Why did you join the Red Ladder board? I was involved with Red Ladder back in the 1980s when I trained and worked with the company (I was a youth worker at that time). This was the start of my career as a community theatre practitioner. I went on to study with the founder members of Red Ladder in the 90s. I have followed the company ever since so when the opportunity came up to join the board I jumped at the chance.

What is most rewarding about being a Red Ladder board member? Being part of a brilliant team of board members and staff who continuously strive for excellence. To have gained an insight and understanding into the running of the company and to be part of that dialogue. Also, the multitude of training opportunities, the high level of support and the commitment to accessibility (I am Deaf and require a BSL interpreter for meetings). Plus, you get to see Red Ladder’s awe-inspiring work into the bargain.

Why is it important that people get involved with local arts organisations? I feel it’s so important that arts organisations represent both the local as well as wider communities they serve. From grass roots up to senior management levels, it’s good practice to have representation that reflects the diversity and needs of local communities, giving voice in decision making and planning and to feel a sense of ownership and inclusion.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining a board? It takes time to get to know everyone and to get up to speed, so pace yourself, it really is worth the effort and so rewarding!

If you were describing Red Ladder to a friend, what would you say? Red Ladder is brilliant. The company has never failed to deliver truly engaging, inspirational and high-quality work that is educational and thought provoking, exploring issues and opening discussion around topics that can be difficult to address.

Which emoji would you use for Red Ladder, and why? 

This hands up emoji means people are celebrating or are excited, joyful or proud about something.

It also symbolises Deaf applause… I’m a deafie and absolutely applaud Red Ladder’s excellence, I want to express my excitement, pride, joy in the company!

If Red Ladder were a biscuit or chocolate bar, which would it be and why? It would be a delicious and nutritious organic home-made flapjack dipped in dark chocolate (vegan). An original and secret recipe that only the initiated (board members) know.

Go on, last one like this, if Red Ladder were a song, which would it be and why? We Are the Champions by Queen, Because Red Ladder champion causes and tell stories that many other more mainstream theatre companies tend to shy away from.

What’s the best, or most memorable, stage production you have seen, and what made it so special? This is a difficult one as there are quite a few. The first Red Ladder show I saw back in the 80s was memorable as I took my youth group to see it, the play was called Winners and followed the story of four young girls and their journey from leaving school. My group of teenage girls totally engaged and the impact it had on them was profound leading to much discussion and follow up work around the issues it raised. This experience kick started my career as I saw that theatre could literally change people’s lives. Apart from Red Ladder was Plague of Innocence about HIV. It totally blew me away, the style of writing and performance, very fast paced and minimalistic, had me on the edge of my seat throughout.

What’s your favourite theatre/venue and why? Red Ladder has always had a commitment to taking theatre to where their target audiences are, from the early days of street theatre and workers canteens to more recent Red Ladder Local venues. The Albion Electric Warehouse is my favourite because those productions have been so immersive that as an audience member, you truly feel part of the action.

Aliens land. Where’s the first place you would recommend they visited in Leeds and why? Probably the Leeds Playhouse as there’s so much going on, it’s a real hub and hive of activities. You can catch a show in one of the three spaces and the programming has something for everyone’s taste.

I can’t live without… Creativity and the arts are the things that I’d really struggle to live without. But let’s not forget cats…cats are important too.

Anything else you want to say? If you are seriously thinking of joining the Red Ladder Board and feel you can contribute and make a difference, then go for it. It’s a fabulous, friendly, supportive, forward-thinking and truly talented team which is so rewarding to be a part of.

If you think you would like to join Janet on our board, or you know someone who does, then please take a look at our Board Recruitment Pack. There are plain text and audio versions already available in the folder but if you require a different version to meet specific access needs or you have further questions, just give us a shout!