This week, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres’ Chris Boone explains the different tasks a VA does to support his personal and work life.
Having worked as a production manager for Cameron Mackintosh Ltd for 15 years - most notably for Les Mis in the UK and internationally - there’s not a lot Chris Boone doesn’t know about the theatre industry!
Now a busy Technical Director for Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, The Arts VA provides administrative support in both his personal and work life. In this week’s client stories, Chris explains what a difference this help has made to him.
Please can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your work:
I was Senior Production Manager for Cameron Mackintosh Ltd for 15 years - managing the technical side of West End, UK touring and international productions. I was recently appointed as Technical Director for Delfont Mackintosh Theatres and now look after the eight West End theatres in the DMT group.
How did you come to work with The Arts VA?
Charlie was our Technical Coordinator at Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. We worked together for eight years on various productions including Les Mis, Betty Blue Eyes and Barnum.
Did knowing Charlie help you make the decision to have a VA?
Yes, when she left Cameron Mackintosh Ltd Charlie worked on all my personal life admin and got that all in order, which was great. I’ve never worked with a VA but I’ve known a number of people who do this line of work.
What tasks were you struggling with? Have these changed over time at all?
With being dyslexic, filling in forms, etc, is a nightmare so Charlie helps with my paperwork and brings all my personal files and documents together, so I can access them online. Now in my new role at Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, I send Charlie standalone admin tasks.
Do you have set hours each month or ad-hoc?
Ad-hoc hours work really well for me. It’s great knowing we have support when we require it but not having someone on payroll for 40 hours a week.
What do you like about having a VA?
The support is fantastic and because of their knowledge in the arts it saves hours having to explain the industry and the way we do things.
Would you recommend The Arts VA?
Always, I should be on commission!
The Arts News
West End Live returns next month! Free performances from top West End musicals will run from 18-19th September in Trafalgar Square. The line up is to be announced.
Set-up (Scenery) Ltd are looking for a Carpenter with at least two years experience to join their team. Find out more on the Set-up website.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
If you have any questions or would like to know more about how you could work with The Arts VA, you can contact Charlie here. At The Arts VA, we work with a range of different clients, you can read all about some of them in these blogs:
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