Mirain is a freelance theatre producer having graduated from the University of Exeter in 2011. She began producing through working with various award winning companies including Look Left Look Right and DryWrite. Predominately focusing on new writing, she has produced work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Southwark Playhouse, Latitude Festival and Oxford Playhouse amongst others. Most recently, Mirain spent 10 months interning with the talent, community and education department of The Old Vic; Old Vic New Voices. Currently Mirain is participating in the Stage One London Commercial Producing Placement with Playful Productions.

At the moment you are…
Production Assistant at Playful Productions supported by the Stage One Producing Placement. We’ve had a very busy few months in the office as both American Buffalo and The Audience opened within a week of each other! Currently, I’m helping to gear up for the forthcoming UK and Ireland Tour of Mack and Mabel starring Michael Ball.

What does Stage One mean to you?
Stage One is an incredible charity that’s supported my development every step of the way. I think one of the things I struggled most with when working on the fringe is that most of the time, I didn’t know what process to follow to make a production happen – I wasn’t able to break it down, there wasn’t a previous example, I had to just get on with making it happen! Although there are huge benefits from doing this and I don’t regret it for a second, there are also pitfalls. My placement at Playful has advanced my knowledge of producing (and general management) in so many ways it would be difficult to count. Mainly though I’m constantly aware that I’m supported by wonderful colleagues who are happy to demystify the process by answering any questions I have. Additionally, having recently done the Stage One New Producer’s workshop I now feel I have a solid overview of all those elements I was unsure of when I started to produce on my own – I’d thoroughly recommend it as a starting point to see if producing really is the path for you.

Last show you saw and loved?
I would say American Buffalo at Wyndham’s but I think that’s a bit biased! Although the opportunity to see three outstanding actors (Damian Lewis, John Goodman and Tom Sturridge) tackling Mamet’s raw and powerful text with humour and humility is something I definitely wouldn’t want to forget.  I also saw Ages, The Old Vic Community Company’s production at The Old Vic Workrooms in Bermondsey and thought it was absolutely fantastic. It set the bar of what community productions can achieve and the cast were clearly having so much fun!

What are you looking forward to in 2015?
I’m looking forward to continuing this journey and what that holds for my future. I’m also looking forward to all the shows I’ve booked to see and those I’ll see that I don’t even know about yet!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Two pieces of advice that have resonated the most with me are firstly, doing small tasks well will eventually mean that people will trust you with bigger and more exciting things – don’t think that the tedious but important task you did has passed by unnoticed. Secondly, that taste is ultimately what it all boils down to – if you really hated a show don’t be afraid to say so but be prepared to say why.