Stage manager and theatremaker Itxaso Torres-Massouras tells The Stage how her career path has led her to produce her own show
After leaving school, I was unsure about what I wanted to pursue as a career. I decided university wasn’t for me and took some time out to think. My love of the arts started from when I was little and my mum used to take me and my sister to the theatre. I think this is what spurred me on to apply for a job at Theatre Royal Bath in 2022 as the stage door keeper.
From doing the stage door job, I went on to do both dresser and assistant stage manager roles, neither of which I had trained for, but which I enjoyed. After working in these roles for some time, I was certain I wanted to continue developing my career in backstage work but was intrigued by other departments such as directing and producing.
As well as doing my own research, I reached out online to theatre professionals and also took every opportunity to talk to those I met at work. Many of them gave me their advice and even provided opportunities for me to gain experience. I don’t think I would be at this point in my career without the supportive people I’ve met along the way.
After a while, I reached a point where I found I couldn’t progress any further and it was hard to keep going. Then I remembered that various professionals had advised me to produce my own work. As daunting as it felt, I decided to go for it, and after many swings and roundabouts, I am now in the process of producing my own concert called Lyrics with Love at Crazy Coqs in London on September 1. The line-up will feature West End performers and all the profits are going to Mind.
Much as I am loving creating this project, it hasn’t been easy doing it alone, but I’ve been fortunate enough to have support from experienced West End performer Norman Bowman and the Creative Well, a mental health organisation. I know from personal experience that mental health is very important and that the arts can be a tough business. My hope is to create a heartwarming evening by bringing the two fields I am so passionate about together, drawing on the beauty of music and theatre to spread a little kindness and love.
Age: 21
Education: Prior Park College, Bath
Theatre work includes: Stage door keeper/dresser for Friendsical and The Full Monty; dresser/assistant stage manager for Aladdin (all for Theatre Royal Bath)
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