We need Arts and humanities subjects more than ever
What was your degree and year of graduation?
BA English Literature, 2011-2014.
What is your current job and main responsibilities?
Director of the Montgomery Theatre and Arts Centre. We’re a small team and I came into the role after covid, so the role entails a whole host of things including fundraising for capital redevelopment, overseeing productions and the young person’s programming, making sure that we are reaching our vision of being a venue that inspires children and young people. It also involves working with partners across the city and launching new projects, such as launching the Youth Theatre of Sanctuary in partnership with and led by Stand and Be Counted Theatre Company in 2022. And a whole host of other things that don’t fit within a short job description!
What other jobs have you had since graduating?
Whilst at university, I was heavily involved with SUTCo (Sheffield University Theatre Company) and Platform (which was a fundraising society linked to the Arts). Due to my involvement in these societies, as I was graduating a new theatre company (Theatre Deli) made contact through The Bare Project and I did a few weeks as a Production Assistant for them. This involved everything from setting up a bar and cafe on site, to marketing the show, to managing the front of house and box office during performances. I then got a new role with them as first Assistant Producer, and later Producer and Programmer, where we set up a new Arts Centre in an old Woolworths building. The space was huge with many really creepy secret rooms and a cavernous basement but wonderful as Theatre Delhi did lots of immersive productions so it worked well for those.
I then moved to HOME Arts Centre in Manchester and worked in Talent Development which was a new area emerging at the time. From that I got a job at Sheffield Theatres, also in Talent Development. All this experience set me up well to get the job I have now, as Director of the Montgomery Theatre.
“We need Arts and humanities subjects more than ever. There’s so much talent out there and without the next generation the Arts and Culture sector will crumble. We need STEAM, not just STEM!”
Sarah Sharp
BA English Literature alumni
How has your degree from the School of English, and your time at the University of Sheffield, helped you in your career?
Through my degree, I learnt how to analyse and critique, how to form my own opinions about things, and how to influence others which is really useful in leadership roles. The research skills I gained have also been beneficial, for example, to bring together sources and create a case for fundraising. I’m also doing a postgraduate certification at the moment, in Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy at the University of Leeds, which my undergraduate degree set me up well for.
But I have got to re-emphasise how amazing SUTCo is as they give students money to put on a show so you can have a go at directing, producing, stage management, whatever takes your fancy! I was also the Chair of Platform society where I raised a few thousand pounds for Cavendish Cancer Care which gave me good experience in marketing and fundraising.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
When I took over the Montgomery in 2021 it was at the brink of closing, so my greatest achievement to date is certainly the fundraising we did for capital redevelopment which meant it has stayed open and we can continue as we are. I actually got an award for my work - Inspirational Leader of the Year as part of the Sheffield Business Awards 2023, which was a nice way to celebrate all the work we’d done.
What career advice would you give to a student interested in studying English?
Seize every opportunity you can while at University, it’s such a unique time when you’re able to try things out. Also, get involved with local organisations, whether that’s working with charities or doing a paid internship. On that note, I’d like to give a shout out as we’ve worked with some fantastic Sheffield University students recently at the Montgomery and several of them have gone on to work with us! Recently we worked with one student who has decided to go into a whole new area she’d never considered, as a Youth Worker, based on her experience working with us. The ultimate piece of advice I’d give though, is that there’s no one way to find your dream career other than trying out what you think you might like!