This week’s Q&A is with The Arts VA’s founder, Charlie – she talks about her first job in theatre, early morning ticket queues and her labelling obsession...
What was your first job?
Bay Trading on Saturday when I was 16.
What job did you want to do when you were younger?
Probably a ballet dancer. Although generally I just wanted to be involved in performance in some way.
When did you know you wanted to work in the arts?
I did dance and theatre classes from a young age, and went on to do a degree in Drama and Performance and a Masters in Musical Theatre. I think I always knew I wanted to work in the arts.
What was the first production you went to see at the theatre?
I went to see Beauty and the Beast in 1997 when I was about nine.
What’s your favourite theatre memory?
In my late teens/early twenties, my friends and I used to get up very early in the morning and queue in Leicester Square for discounted theatre tickets. Sometimes we’d buy a matinee and an evening for that same day!
What do you like the most about being a VA?
I genuinely care about all my clients and enjoy helping their businesses to succeed.
How do you spend your weekends?
Getting outdoors for a walk and a coffee. We enjoy a bacon sandwich and like to watch cookery programmes.
Guilty pleasures?
I love organising and labelling everything! I am a big fan of The Home Edit.
Favourite food?
Seafood
Pret order?
Hoisin Duck Salad Wrap.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee.
Les Mis or Phantom?
Les Mis.
Favourite drink?
Red wine.
Favourite holiday destination?
I loved Florence.
Best way to relax?
A bath, a glass of wine, and a book.
Hobbies?
Does sitting in coffee shops count?
Three words that describe you?
Caring, sociable, planner.
Last supper?
The “Fruits De Mer” at Rick Stein's seafood restaurant in Padstow.
Dinner party guests?
Beyonce, Olivia Colman, Rick Stein, Dawn French.
Favourite show?
Modern Family.
If you’ve enjoyed getting to know Charlie and Jenny, keep an eye out for more Q&As with The Arts VA team.
The Arts News
The Hope Mill Theatre has put out a casting call for The Wiz. In their announcement they said; “The team particularly encourage submissions from Trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming actors...” Read more on the Hope Mill’s website.
Booking is now open for Festival 2021 - head to Chichester Festival Theatre's website for their full lineup.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Got any burning questions for The Arts VA team? Contact Charlie on:
· Email: charlie@theartsva.co.uk
· Mobile: +44 (0)7824 547321
Want to Read More?
Make sure to keep up to date with The Arts VA’s latest news and tips by subscribing to the blog here. If you've enjoyed reading about Charlie, you can learn more about our team of VAs and their skills in these blog posts: