We hear from 21-year-old Charlotte Underhill on how her career has grown from a casual position at Ticketmaster NZ to fixed term contracts with Silo Theatre, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and now the Auckland Arts Festival (AAF). As ticketing assistant she's an ‘unofficial promoter’ working on ticketing sales, comp tickets and the first point of contact with box office staff across venues and ticketing agents.

In this 'Who Got That Job' series profiling creative sector appointments, Charlotte shares her experience as a contractor and advice for others interested in a similar creative career.

“Get out there and get some experience and contacts. Taking one shift a week as an usher, working in the bar or even as a ticket seller in the box office puts you in the action.”

Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland.

Tells us a bit about your background and career

I started out as a ticket seller with Ticketmaster NZ three years ago in a causal position. I decided to pursue my options that working as a box office supervisor had taught me. Since then I have taken fixed term contracts from Silo Theatre, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and now the Auckland Arts Festival, as well as working in between with Ticketmaster, in assistant ticketing roles. 

What’s a highlight of your resume/portfolio?

My time with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, I had the opportunity to learn to use the system Tessitura, which will open many doors for me overseas. I also enjoyed working with their marketing team, who are a dedicated group. Having one concert each week to prepare for meant the team would spend each week focused on the Thursday ahead of them, every week was a new challenge for the next concert. 

Tell us about your new role

As Ticketing Assistant I’m the other half of the ticketing team for the festival. Karen Cartwright (Ticketing Manager) and I manage the ticket sales reports, comp tickets and during the festival we act as the primary contact for all box office staff across our venues and ticketing agents. 

Tell us about the Auckland Arts Festival - mission and vision

As our Artistic Director Carla van Zon tells us; “The Festival is a catalyst that creates opportunities for artists to communicate with audiences and audiences to respond to artists’ work”. We want to bring internationally acclaimed acts to our audiences, but also give local artists the chance to be a part of the festival, and reach out to audiences in Auckland and beyond. 

Why did you want this role? What was a perfect fit? 

I have worked as a ticket seller/supervisor with Ticketmaster for two Arts Festivals now, and knew I had the knowledge to help the festival be successful in this role. This festival brings unique international acts here, and I wanted to be a part of giving Auckland these new experiences. 

What did you need to adapt or learn?

I have had to learn how to see and work events from this side. I am representing the festivals interests and the shows themselves, acting unofficially as a promoter. While my relationships with Ticketmaster staff are a huge help, I need to remain in my role as a member of the Arts Festival. 

What combination of people, partners and resources do you work with?

I work most closely with my Manager, and our client and ticketing managers from Ticketmaster, Auckland Live, Auckland Theatre Company and Q Theatre. Ticketing are the first point of contact at the AAF for these people, and we work together using our various ticketing systems in order to process ticket requests and holds for all venues. 

What’s your short and long-term goals?

My short term goal is to make sure our box office ticketing staff are prepared for the festival, my long term goal is to gain experience in on the ground event management and my role within the festival to use in my career going forward. 

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a similar creative career or pathway?

Get out there and get some experience and contacts. Taking one shift a week as an usher, working in the bar or even as a ticket seller in the box office puts you in the action. If you are studying keep at it, qualifications are always worth it. 

What's your number one business tip for surviving and thriving in the creative industries?

Decide if you truly are passionate about your role/roles. Sadly, the arts is not always a stable or lucrative industry, so passion for your work is a must. People who succeed or consider themselves successful in this industry love what they do, and care about the arts. 

What are the challenges and opportunities in your sector? 

Challenges we face tend to be limited work within the year. Freelance contractors like me need to look hard in order to be working all year round. That can put strain on finances, and also have you jumping from place to place. This is definitely a challenge, but I tend to find a change of pace and content exciting, as you can work for a variety of shows in the space of a year. 

What’s your big idea for 2017?

I want to see what Auckland’s arts community has to offer to me, if there is a company or show that I can work on that offers something new to experience then I am there. I want to expand not only my resume, but my personal experiences as well. 

What are you most looking forward to at Auckland Arts festival 2017?

I’m looking forward to La Soiree!  I’ve become a fan of cabaret/circus style shows over the past few years, in part because of similar acts that Auckland Arts Festival has brought over in the past few years. I’ve seen and loved a few of La Soiree’s artists, such as Meow Meow, Frisky and Miss Behave, so as somebody who has seen these performers live before I know I’m going to really enjoy this show. 

• Auckland Arts Festival is on 08 - 26 March 2017

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