How Derby left a lasting impression on Ananya

A popular member of staff at Derby Theatre has paid tribute to Derby and its people after bidding a fond farewell to the city.

For the past two years, Ananya Venkatesa has been on a graduate placement at the University of Derby run theatre, working as its development officer.

It saw her move from Glasgow to Derby – a city she had never been to before and where she knew no-one.

Her placement has now come to an end. But during that time, Ananya made a big impression on the Derby community – and here, in her own words, she explains how Derby made a big impression on her:

“It was after a particularly long library session that I came across the advert for Derby Theatre’s development officer.

I did not know where Derby was at all – all I knew was that it was very cold, I was very tired, and I would be lucky to get a job in the industry I loved and had always wanted to be a part of.

I was so excited that I had gotten an interview and even more so that I had gotten the job – an utter surprise to me after modern technology derailed the interview and we had to go old school with a telephone call.

It was a difficult decision to say ‘yes’ – I had never been to Derby before, knew nobody there, and had only lived in big cities.

My friends said it would be a massive change and that I would find it hard to adjust.

Yet, the privilege of getting the job had me packing and moving from Glasgow to Derby.

My first impression? My friends were right; I am going to be terribly lonely and bored in Derby. But boy, was I wrong!

The community and support I found at Derby Theatre was incredible. The people are so lovely and caring, and I have made lifelong friends here.

Not just that, the leadership team really cared about my learning and development, giving me opportunities to work in other departments and training in areas out with my role.

As I delved into the world of development and Derby Theatre, I learned more about the city and the profound role that the theatre plays in it.

From writing bids and award applications for brilliant projects like Plus One and the Sanctuary Seekers’ Cafe to being involved with events like Derby Dishes and the Ladies Night at the Indian Community Centre – I have built a connection with this city and its communities that will last forever.

The very friends who were hesitant about Derby, have since changed their minds.

I’ve taken them on the Sorry, I Disappeared audio play that Derby Theatre commissioned a few years ago, and to shows like Brassed Off and A Christmas Carol.

We’ve learned about the history of the city at Derby’s museums and gorged ourselves on the truly unmatched food scene in the city.

And to be completely honest, Marketing Derby events, apart from being a place where I met wonderful people in the Derby business community, have been a little bit of a reconnaissance trip for me to scope out all the up-and-coming places to visit with my friends!

One of them even said: “When you come to visit me in the UK, we’ll have to go to Derby!”.

It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye to this city and to Derby Theatre.

Thank you for an unforgettable two years!”