From acting at school, to writing and directing at university, Rachel Coussins (former Harrodian student) has always found inspiration in theatre. She is now working as Theatre Administrator at OSO Arts Centre between finishing her degree (English Literature at Nottingham University) and applying for a Masters.

For Rachel “it’s a very enriching thing to be able to bring art to people, especially in a local community sense,” which is what she is doing in her role helping to promote the theatre’s new Young People Membership, aimed at providing 16-26 year olds with discounted tickets. On top of access to the seasonal member’s newsletter and free events, this membership is free to sign up for and offers 10% off standard ticket prices. OSO also offer ten ‘rush tickets’ for each performance, priced at £7 for young people.

Considering the price of West End show tickets, it’s important for smaller local theatres to remain accessible to young people and to provide them with something different from their standard nights out. “When I was younger, or even now, the last thing I would have thought to do on a night out would be to go and see a theatre show, but it’s nicer than just going to Wetherspoons and getting drunk. You come out feeling a little bit more enriched,” Rachel says.

Money that would be spent on drinking at the pub could instead go toward a night at OSO, who work hard to create art that’s innovative and exciting for younger audiences. They’re even working on introducing technology into performances and catering future work towards specific theatre practitioners such as Brecht, which Rachel explains is particularly useful for drama students studying his work that might not be able to see this elsewhere.

The ever-changing nature of the theatre industry is what appeals to Rachel— no day at OSO is ever the same— and its ability to inspire conversation among its audience about wider social and political issues. Going forward, she’s looking to give back to the community and delve further into these social issues, deciding between a Masters in journalism or applied theatre (where she’s interested in using theatre as rehabilitation in prison reform).

Congratulations on your role, Rachel, and best of luck in whatever you decide to do next!

Find out more about OSO and apply for the Young Person’s Membership here.