Lyric life

Welcome to #12JobsofTheatre.

Over 12 days in December we’ll be telling you about 12 different jobs at the Lyric to give you an insight into the varied and vital jobs that contribute to the work we make.

Each of the wonderful people that are currently in those positions have shared how they got there and we hope it will be helpful to those thinking about pursuing a career in the arts.

Next up is Ama Ofori-Darko, our Development Officer.

1. In one sentence, can you explain what your job is?

I fundraise for the theatre through individuals, corporates and fundraising events.

2. What made you want to work in theatre and where did you start?

I am incredibly passionate about theatre. My mum would take me to see shows at our local theatre Theatre Royal Stratford East. When I was a little older we then would venture to Soho Theatre and then the Lyric where we watched Spring Awakening 3 times back in 2009. My first theatre job in theatre was a Front of House Usher at the Royal Opera House whilst I studied Classical Singing at Guildhall. At the ROH is where I first met a Development team. I worked with them on many events and when I left Guildhall and was wondering about what I wanted to do next I took an interest in arts fundraising. I loved the idea of connecting people who loved the arts and had financial capacity to give to an arts organisation. They said the best way in would be to do an internship and I applied for an internship at the Tate. They have one of the largest Development departments in Europe with 70 people. I worked with them for 10 months across Events, Major Donors, Corporates, Trusts & Foundations and Patrons. I then became Development Officer at the Donmar Warehouse and then Development Officer at the Lyric in September 2019.

3. What is your top recommendation for someone who wants to be a Development Officer?

Working in smaller theatres allows you to work across various income streams. With larger theatres/organisations you can really hone into one stream. Try to work out which aspect of fundraising calls to you. Reach out to arts fundraisers on LinkedIn and see if it is possible to shadow them to learn more.

4. What is your favourite production at the Lyric that you have worked on and why?

Cinderella the Panto. It was the first production that I lead on fundraising and I was able to put together a very successful panto party to thank our supporters. It was a moment to meet them all and celebrate the year.