Hull Truck Theatre was a key part of Hull’s successful UK City of Culture bid and, since the announcement, has been building capacity. Since January this year they have hired ten new permanent employees from the local area and further afield. The team is excited to take on the challenges posed by 2017 and will ensure that Hull stays on the cultural map following the city’s big year.
The new staff join a team of long-standing employees – the longest is Fran Maskell who has worked at the company for 25 years. She began on a work placement and has steadily worked her way up to Head of Production. She is followed by Theatre Manager Brian Cammack, who has worked at Hull Truck for 18 years, and Duty Front of House Manager and Box Office Manager Aimee Warrener who has been an employee for 11 years.
Artistic Director Mark Babych said: “The new staff are all incredibly passionate about Hull Truck Theatre and the place that we have in the city. They join some long standing members of staff, and together they’re the perfect team to deliver for 2017”.
Interim Executive Director Maggie Saxon added: “Of course we need a strong team to propel Hull Truck Theatre into 2017, but it’s also about the long term. We’re investing in the future of our city and our new staff will help us work even harder for our local community.”
The new staff are:
Tom Bellerby, Youth Theatre Director, joined Hull Truck Theatre just over a month ago after spending three years as Associate Artist at Pilot Theatre in York. He said: “I’m really happy to be here at such an exciting time. The creative ambition of the organisation as we plan for 2017 and beyond is immense, I can’t wait for the opportunities it will present for the Youth Theatre and the wider community in Hull.”
Donald Mabonga, Creative Apprentice, is the youngest member of the team and works with Hull Truck Theatre alongside his college attendance. He said: “As part of my apprenticeship I work with the youth theatre, marketing and administration teams. I’m learning how the theatre works on a day to day basis.”
Ryan Marrow, Finance Officer has always heard great things about Hull Truck Theatre. He said: “After seeing some of the work produced and also the potential with Hull City of Culture 2017, it was the perfect place for me. Each working day is different and there’s a wide range of tasks to get stuck in to”.
Finlay Mcguigan, Engagement and Learning Facilitator, engages with and supports the Hull and East Riding community through the arts. He said: “The role enables me to develop as a practitioner and a facilitator, and create opportunities for local people. Having left Hull University in 2014 this has been an incredible start to my professional career.”
Ruth Puckering, Director of Communications, has recently completed a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing at the University of Hull. Prior to that she was the Head of Communications at the Stephen Joseph Theatre and Marketing Manager at The Spa Bridlington. She said: “I’m delighted to have started at such an exciting time for the theatre, there’s a real sense of ambition and positivity as we head towards Hull UK City of Culture 2017 and beyond. Every day is different and time just flies!”
Andy Pyke, Financial Controller, heads up Hull Truck Theatre’s finance team. He said: “I started just three weeks ago! I was keen to move out of accountancy practice to work for a local charitable organisation – hence why I wanted to join Hull Truck. I also enjoy the performing arts so working here is right up my street.”
Rowan Rutter, Creative Producer, has been producing theatre, dance and festival work for the last five years – most recently as Producer at Cardboard Citizens. She said: “I am delighted to be the incoming Creative Producer at Hull Truck – I’m half Hullensian by birth and I’m very excited about the opportunity to live in this beautiful city and to work in this iconic and internationally renowned venue. I’m looking forward to joining the team and being part of the story of Hull 2017, and beyond.”
Clare Storton, Finance and Payroll Officer, has arrived at Hull Truck from working in the finance department at an Oil Recycling Plant. He said: “Working at Hull Truck Theatre is a very different experience! I love the variation - I have gone from paying truck drivers to paying some fantastic people in the arts industry.”
Vicki Taylor, Communications Officer (Press and Digital Media), came to Hull Truck Theatre from a ticket agency in London’s West End. She said: “It’s such a change coming to Hull from London, but definitely one for the better! People here are much friendlier and I love coming to work every morning. I’m excited to get my teeth stuck into promoting all the fantastic shows we’ve got coming up in the new season.”
Victoria Winterton, Business Development and Events Manager, was previously with the City of Culture 2017 team as Partnerships Development Intern. She was keen to stay in Hull’s cultural sector. She said: “I could not have asked for a more fantastic opportunity that to work at the iconic Hull Truck Theatre.”
