In the latest of our staff blogs we speak with Liz Leck our Creative Learning Manager. As a life-long champion of the arts, Liz spins a lot of plates, looking after learning, engagement and access opportunities both in-schools and across the wider Birmingham community.

How long have you worked at Birmingham Hippodrome?

I have been working here for the past 13 years, but I have been working in the arts for more than 25 years. I began as maternity cover at the Belgrade Theatre, fell in love and stayed a little longer than intended!

Describe your job?

In my role I spin a lot of plates. I would say, I identify groups of people who may not have access to the theatre for one reason or another, and remove any barriers. Projects that I have pioneered include B-Side Hip-Hop festival, Accessible and Relaxed Performances and our Hippodrome Education Network (HEN).

Describe a typical working day?

I definitely start the day with a large cup (or bucket) of coffee. I have to say, that is the only thing that is typical. That’s one of my favourite things about this job, no two days are the same. Most of my days are filled with challenges for which I need to find a solution. I work closely with our HEN partners, a collection of diverse schools, to develop and plan educational programs focused on the arts. I spend a lot of time looking at how we can make ourselves as open as possible, whether that’s through our Accessible and Relaxed Performances or our inclusive events.

What is your favourite part of the job?

It is definitely rewarding when you have an idea and you see it come to life. After reading The Nose, by Gogol, I had the idea of creating a similar event. The Nose tells the story of a St. Petersburg official whose nose leaves his face and develops a life of its own. He later finds out that his nose has apparently surpassed him in life. What resonated with me was how affected the main character was by this change in his appearance. The work I do is about not letting perceived disadvantages hold you back in life. I then created The Nose, an outdoor performance with Open theatre Company as part of Birmingham Weekender. We had young people with learning disabilities dressed up as giant noses in the city centre in parka jackets for this performance piece. This was included in a short film, which premiered at The Electric Cinema.

What are you most proud of achieving here?

We have been doing some work with young carers, giving them access to music workshops and creative spaces. From this starting point the talented group have recorded their own song, a young careers anthem. We put these sessions on to give young careers a break from their sometimes stressful home-life, and what started off as a creative outlet could soon be heard on the radio. I’m so proud of them and what we have achieved together.

What show are you most looking forward to in the coming season?

On the main stage Matilda and The Play That Goes Wrong. But, I am also really excited to see the return of the B-Side Hip-Hop festival, something that I have been involved in for a few years that has just grown and grown.