Tom Rogers - Creative Digital Producer, Birmingham Royal Ballet

My career as a soloist dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) for 18 years saw me perform all manner of roles with the company. Alongside my performances, I would often participate and help co-ordinate BRB's outreach and education work. Working with young people and watching them grow was always hugely rewarding. As a naturally inquisitive individual, I have always sought to broaden my knowledge of the industry and have developed a fascination for the logistical challenges we face and how they can be overcome.

During my rehabilitation from a potentially career-threatening injury (from which I returned a stronger dancer, athlete and person) I indulged my passion for design and pursued a degree in design and innovation with the Open University. This educational journey allowed me to explore my inventive side and provided me with valuable insights into the world of design processes and creative problem-solving.

Towards the end of my dancing career, I began creating digital content for BRB, successfully producing a podcast series and digital films. This experience highlighted my ability to work effectively and communicate seamlessly while operating creatively outside the comfort of studio and stage settings.

At the dawn of the Covid19 pandemic, I was awarded a place on the highly coveted Clore Leadership program. This program not only enhanced my leadership skills but also led me to formulate and assume the role of Creative Digital Producer for BRB in June 2021. Over the last 2 years, our department has grown to an industry-leading team who work across all departments of BRB producing and delivering the organisation's digital content.