Freelance production manager Heather Doole has won the inaugural award for backstage journalism, named in honour of former UK Theatre president Ken Bennett-Hunter. The Award is a partnership between UK Theatre, the Society of London Theatre, The Stage, the Association of British Theatre Technicians, Stage Management Association and Skillscene.
Doole, who has worked on shows at the Gate Theatre, Hampstead Theatre and Trafalgar Studios in the past year, will receive £2,000 in financial support as well as mentoring from journalists and backstage practitioners.
The judges picked Doole from a strong field of applicants, after being impressed by the strength of her technical writing. As part of the AK Bennett-Hunter Award for Backstage Journalism, her work will be published in the Backstage section of The Stage.
Doole has also worked as operations manager at the Actors Centre and general manager for magician double act Morgan and West.
“I’m thrilled to have the chance to enthuse more people about the wonder of backstage journalism,” she said.
Heather Doole. Photo: Alex Brenner
Date Published: 01 February 2018
