As a young 21 year old woman finding my way into theatre, first as an usher and later as the first female Theatre Manager for Stoll Moss Theatres, I was bright, bubbly and chatty. There was also pressure on me, in what was then such a male dominated industry. I thought that as I got older (and wiser?) I would grow to be more mature, calm and serious like the Theatre Managers and Producers I admired around me. However, I now know that enthusiasm has stuck to me like glue. It has taken me a long time to understand that I can be authentically me; playful; gentle; considerate and empathetic but also courageous, strong and brave and female! When we keep our integrity and remain ourselves we create more powerful theatre and add to the rich tapestry that makes up our world of theatre.
Follow your dreams
When my daughter was born one of the key things I wished for her was that that she would always follow her dreams. I realised at this point that if I wanted this of her, I too would have to follow my dreams and mine had always been to be a performer. So, driven by this thought, and with little planning, I left my home with a one-year old Sofie, changed my name by deed poll, cropped and bleached my hair and set off with my shiny new passport to retrain at the Lecoq in Paris. 12 years later I am touring our one woman production of Michael Morpurgo’s I Believe in Unicorns and have just completed a second summer run at the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End.
Be generous to people, regardless of their status
Throughout my career, which has changed significantly, I have seen people come and go. I’ve also witnessed that whenever I’ve had ‘status’ or ‘influence’, people have been friendlier and more eager to be acquainted. Although success is very alluring, I’m still the same person regardless of whether I’m a Chief Executive; out of work; if our show has been nominated for an Olivier Award or if I’m off the radar for a few years because I’m raising children and re-training. I believe that we should be generous on our way up the ladder and maintain this regardless of our status.
Mentor
Following on from that, I believe we should give a helping hand to those who are coming after us, offering our help, advice, opening doors and making introductions. When I first began in theatre, one powerful female producer held out her hand to me and has been an inspiration and support in more ways than she will ever know. It doesn’t have to take up huge amounts of time and it’s rewarding to see people begin their career and make their way successfully into great jobs.
Crisps
I’ve learnt a colossal amount about audiences since I’ve been out on the road; children; books; libraries; lighting; sound; dressing rooms; and the M25! I’ve also learnt that crisps and sweets in wrappers should never be sold to young children in theatres…especially in small venues where the audience are in very close proximity to the stage!
First Published in UK Theatre Magazine August 2015
Do any of these ring a bell with you? What have you learnt in on your journey so far? Please share it with me here or via Twitter @danyahmiller.