Elle Jenkins
Elle graduated with an MA in Creative Writing in 2022 and is now Programming Coordinator for Norwich Theatre
About Elle's career
Describe your current role:
I am the Programming Coordinator for Norwich Theatre. Norwich Theatre programmes three venues, NT Royal, NT Playhouse, and NT Stage Two. I organise the internal communications, the accessible performances, and contracts for all the show in our three venues.
"[Studying Creative Writing] has instilled in me an understanding of artists, the creative industries, and the importance of networking."
How did you get into your current role?
I got into my current role by Networking! I know - that dreaded word. I was working as a Bartender at Norwich Theatre Playhouse and tried to make myself useful. I also freelanced as a writer, and attended all the networking events I could. By the time I got to interview for the job I knew nearly everyone in my office through networking opportunities, other than my Head of Department!
Studying Creative Writing at Newcastle University
How has studying Creative Writing at Newcastle helped you in your career?
Studying creative writing has helped me immensely. I offer a lot of feedback to smaller artists and shows because I understand not everyone has the resources to be able to study like I did. It has helped with practical things too, of course, like project management, and research tasks. But it has instilled in me an understanding of artists, the creative industries, and the importance of networking.
What advice would you give to a student interested in studying Creative Writing?
- Don't be afraid to take risks. University is the time in your life where you are allowed to experiment and try something new! So, do it.
- You are going to fail. Again. And Again. And Again. You can shed a few tears but never let it beat you, we all have to learn somehow.
- All you can do in life is the next right thing.
- SUPPORT OTHER ARTISTS. Artists smaller than you, bigger than you, on the same level as you. Life isn't pie!
What was the best thing about studying Creative Writing at Newcastle?
There are so many things. Being able to be flexible in my choices and do things that challenged me. Branching outside of my comfort zone taught me so many things about people, and creativity in general. Theatre is my passion though, and I miss having Northern Stage on my doorstep.
