Katie is Development Coordinator at Northern Stage. Her job involves fundraising across several channels: donation campaigns, our Member and Supporter schemes, and Trusts and Foundations. She has worked at Northern Stage since March 2022.
Tell us a bit about your career path before landing at Northern Stage.
I’ve always wanted a career related to arts and culture, but struggled for a long time to picture what that might be. I studied History of Art and worked at cultural venues in Customer Service roles. I specialised in selling memberships whilst working for English Heritage. I really enjoyed chatting with people about their interests, and finding out together how membership could help them access more of what they love – all while raising money for a good cause.
What drew you to Northern Stage?
On a personal note, I’m from Newcastle and had friends who attended the Summer School at Northern Stage while I was growing up, so I’ve always known about it. As I got older, I’ve had lots of memorable nights with friends here; seeing shows and discussing what we thought afterwards over some drinks.
Professionally, this was the ideal opportunity for me to learn and develop and it was right on my doorstep. The scale and quality of work that Northern Stage makes, its networks and relationships, all set it apart from other venues in the region – so I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
The scale and quality of work that Northern Stage makes, its networks and relationships, all set it apart from other venues in the region.
What do you like about the North East?
It’s home for me – I grew up here – so I could go on forever.
I feel very lucky to have such a variety of places to go and things to do, and when you compare it to other areas you realise how ridiculously convenient it is! The idea that you can head in one direction and be at the beach, or the other and be in the countryside. The same goes for the venues as well, there’s a good range. I think the people make it the most special though, they’re good craic.
I think the people make it the most special though, they’re good craic.
What do you enjoy in your typical day at Northern Stage?
My tasks vary from day to day, but I’m usually focusing on how we engage with our Members and Supporters or sharing stories with funders about the work we’re doing.
I enjoy that I get to hear about all the work my colleagues are doing, on stage and in the community, then share the excitement I have with other people when raising money. It also feels good to know that by raising money for our projects and core costs, I’m helping to make sure that this exciting work gets to happen.
What do you get up to outside of work?
I go to quite a few gigs, even when I have no one to go with. I like going to the cinema, galleries, the theatre (of course) and going for good food and drinks with friends. I’m trying to limit my purchases, but I also love markets, vintage fairs, and charity shopping – I’m a bit of a magpie.