My name is Angel Addo, I am a singer-songwriter and arts administrator from Hackney in east London. In August 2023, I began a year-long STEP placement based at Sadler’s Wells Theatre as their Learning and Engagement Trainee. The STEP programme was my earliest entryway to working in the creative sector, and forms a pivotal cornerstone of my non-conventional route into the arts.
I was lucky enough to have pursued a multitude of interests throughout my school years, which includes passions for visual arts, music, theatre, and alongside this, a paralleled interest in research and life sciences. From 2019-2022, I worked towards a degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Warwick. During my time there, I searched for ways to marry my love for the arts with my course content, such as by studying modules like The Science of Music. As my graduation date grew nearer, I faced the all encompassing realisation that it was more important for me to go after a career I felt more passionately towards, as opposed to work that fit my then unforgiving ideals of success. For me, the former takes shape as work which champions social inclusion and fosters opportunities for young people and communities to enjoy the full range of benefits the arts can offer.
So began the search for an entry point into the fortress I knew to be the creative sector. It felt like a difficult venture, as many of the advertised job roles I came across on my hunt either required a certain number of years of experience, a degree qualification within an arts-related subject, or paid below a liveable salary. Above all else, I also knew I wanted a work environment that would be welcoming of my creative pursuits outside of work.
On my search, I stumbled across an advertisement for a role on the STEP programme via the job seeking platform Run The Check. I remember being blown away by the unique level of tailored support offered and the promise of a salary that meets at least London Living Wage. From this point onwards, I began working on my application and set my sights on securing a spot on the programme.
One of the main highlights of my placement at Sadler’s Wells was getting to see first-hand the impact of our work. Over my time in the Learning and Engagement department, I worked to coordinate over 70 free contemporary dance workshops for young people, with a focus on reaching those in areas of low social mobility that would otherwise have little access to dance. During the summer of 2024, I also had the opportunity to join the National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) as they toured England and captivated audiences in performance venues and festivals nationwide.
A further highlight of the programme for me was attending monthly professional development workshops at the Good Growth Hub, where we would hear from different facilitators on topics ranging from project management to tackling imposter syndrome. Alongside being informative, this was a great chance to touch base with fellow STEP trainees. As part of the programme, you are also paired with an industry mentor who can provide tailored support in line with your goals and career aspirations. I was paired with a Music and Cultural Programming Consultant at WME, who was able to provide guidance on my journey as a music artist.
Above all, my placement taught me that a world-class performance venue as renowned as Sadler’s Wells Theatre can only be as great as the people inside who make it as such. It felt inspiring to come to work every day and be surrounded by people who love what they do, and to have cultivated connections that have only continue to make my life more colourful to this day.
The programme structure of STEP also enabled me to nurture my creative projects outside of work. As my role spanned four days a week, I was able to spend this extra day of the work week in the studio, writing and recording songs for my debut EP, ‘The Edge Of Okay’. What’s more, as a participant on the STEP programme, you are exposed to an in-built community of peer creatives who will support you throughout the duration of your placement and beyond. In the creation of this EP, I collaborated with Edward Sogunro, multi-disciplinary creative and friend from the programme, who helped me bring the cover art to life.
My advice to anyone thinking about applying for a place on the STEP programme would be just to go for any role that you feel a pull towards, even if you are unsure of if you have the right creative background for it. Before applying for my role at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, I was worried that my lack of a background in contemporary dance would hinder my chances of being selected. As it turns out, a passion for your sector, open-mindedness, and a strong willingness to learn can be just as sufficient.
Moreover, I would advise anyone not to be discouraged if the selection process doesn’t go your way the first time around – I gained a place on the STEP programme on my second try after facing rejection at the group interview stage for a similar role at a different organisation. Rejection can be confusing in the moment, but now I realise it lead me exactly to where I was supposed to be.
My STEP placement provided a springboard for me to begin to build a sustainable and meaningful career in the arts. Following the end of my STEP contract, I have since taken up a new role within the National Theatre Learning team as the Schools Engagement Assistant, where I have been based for the last 10 months. Since starting, I have worked on a national schools touring production, supported several free and low cost schools-only performances on the South Bank, and even come full circle by hosting a CPD training session for teachers as part of A New Direction’s Primary Arts Cultural Leadership Education Programme.
The STEP programme has definitely broadened my horizons culturally, professionally and personally. Thanks to STEP, I have a richer understanding of the restorative power that comes with belonging to a community, and the meaning that comes with being a part of something bigger than yourself.