Off to Work

Ella is our resident actor and director extraordinaire whose play 'JOY', has achieved international success. We caught up with Ella, who joined our front of house team in 2013 after graduating from drama school. We spoke to Ella about her eclectic career in theatre, her artistic pursuits and the success of her play 'JOY', as well as her favourite memories with Off to Work. You've been with us for a while! Do you have any stand-out shifts or moments whilst working with Off to Work? Yes, Off to Work has provided me with endless memorable experiences! I'm a keen horse rider and have grown up with horses, so every year I work the Kensington Olympia Horse Show. For 5 days before Christmas you'll find me in a private box, giving my all to our guests and in return immersing myself in a sport I'm passionate about. Watching John Whitaker, an iconic show jumper for whom I have great respect, from one of the best positions in the stadium was amazing. I then I realised that it was his family and coworkers I was looking after for the evening and he joined us for the latter half of the show! Being able to him pour a glass of bubbles and pass on my congratulations was a real highlight. How has it been to balance your working life with your artistic pursuits? I've found working on a flexible agreement has been instrumental in my development. As every freelancer knows, you need to take things week by week - you have to be open to quick changes and new directions. Freelancing is stressful, unpredictable, and economically unreliable but at the same time you need to be open to whatever it throws your way. I do believe you get what you put in and I have always worked hard for any shift I do with OTW. In return I have been able to rely on them to find me work, relieving financial stress, and have been flexible enough to help keep myself on track and moving forward in my career. It's liberating to know you can say yes to any meeting, audition, tour or opportunity without the stress of being fixed into a rota or having to leave a job. Ella version 3.png