Lauren Gardner

A hardworking and organised personality has led me to achieve a great deal within my career. Since graduating with a first-class master's degree in Touring Theatre, I have contributed to the smooth and successful operations at Worcester Theatres.

Within my current role, my responsibilities spread over two departments, in marketing and outreach.

• Marketing: I have valuable skills and experience in social media, press releases, website and online page updating, in communications, liaising with companies and performers. I am experienced in copy writing and designing.

• Outreach: With just myself and one other member of staff, I am responsible for programming, organising and overseeing various events that we hold, as well as the management and administration for our Youth Theatre that is home to over 100 members. I am able to support in funding applications, as well as creating Education Packs and workshop planning and facilitating. 

In addition to experience with the production side of theatre, I am also a practising artist. In the last year I have performed in various venues and festivals including the Worcester Fringe and the Brighton Fringe with a number of productions I have created, written and performed. My theatre practice often begins with a stimulus based in topics of injustice, creating with the mindset of connecting and conveying perspective.

With experience in theatre and a passion for outreach work I am excited by bringing communities together and creating spaces and events that network people and provide support.

Marketing and Outreach Assistant - Worcester Theatres

2021 - CURRENT

With responsibilities covering two departments, I act as a beneficial bridge between teams. I have valuable skills within marketing and communication, including creating press releases, liasing with promoters, social media campaigns, design and website design and operating. With a strong skill set and passion within my outreach work, I assist with producing events and projects as well as funding applications and organisation of events.

Amongst these, I am responsible for programming and overseeing a variety of the community events. I also oversee the administration of our Youth Theatre, the management of Youth Practitioners and Facilliating some Youth Theatre sessions.

Marketing Officer - FEAST Theatre Festival

2021

During the run up and throughout FEAST Festival, I was employed as a freelancer by Reactions Theatre Makers to support their marketing. It was my responsibility to create online ticketing platforms for booking, to create online events, liaise with advertising companies and to populate their website. During the Festival itself, I assisted with vox pop.

Bar Supervisor - Cosy Club

2020-2021

Working in this establishment for just over a year and within the pandemic, I oversaw the workings of the bar, abiding by guidelines and ensuring my team did the same. With valuable experience of the running within the hospitality sector, I would train staff and ensure an efficient running of shift. I worked appropriately and attentively with any customer complaints and needs.

First Class Masters in Touring Theatre - Worcester University

2017 - 2021

After studying for an integrated Masters degree, I finished with a First-Class Hon. Whilst being trained in performing and creating, this course was designed to equip students with professional knowledge into the mechanics of touring a piece of theatre and working alongside theatres and venues. Due to this course, I have a good knowledge of the functioning's within a theatre, and as a practitioner.

Other recent training:

Platform WR1 (2021/22)

PROPER Practitioners Training – Warts and All Theatre (2021)

Devising Theatre for Actors and Writers – Mike Shepherd, Kneehigh (2022)

On The Verge Of... - Crave Arts in association with Worcester Theatres (2022)