IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Katie Vine
A year after taking on the role of managing director at Manchester-based production and event management specialists Engine No . 4 , Katie Vine reflects on her career path so far and outlines her vision for the company , which was founded by Jon Drape in 2019
W
hat was the first major live event that you attended and did it have a lasting impact ?
I remember going to the theatre to see pantomime with my grandparents each Christmas at the Churchill in Bromley but I think it was going to my first grown up play with my grandmother in the West End ( Agatha Christie , A Murder is Announced ) that was my first ‘ light bulb ’ memory . I am not sure I remember much about the production apart from the overwhelming feeling of wanting to go through the door marked ‘ stage door ’ and see behind the curtain . After that I would try and stay in the auditorium after shows to watch what happened post show – all the people you never see , working their magic . I knew that I wanted to be part of that .
What led to your first role in theatre ? I was a drama teacher in Kirby , Liverpool , and young enough to join the Youth Theatre at the Liverpool Playhouse . I stage managed several youth theatre shows at the Liverpool Playhouse and got the chance to crew on one of the professional shows . So , each night after teaching I would rush to the theatre and work backstage . I decided that this was where my passion lay so I gave up teaching and was lucky enough to land an ASM job with an Equity card – in the days when theatre was a closed shop . I halved my pay , doubled my hours and it felt like I had won the lottery .
“ MY ABIDING MEMORIES COULD FILL A BOOK .”
You worked on Manchester International Festival for many years , what are your abiding memories of that time ? I started at MIF in 2007 as a freelancer and joined full time in 2010 . I left at the end of 2019 after 12 years and seven festivals . My abiding memories could fill a book – it was extraordinary being involved , particularly in the early days , in the most brilliant and bonkers projects I have ever worked on and with such an eclectic , talented , inspirational and wonderful team . The opportunity to create world class events with international artists in Manchester and then take them around the world . My outstanding memory would be sitting in a rehearsal room in New York ’ s lower east side with Philip Glass and listening as he created the show in front of us .
During your career who has been most influential and / or supportive ? Many people have inspired me and so many have supported me . I am lucky enough to call many of those who have inspired and supported me friends - if I could be half as brilliant a producer as Christine Gettins and have half the energy , positive outlook and problem solving skills as technical director Jack Thompson I would be thrilled . Everyone who I have worked and continue to work with has inspired me and helped me grow - I don ’ t think you ever stop learning or being amazed at people ’ s ingenuity , resilience and humour .
What made you want to join Engine No . 4 ? The opportunity came along at the perfect time . I was ready for a new challenge and
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