Erica started working at the College in 2008 in the marketing department and later became an hourly-paid lecturer in Media Production and Music Tech, moving to become a full-time lecturer in Performing Arts and eventually Group Head of School for Performing Arts and Music. She has special memories of every show she has directed, and the return of theatre after Covid.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
I initially started in Marketing because I needed a job, as the one I was working at the time was going to come to an end with the centralisation of the organisation. I offered to cover on Media Production because I had a skillset that was needed at the time, and I’d acted with them in some student films.
I started working at West Suffolk College in March 2008 in the Marketing department as a Website Coordinator. Through a series of chance events, I then became an hourly-paid lecturer in Media Production, and then Music Tech. When the Conservatoire EAST brand was established, I became a full-time lecturer in Performing Arts. I am now Group Head of School for Performing Arts and Music. Over my time here, I have directed shows, written shows and had numerous students go on to do amazing things. I am so proud of the quality of performances that Conservatoire EAST is known for. There isn’t anything like this anywhere, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
ALL of the shows I’ve directed, particularly those I’ve written. I have written two pantomimes – Mild Peril in Pantoland and Return to Pantoland – as well as two full-scale murder mystery plays. One of which, Reality Cheque, was based on And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. This was particularly memorable, as it was set in the round, which meant you saw a different show depending on where you sat. Coming back after Covid was a great feeling, and we were one of the first places in the whole country to put on a piece of outdoor theatre with Emma in Ickworth Park. Despite the weather, people were loving getting back out to see live entertainment, and nothing was going to stop them!
Are there any family members who have connections to EEG?
My mum used to work on the School Links programme. Though she worked for County Upper, she used to bring 14–16-year-old students to do construction and engineering.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
I’ve always been very proud to be a part of this department. Conservatoire EAST is by far the best performing arts offer out there! There’s no-where else like it.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Haha! If in doubt, look at the Character Strengths. They make sense.
