Since graduating only last year BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production alumni 23 year old Hannah Trafford has gone from strength to strength working on a wide range of projects since graduating; from the circus to children’s theatre! After recently finishing her role as Company Manager for the West End Irish dance production of Eireann by a Taste of Ireland she is preparing to head overseas with the production next year.

Speaking of her first steps into the industry she said “since graduating I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, including circus, children’s theatre, pantomime and Irish dancing shows.  Other projects include ‘Rupture’ with North East theatre company, Open Clasp, ‘ADHD Unmasked’ with Maple Tree Entertainment.”

Her opportunity to be a company manager for big West End performance came in August 2025, “I had my West End debut with ‘Eireann’, as Company Manager, a new Irish dancing show with Pace Live. Next year, I will be heading overseas to continue my work with them. The opportunity came up in a Facebook group, so I thought I’d apply for it – because what was the harm? I had an online interview and then was offered the job a week later.”

What does a Company Manager for a West End performance do? Hannah explains “during rehearsals, I co-ordinated arrival time, worked with the venue, took all notes and videos required throughout the days and started collating all audio files for the show to be built. Once into the shows, I assisted with the loads ins and outs, but my primary role was calling all lighting and fly cues, as well as operating all audio and visual cues.”

Reflecting on her working experience she said, “all of these projects have taken me to incredible places and allowed me to meet amazing people” Currently Hannah is working locally with Blue Genie Entertainment “for the second year as Deputy Stage Manager for Whitley Bay Playhouse pantomime.”

When asked about how she thought her degree prepared her for her career she said “Really well. The course gave me a broad understanding of different mediums and helped me figure out that production and stage management were where I fit. The hands-on experience and variety in the course definitely built my confidence. I had a great experience. The tutors were supportive, and there were plenty of opportunities to try new things. It was a very collaborative environment, which helped a lot.”