Guest post and interview by Suzie Kirk Dumitru
This week, in the third and final instalment of our ‘Up & Coming’ series, Official London Theatre sat down to talk to Lora Krasteva about her journey from TheatreCraft attendee to Project Manager for the event.
TheatreCraft is the country’s largest, free careers event for young people interested in off-stage careers in theatre and will take place on Friday 3rd November at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel.
To register for your place, visit the website. And don’t forget to follow the event on Twitter and Facebook.
So, Lora, what do you do when you’re not working on TheatreCraft?
I am currently working mostly in fundraising. I work in Individual Giving & Development at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston, where I look after our Supporters and Corporate Members, and I am a Development Manager for the International Movement for the Arts and Homelessness With One Voice, run by Streetwise Opera.
What’s the best thing about working in the world of theatre?
It is such a varied world… I have been a producer for a number of years now which meant working with very different people on a variety of great projects.
It is a very generous world too, where I’ve found some incredible mentors and friends. I am always amazed at people’s creativity and grit – it’s so inspiring. Also, theatre changes minds and attitudes and it is exhilarating when you see it at work!
Lora Krasteva
What advice would you give to anyone starting their career in the industry?
Give it time, don’t rush and enjoy every moment of it – especially the harder bits. You never know what you are learning until you look back and see how you got to where you are.
Be kind, generous and open. It’s an incredible world and it is totally worth the hard work!
How did attending TheatreCraft help you with your professional development?
It made me realize how many options they are out there and how many people are prepared to give you a hand, a tip or their number to have a chat. It also greatly inspired me to keep looking for what made me tick and be braver to ask questions about how to get there.
Can you give us any exciting info about what you’re planning for this year’s event?
Well, well… we are adding some amazing venues to the theatres that host the workshops, and there are going to be some really interesting things on offer from people at the Globe, the Barbican, the Royal Opera House, Stratford East and Punchdrunk, to name but a few. We’ve also created a new “Ask us Anything” section where you can come and get portfolio and CV advice, give networking a go and meet professionals for some quality face-to-face time.
What are your top tips for making the most of the day at TheatreCraft?
Plan it! When I went, I had little idea what I wanted to do or who was there and part of me still regrets that I didn’t register earlier and sign up to all the workshops I could’ve (they fill up pretty fast these days). Allow for some hanging out time though, especially in the Market Place… you never know who you might strike up a conversation with and where that might lead you.
Oh! And go on an adventure… see, hear and do things you might otherwise not – it’s only once a year after all!