lot of equipment that can ensure we are inclusive. However, there are complex implementation issues still to overcome, but I’m working on resolving them.

I’m grateful that I don’t wake up and groan that I have to go to work – I like it. There are stressful times, but that is a part of life. Yet, I enjoy seeing shows come in and seeing audiences who are coming back after the year and a half the industry has had.

Work has co-produced and premiered two musicals this year; they have shone a light on herstory! It’s incredible to see empowered creatives and actresses breathe life into untold stories whilst entertaining crowds.

The Arts & Culture Scene

Of course, working in a theatre means I am interested in the local and national arts scene. This year, I would have seen 14 (maybe even 15) shows from comedy to the likes of big musicals such as Heathers in the West End. I haven’t been to a show since I was about 15. I’m now 23 – let me indulge myself a little. I promise I’m paying the full amount for tickets!

I’ve easily spent a couple of hundred pounds on these experiences. I’m proud to support this industry. Plus, I got to see shows with the people I care about most.

Also, the city is currently bidding to be the City of Culture for 2025. As part of raising the profile of the bid, I had the pleasure to work with the Big Issue to interview young people across the city about what is going on culturally. From theatre to sports – there is an abundance of opportunity for all to get involved or spectate! Speaking to these people gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. I saw the spark in their eyes. They talked about being involved in hockey or how the city welcomed them and sparked an interest in filmmaking. So much so that it led them to win awards at film festivals across the globe. Who knew what was going on in this city?! I underestimated how broad it was.

Incredibly, the city hosted an arts festival. All I can say is WOW. It was an honour to see work being created right before my eyes as spray painting artists got to work. The results were phenomenal.

I went with a friend who had no idea how much the city is full of creative and sporty minds; he was impressed by it all. We were out seeing acts on the BBC Introducing stage to local bands who were very rock orientated. There were even reggae raves going on. Although it was not my scene, it was for those who were into afro-beats or wanted to relive their youth of the 90s. We saw children dancing with their parents and talking to strangers around them as they united under the power of music.

Elsewhere in the city, we indulged our inner child and played Guitar Hero. We will not be forming a band of our own any time soon. We’ll leave it to the professionals of the city!

We got to design t-shirts too. In my typical style, I went with a political message and my friend? Let’s say he enjoyed his ironic picture of death having fun. It was fun to be a designer with little skill involved.

There were many photo opportunities around. I went down the art and music route, but there were light shows, skateboarding and BMXing. It’s hard to show what the city offers because the organisers had to pack everything into one day.

However, I hope that with the attention on the city due to the 2025 bid, the community will continue to support the evolving arts and culture scene as I do. I could go on about the bid, but that’s for another day.

2021 may have been a bit of a storm in a teacup, but I am glad that this was still my year. Let’s see what 2022 has in store for us.