In the latest of our regular staff blogs, we chat to Creative Programmes Assistant, Zara Harris, who helps to bring our large-scale Outdoor Festivals to life. Whilst also coordinating Hippodrome Heritage – the scheme that showcases the history of the theatre.

How long have you worked at the Hippodrome?

Three years and five months.

How would you describe your job?

In my role as Creative Programmes Assistant, I provide administrative support on our large-scale outdoor festivals. I also coordinate our Heritage Project and the theatre’s outdoor arts volunteer scheme. Throughout the year, I support the team with project preparation, staff training, financial administration through to event delivery and evaluation. I ensure that everything is organised prior to the festival and make sure there aren’t any hiccups on the day.

How would you describe a typical working day?

Every day is completely different and my duties tend to change if it’s festival season.  At the moment I’m focussing on booking and contracting the artists for our outdoor festivals. I do this whilst ensuring that they have schedules, travel itineraries and welcome packs. In the afternoon I will start to work on the volunteer recruitment plan for our outdoor events and work with internal colleagues to plan the training sessions.  After a cup of tea, I will check in on the Heritage Project and make sure that everything is ticking over nicely!

What’s the favourite part of your job?

I love attending planning meetings and seeing where an initial idea can take you. It’s incredibly satisfying to see a festival or project come to life after months of planning and preparation. I never thought I would see a giant puppet squid at Summer in Southside! I also thoroughly enjoy working with the heritage and outdoor arts volunteers; it’s a privilege to work with a group of individuals that have such a passion for the theatre and I appreciate all of their hard work. When I first started in the position I was an intern and worked with the outdoor festival team, now I am project managing the heritage project, so my job has grown so much.

What are you most proud of achieving here?

I’m proud to be part of team that collaborates with artists and members of the community, establishes partnerships and strives to deliver exciting events that bring a smile to people faces. Over the last three years, we have grown as a department and I’m excited to be a part of that journey.

Which show/event are you most looking forward to in the coming season?

On 17 & 18 June, our outdoor festival Summer in Southside is coming to Birmingham Hippodrome and it is an occasion that is not to be missed! This year, the theme is ‘Countryside’ and we’re inviting audiences to have a picnic in our country garden, say hello to Dolly the sheep and join a barn dance. I’ve already got my wellies ready!

If you could have someone else’s job for a day, who would it be?

I’d love to have a go at being a technician; I want to be on top of the theatre doing lighting or go on the rigs. Plus, I’m not scared of heights so I’d love to take on that challenge!