Spotlight on Frank Penter

This week the spotlight is on Frank Penter, Theatre Coordinator,

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What is your role and what does it involve?

I spend a lot of my time meeting with student producers and academic staff who are putting on events in the theatre, helping them to plan their time, estimate costs and use the space to its best potential.

In conjunction with colleagues, I look after a section of the theatre's administration, covering licensing, safety, building matters, fundraising, some marketing, some aspects of the theatre bars and ushers, as well as the UCL-produced events that are put on in the theatre.

As Warden of five UCL student residences, I look after the pastoral care, welfare, discipline and social recreation of more than 1,000 UCL students living in halls. I'm on call regularly, which means that any resident can ring me with problems during the night or over the weekend when the hall offices are shut. At other times, I often meet with students to discuss areas of concern in the hall or more widely at UCL.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I studied at UCL (History at SSEES) before working for the university: originally in the students' union (I was a sabbatical officer as well) and then I started in the theatre in 2006. I became a warden in 2007.

My previous work has mainly been around events management, particularly the safety aspects of managing large events in old or unusual buildings.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

Since I started at the theatre, I've completely restructured the system of usage by UCLU societies and UCL departments. My intention has been to make it easier to do, without taking away the challenges that develop skills.

Over the years that I have been involved with student shows, I've been proud to see some excellent shows that I know wouldn't have been possible without the current system of support and guidance that is provided.

What is your life like outside UCL?

Outside of the theatre I spend a lot of my spare time helping students living in the halls of residence. I used to play the Tuba to a pretty high standard and I enjoy playing in the odd concert or event.