Reuben Grocock

Drama Studio Theatre Manager

Business Services

Telephone: (0114) 22 20200

Responsibilities

Run the Drama Studio, in accordance with the needs of the University and other stakeholders
Devise, implement and monitor a system for booking groups into the Drama Studio
Devise and implement systems to ensure that the Drama Studio complies with and is used in accordance with Health and Safety, Licensing and other relevant legislation
Manage, motivate and develop the Drama Studio staff as well as arranging their training needs
Manage the Drama Studio finances
Ensure that the Drama Studio retains its position as the number one local theatre by devising and implementing programmes for updating its fabric and the facilities
Ensure that the Drama Studio is effectively marketed.

Biography

My first encounter with the University of Sheffield and the Drama Studio was as a student studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the early 1970's. I got involved with the Drama Studio through the Students' Union Theatre Group, now called Theatre Company, and ended up spending more time in there doing 'theatre' than remembering how to calculate the amount of energy required to move an electron from one orbit to the next. I left, after being referred to the September examinations in all eight subjects, in summer 1973 to take up a position at Nottingham Playhouse as their Sound technician. Two years and another job later, a technician's post became vacant at the Drama Studio and I eagerly applied for it.

I started working at the Drama Studio in October 1975 and spent 23 years supporting the Director, Bill Royston, and developing the facility with him. On his retirement in September 1998, I assumed his role, though not his title and have managed the Drama Studio ever since.