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Spotlight On: Zoe Mathias
Hi Zoe! Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for us! As you have been a massive part of the theatre over the years, we thought your insight would be interesting to our readers!
Can you tell us about what roles you have held over the years?
Started working for the theatre back in 2002/2003 as bar staff. Then went on to be Front of House Manager in 2014. Got promoted to Senior Front of House Manager in 2019.
Can you tell us more about your involvement in Theatr Brycheiniog over the years?
I could mention so many but here are just a few of the opportunities that I have been given over the years: -
I had the opportunity to be a guide for the Get Creative Heart of Wales Living Art Installation back in April 2017, leading a team up the Beacons. What an amazing day being part of team Theatr Brycheiniog.
Got to organise the events programme for the street entertainment during Brecon Jazz 2 years running. I had the task of making sure all the stewards/entertainers etc were at the venues at the correct times so that the daily programme would run smoothly and not clash with the Jazz events. Such an eye opener, liaising with balloon modellers, a nun playing a moving piano, a 7ft robot (try getting him through the theatre doors) Had to put him in the workshop to wait!
I have met some amazing people in my time working at the theatre. There have been so many but here is some of them that I have met & had photos with - Lesley Garrett, Max Boyce, Wynne Evans, Alan Carr, Pasha from Strictly, Al Murray, Martin Kemp, Kate Humble, Rich Hall, Jimmy Osmond. Also some truly inspirational people, Simon Weston & Sir Chris Bonnington to name just two.
Mini photoshoot as a wizard with Banbury Photography whilst they were hiring the building.
Got to sit as passenger in the car of the winner of the Harry Flatters Rally - Damian Cole.
Got to oversee a wedding reception in the studio, ended up as a mini organiser as they were all running behind time and structure was needed. Got the bar staff involved in laying tables, hanging bunting etc so it was ready for the bride & groom.
Hosted as a Zumba Instructor a sponsored 3 Hour Zumbathon in the auditorium to raise funds for Brecon Festival Ballet for their production of The Nutcracker in 2019. Raising over £350.
Do you have a favourite memory of Theatr Brycheiniog?
I have so many amazing memories of the Theatr but probably my favourite has to be meeting the Zulu’s back in Aug 2017 when they were visiting Brecon for the 140th anniversary of the Anglo-Zulu wars. It was great to see them parading through town and chanting. Not your usual visitors to Brecon!! They were all so friendly, although they didn’t look it with their weapons!
What is it about Theatr Brycheiniog that you love so much? What makes it SUCH AN AMAZING place to work?
To me the Theatr has everything. The setting is truly stunning, nestled next to the canal basin. The building has so much to offer from live shows to live screenings, events in the gallery, dance studio & cafe.
I absolutely love my job. I totally thrive on the buzz of the theatre and all the chaos it can bring with it. My role has so much variety, there is never a dull moment. I get to greet everyone that enters the theatre and introduce myself to the acts, grabbing a selfie as and when I can. You’ve got to have some perks! I also as a staff member get to see some of the shows when I am off duty, which is not very often as I do seem to work a lot of shifts!
It holds a special place in my heart. I am so lucky I work with such a fantastic team who are like a family to me. We also have an amazing team of volunteers who I have such a great bond with.
How have you found the pandemic and being away from the building?
Lockdown has been tough. Probably the hardest thing I have ever had to face as I had a few life challenges thrown into the mix as well. If lockdown has taught me anything it is that I am stronger than I ever thought I was and that the bravest thing you can do is ask for help. It has made me thankful for what I have. Its not about what things you want, it is about appreciating what you have got. I have my health and I have an amazing supportive family around me.
For anybody that knows me, I am such a sociable person and a workaholic. I thrive on being busy and seeing people. Not only did I miss the job I missed the team. We are friends and it was hard not seeing them. It doesn’t help living opposite the theatre as you think of the place daily!
I love walking and have done from a young age, so I challenged myself to walk at least 4 miles a day. I am also a keen amateur photographer; the camera enables me to escape everyday life and focus on what is around me. It gave me a purpose, to get out and appreciate what beauty we have on our doorstep.
Thank you so much Zoe! It's great to hear how much you love the theatre and what you have been up to during lockdown!
Theatr Brycheiniog is delighted to be able to reopen, and at this time we have a new café function on the stage and flat floored auditorium to increase the COVID secure measures for visitors to the Theatr at the Canal Basin. As part of this reopening we also have some vacancies across departments that have now returned to work, these are:
- Casual Barista and Catering Assistant
- Relief Housekeeper(s)
- Casual Duty Managers / Casual FOH team leaders
We are looking for expressions of interest from exciting, motivated individuals who would like be considered for any of these roles and successful post holders would be on a zero hours contracts responding to the building and operational needs at this time.
Please email Jay Edwards, Business Support Assistant by emailing jay@brycheiniog.co.uk for a job description and application form for any of these roles at Theatr Brycheiniog.
The closing date is Friday, 25th June and shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial zoom meeting the following week.
We are also currently recruiting for new board members - more info can be found here.
Thank you for reading! We love that you love the Theatr as much as we do... It’s an amazing place after all! To stay up to date with what is happening at Theatr Brycheiniog sign up to our newsletter or follow us on social media!
As a registered charity working to serve the community, the Theatr is always in need of extra support, whether for improvements to the building and to support community projects. Please visit our Support Us page to see how you can help.