Amy Fawdington
Amy is the Deputy Director of Northern Stage Theatre. She graduated in English Language and Literature in 2010.
About Amy's career
Describe your current role:
I work for Northern Stage theatre, which is an independent charity based on Newcastle University campus, just opposite the student's union building.
I provide operational support, management and leadership across the organisation with a particular focus on day-to-day operations.
I contribute towards shaping the company strategy, organisational culture, and managing risk and complex challenges.
Literature modules that covered such a wide variety of texts and exposure to different voices and perspectives combined with the more analytical skills needed on the English Language modules gave me a great background in the power of storytelling,
How did you get into this field after studying English Language and Literature at Newcastle?
While studying I worked part time selling tickets on the box office at Theatre Royal and that experience in the cultural sector helped me to get my first couple of jobs after I graduated.
I worked briefly in administration and customer service for English Heritage before my first marketing role, a maternity cover, at Live Theatre in Newcastle. From then I continued to work in marketing and communications and I was the Director of Communications and Sales at Northern Stage for several years before I was promoted to the Deputy Executive Director role.
I also returned to studying about 10 years after I finished my undergraduate degree when the time felt right to pick up some new skills to help further my career. I completed a part-time Executive MBA at Leeds University in 2020.
Studying English Language and Literature at Newcastle University
How has studying English Language and Literature at Newcastle helped you in your career?
Literature modules that covered such a wide variety of texts and exposure to different voices and perspectives combined with the more analytical skills needed on the English Language modules gave me a great background in the power of storytelling, skills in researching, creative writing and analysing data.
What advice would you give to a student interested in studying Language and Literature?
Visit your local theatre! Use your student discount to take a chance on shows that you might not normally choose - try a new genre or artform - you might just find something you love.
What was the best thing about studying Language and Literature at Newcastle?
The breadth of topics I covered in a beautiful city: medieval poetry to children's literature to language evolution in humans and even learning the basics of HTML. The belief that Geordies are incredibly friendly and welcoming is true and that's why I'm still living in the North East now.
