Kerrie joined Paraorchestra in July 2023 in the newly-created position of Marketing Coordinator. She supports on the delivery of marketing and communications for our projects and our artist development programme. A keen writer with boundless passion for performing arts, Kerrie plays a key role in sharing our stories, as well as facilitating smooth operations within the comms team.
“I came across Paraorchestra in a bit of a roundabout way: I have a theatre blog and was at a Press Night reviewing a musical composed by their Artistic Director, Charles Hazlewood. I read up on Paraorchestra and was instantly excited by their mission and ethos. I was so on board with it and resolved to follow and support their work. Then a couple of weeks later, I saw the Marketing Coordinator job in an email from an agency I was signed up to; it was clearly meant to be.
I have a disability and the arts industry is the space where I’ve found joy, a sense of where I belong, and friendships that mean the world – it’s what inspired me to start my blog and podcast. Although it initially started as a hobby, I got so many lovely comments about my blog that I started to seriously entertain the idea of a career in the arts. But I had no “on the job” experience to really build on; just a Master’s degree in English Literature and passion by the bucketload.
SMOOSH! London’s Southbank Centre – June 2023
In 2022, I had a six month contract working as a Marketing Officer in a totally different sector – the skills acquired and a realisation of just how much I enjoyed marketing only cemented my ambition to seek a similar role in the arts.
I knew from the outset that I wanted to work with Paraorchestra: their inclusive ethos really spoke to me. Disabled people are vastly underrepresented in the industry, and to be part of an organisation working to change that was an exciting prospect. I have to admit though, I had a tremendous sense of imposter syndrome doing my application, but by the time the interview rolled around, it was so easy to let those anxieties go and just talk openly, freely and with genuine warmth and enthusiasm for the role, the organisation, and why I thought I’d be a good fit. It was the most relaxed I’ve ever been in a job interview!
A Celebration of David Bowie, Glastonbury Festival 2016
I’ve only been in post since mid-July, and I’d be lying if I said the imposter syndrome isn’t still creeping in but I’m working through those feelings and always trying to do my best for my team, who have been so incredibly welcoming, patient and supportive.
As a relative newcomer to the orchestral music world I’m learning a lot and love the variety of work we have in the marketing team – even if it can at times feel a little overwhelming jumping between projects and priorities.
I’ve loved the practice here of how every department is involved in a project from day one – we’re all on the same page and do our bit to see it become the best it can be. The thing that has really stuck with me though is how much everyone loves their job and what we do; the sense of pride and community is awesome and I’m still pinching myself that I’m a part of it.”
If Kerrie’s story has you excited, we are currently recruiting for another Marketing Coordinator and a new role for us: Project Coordinator. For details click here.
SMOOSH! photo by Paul Blakemore
A Celebration of David Bowie photo by Lily Holman
