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  • Writer's pictureThe Arts VA

The Arts VA - Our Story…

Want to know more about our team and how we started? Here’s everything you need to know about The Arts VA…

Theatre back stage dressing room

How It All Began…


The Arts VA was founded by Charlie in 2018 after eight years working as an administrator for the technical department at Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. At the time she had a three-year-old son and although she was working in an industry she loved with brilliant creative people, she was struggling with the long hours and commute so desperately wanted to find a better work/life balance.

Founder Charlie sitting outside

After much thought, Charlie decided to use the skills and expertise she’d gained from working on West End, touring and international productions such as Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton and Mary Poppins, to provide bespoke admin support to freelancers and small businesses working in the theatre industry.


She quickly became the go-to VA for the arts - with many clients having personally worked with Charlie previously - offering services such as negotiating fees, daily rates and travel arrangements for freelancers, inbox management and processing invoices for production managers, and chasing payments for small businesses.


Where We Are Now…


Over the last three years, The Arts VA has supported clients working on many West End, touring and international productions, including Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Frozen and Joseph. Charlie has enjoyed being able to spend more time with her family - going on to have another child, a little girl, and being there for her son on his first day at school.


Our company has grown too; now a small team of selected VAs with over ten years' experience in the theatre industry.


VA Jenny drinking tea

At the start of 2021, Jenny joined The Arts VA having worked with Charlie for six years at Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. She brought with her a wealth of knowledge of commercial theatre and international productions, broadening our skill set and allowing us to further support our clients.




What’s to Come?


After a difficult year, we’re thrilled the theatre industry is picking up again and we’re busier than ever as we support our clients to prep new and remounted productions of Oliver!, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast.


We’ll continue to build a team of multiskilled VAs so we can broaden our services and dedicate even more time to our clients. Our aim is to carry on doing what we do best; taking the stress out of admin tasks so our clients can concentrate on doing the things they love.


The Arts News

  • It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for; shows will be #BackOnStage from 17th May! We're thrilled theatres have finally been given the go-ahead to reopen under See it Safely protocols hopefully paving the way for a full reopening from 21st June.

  • Our friends at Ammonite are hiring - check out their Instagram page for more information.

We’d Love to Hear From You!


If you have any questions or want to know more about our 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



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