ABOUTUS
The Arts VA is a small team, of specially selected Virtual Assistants, with over 14 years experience working in arts administration.
We provide a bespoke service to the arts industry, supporting creative individuals and businesses from all sectors, including but not limited to, theatre, performing arts, design, music and writing.
We are the go-to VAs for the arts because we're passionate about creating time for the people and things you love. We take care of the time-consuming admin tasks to enable our clients to focus on what they really want to be doing.
Meet the Team
Charlie
I have worked in the arts industry for 15 years in admin and PA roles, with a First Class B.A. Honours Degree in Drama and Performance, and a Masters in Producing Musical Theatre.
I founded The Arts VA 6 years ago, after 8 years at Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, where I supported the Production Managers working on West End and international productions of Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Hamilton, Mary Poppins, and more.
As a VA , I have created a business I can integrate into family life. I have the flexibility to balance a catch up call with a client, the school run, and walking my Springer Spaniel. I feel grateful to work in an industry I love with brilliant creatives, while my family benefit from having me at home.
I love to hear from freelance creatives and small businesses in the arts who want to create more time for the work they love or are struggling to balance work and home life.
Jemma
I have over 11 years experience working with theatre production companies, as a Production
Administrator, Production Assistant, and PA.
For 7 years I was based in the busy Production office for Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, working on West End musicals including Hamilton, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and Mary Poppins, and also on large scale UK tours.
Now, I'm a VA and PA for various companies within the arts industry, providing diary management and administration support to clients, including the iconic Wilton's Music Hall.
Dawn-Louise
After many years of commuting to London, I finally decided to embark on VA work in 2020.
My PA/EA background consists of 15+ years’ experience, predominantly based within the creative and legal sectors. I’ve worked in Theatre, Television and Music. I spent 11+ years working at The Really Useful Group and loved being involved in notably some of the best West End productions, including The Phantom of The Opera, Matilda, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph, Evita & Cats.
Previously, I worked at Celador Television & CPL Productions on exciting TV formats, such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Married at First Sight and A League of Their Own.
It certainly helps to have a love of the Arts/Creative world and it’s so fulfilling to be able to combine my experience and passion within such industries. Working remotely also helps me to strike a more work/life balance, whilst looking after my energetic puppy Monty!
Julie
I am a recent addition to The Arts VA team after becoming a part-time VA in March 2023 which I run alongside my paper crafting business of over 15 years.
Theatre has been a huge part of my life, both as a performer and audience member, and for the last 35 years since appearing as a pink lady in a school production of Grease, I've appeared in numerous musical theatre productions and feel that theatre really is my home. I will be appearing in Sister Act the musical for a local theatre company in November and cannot wait to get started on the process of rehearsals and the performances.
Over the years, alongside being self-employed, I've enjoyed working in a busy 1550 seater theatre box office and more recently managed a very successful drama school.
Having a love of theatre and all things creative makes working as a VA and in particular for The Arts VA, a very enjoyable experience which I can fit in with my busy life as dog mum of an energetic 1 year old Cavapoo!
Katie
After 22 years as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the Royal Navy, I decided to become a Virtual Assistant in January 2023.
My EA and PA background comes from a variety of roles with the Ministry of Defence, namely the PA to the Head of Overseas Operations in MoD and the United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander in Bahrain. Throughout my career I served in various ship’s, shore establishments and joint operating spheres. These roles alongside my core profession as a Military HR Manager gave me my drive and motivation to become a Virtual Assistant.
My previous career is rather far away from the arts. However, I am so pleased that my skills lend themselves to this amazing sector. I come from a creative family, and my passion for the arts and this industry has always run as an undercurrent to my life, be it exploring national museums, visiting the West End and Broadway or a gallery.
I love my job. The work-life balance I have struck allows me to be present for my young family, whilst gaining fulfilment through my work supporting Charlie and her clients.
Kathy
I’ve worked in the admin and PA field for over 24 years, and in addition to that have also worked for 7 years in IT Software Support. Industries I have supported include engineering, energy, food & drink, IT and media.
I’m one of those individuals that is quite detail oriented, and in the admin industry, I believe this is a good strength to have. I support small business owners and entrepreneurs with their inbox and diary management, proofreading, travel bookings and itineraries, research projects, file organisation and customer service support.
In my spare time, my hobbies include going for long walks, working through my craft stash or attending events with my activities, sports and social group of which I’ve been a member of since 2007.