Creative Pathways: opportunities of a lifetime

Katy Watkins, Assistant Stage Manager

Katy Watkins joined Creative Pathways while studying Performing Arts, specialising in dance and circus arts. Although she initially hoped to explore costume, the programme introduced her to stage management and eventually led to her joining BRB as the Assistant Stage Manager.

I was in my second year at university when I joined the programme. I was originally interested in working backstage in costume, but I didn’t get the costume pathway and instead shadowed the Stage Management department. I’d never done any form of stage management before, but I completely fell in love with it. I realised I had a lot of transferable skills from being a performer and from my dance background, and could use those skills to help create everything that happens behind the scenes.

I initially did a placement with BRB, and then, while I was still at university, I was offered a one-year fixed-term contract as Assistant Stage Manager. I went straight from university into the role, which felt incredibly fortunate and seamless. From there, I was offered a permanent contract, and I’ve now entered my third season as Assistant Stage Manager. My role involves helping to run rehearsals and performances, with a particular focus on props. I create props plots, make sure dancers have what they need at the right time, and help different departments communicate and work together. I also use my performer background to look out for the physical and mental wellbeing of people in the rehearsal room and on stage.

The programme was probably the best decision I made. It gives you so much insight into the bigger picture of what happens backstage at such a large-scale touring company, even if you’re not sure which avenue you want to pursue. My biggest piece of advice would be to take every opportunity you can. There were times when I’d speak to my university tutor and ask if I could miss a day because I had an opportunity to come into BRB – every opportunity is always going to be worth something. I also made some great connections through the programme with people who have gone on to work in the industry, which is really special.

Ellen Potts, Lighting Technician

Ellen Potts joined Creative Pathways in September 2023 while studying at university. With an interest in the arts but little experience of technical theatre, the programme gave her the opportunity to discover lighting and ultimately begin a career with BRB.

I was studying at university when I heard about the programme and applied mostly out of curiosity. I’d always been really interested in the arts, particularly what happens backstage, but hadn’t had much opportunity to explore it. I really loved the range of the programme, from producing and digital marketing to finance and company management, alongside our specialist interests. For me, lighting was the thing that really stood out. I went into it knowing absolutely nothing, but it was something I felt I wouldn’t have had the chance to learn anywhere else.

The programme finished in June 2024, and I then started doing casual work with BRB as a Lighting Technician. I was very much learning on the job, working on productions including The Nutcracker and gaining experience with shows, get-ins and get-outs. I also did some technical crew work at university, and through those experiences I realised that lighting was a career I really wanted to pursue. When a full-time Lighting Technician role opened up in 2026, the team encouraged me to apply, and I started with the Company full-time in September.

My role is really varied. During non-show weeks, I help in the warehouse, packing and testing equipment, cleaning cables and preparing for productions. During show weeks, I work on stage and follow the lighting plots, operating cues and helping wherever needed. I don’t think I ever would have realised that this was a career I wanted without Creative Pathways. If you’re thinking about applying, I’d say go for as much as you can. There are so many opportunities, and any experience is a really good way to learn more about the Company. And I’d say watch more ballet! I’d never seen ballet before doing the programme, and it’s definitely an art form that has a lot more going for it than I would have expected.

Katie Eldridge, Talent Development Coordinator

Katie Eldridge joined Creative Pathways while studying Psychology at university, having stopped dancing to pursue her degree. The programme introduced her to opportunities behind the scenes at BRB and ultimately set her on a new career path with the Company.

I was in my first year at university studying Psychology when I joined the programme. I’d stopped dancing to go to university, but realised it wasn’t for me and wanted to get back into the dance industry. I had no idea that education work existed, or that there was this whole department at BRB. I was allocated to Dance Track and, although it wasn’t my first choice, it completely changed my life. I loved the programme and realised this was what I wanted to do, so I carried on volunteering with Dance Track after the programme finished.

That led to an apprenticeship in BRB’s Learning, Engagement and Participation department (LEAP), followed by my role as Dance Track Coordinator. As of September 2026, I’ve moved into my current role as Talent Development Coordinator, where I’m working more along the pathway between when young people first come into Dance Track and where they might end up at the end of their training. I’m now working on things including The Nutcracker auditions, ballet workshops and Next Gen Associates, which I’ve co-founded with Emily Hodgson, our Creative Learning Officer.

Creative Pathways also introduced me to opportunities beyond BRB. While on the programme, Jonathan Payn shared an advert for a summer internship with National Youth Ballet. I applied for an administration internship and have continued working with them ever since. I’m now their Project Coordinator, and I wouldn’t have discovered that opportunity without the programme.

Creative Pathways gave me that first insight into the fact that all of this was even possible. While on the programme, I was so quiet and shy and had no confidence, so to now be in a position where I’m creating new programmes for BRB is incredible. If you’re thinking about applying, I’d say just go for it. Say yes to as much as possible and try things you’ve never tried before. I worried about how I would make it work alongside university, but it did work, and you’ll figure out things you never knew were possible.