Q&A: Michael Deacon, Deputy Producer

This week it’s the turn of Michael Deacon, Deputy Producer at Creation, who fitted us in amidst a busy time for him putting the finishing touches to our summer show Much Ado About Nothing

How long have you been working at Creation? What was the first show, workshop or project that you worked on?

Working with Creation has been a lovely thread throughout my working life and I have come and gone over the last 4 years as an intern and freelancer. Now I get to call working for Creation my real-life full-time job! 

It all started in 2019 when I joined as a Production Intern on The Tempest at Osney Mead before beginning University. It was one of the most exciting productions I’ve ever been involved with, it was a huge operation, and a very very fun show. After 2 years, I returned for a placement towards the end of my degree as a drama workshop and production assistant, contributing to projects such as a digital theatre version of Christmas Carol and an in-person production,  Pinocchio. This placement was a strategic endeavour as I was really interested in the work Creation were making and also I knew I wanted to come back and base myself in Oxfordshire once I finished my degree, I tried to secure a placement hoping that maybe long-term it might lead to the odd bit of freelance work when I came back from uni, I didn’t imagine it would lead to where I am now, so I feel very very lucky to be part of the Creation team. I also worked as a freelance education facilitator for Creation on and off, around my studies, which I love doing and still do as part of my role now where I can. 

After graduating from university, I started my full-time job as Deputy Producer in September 2022, the role I have bee n in for nearly 10 months now.  As a producer, my first project was the Exeter Digital Project, a virtual game created for Exeter University. Another early project was the rehearsed reading of Animal Magnetism at St Hugh’s College. My first major show then came in the winter with last Christmas’ production of The Tale of the Beauty and the Tail of the Beast.

What does your job involve? 

In my role, I have a diverse range of responsibilities that extend beyond traditional producing. As Deputy Producer, I collaborate with Helen & Charlie, to deliver on the overall nature of our projects, including coordination with the creative teams. Helen, our Chief Executive, makes the major producing decisions, and I support her by completing designated tasks to make those decisions a reality.  Much of my work as a Producer occurs prior to rehearsals, focusing on assembling the creative team and ensuring all necessary people, places and things are lined up! 

Additionally, I play a hands-on role on the ground, in Oxford. This often involves serving as the Front of House Manager, taking care of our audiences during performances. I also assist with locating and transporting resources owned by Creation, and providing practical support in various production areas as required either in the rehearsal room or performance venue. I am often on the move and the first pair of hands on whichever site we’re working at! I also help support the Education team where I can as a facilitator, and over the last 3 terms have worked as a Saturday Drama Club and Half-Term Workshop Leader. 

What makes you great at it? 

I have a willingness to adapt and contribute wherever needed for the company to thrive and projects to run smoothly. I enjoy the variety of tasks that come my way, from collecting Railway Signal Levers from a Signal Box in St Albans, to working with academics and local organisations to facilitate exciting restoration theatre projects. Although I can sometimes find it difficult to see the tangible product of my own work within a production, I feel great pride when a show goes up and I know I’ve been a part of that process. I’m also finding my role to be an amazing learning experience. Having been involved with Creation on and off for a significant period, I understand its essence and goals. However, as a relative newcomer, I think I can also bring a fresh perspective that allows me to approach things with an insightful and adaptive outlook. 

What are your Oxford highlights that locals and visitors shouldn’t miss?

Apart from going off to study in London and Plymouth, I’ve mostly lived in Oxfordshire, and home has always been here. I have many many lovely memories of Oxford from a young age. 

In terms of places to visit in Oxford, I have a real soft-spot for Oxford Castle & Prison, which I have performed at several times. The courtyard at the Castle is a great spot to sit and have a sandwich when you’re in the city. Also city highlights have to include Moo-Moo’s Milkshake Bar in the Covered Market, I have frequented that particular establishment many times over the years. 

Of course working for Creation full time over the past year, has meant more of my time spent in the city and some new spots that i’ve discovered. The gardens at St Hugh’s College are a particularly lovely place i’m looking forward to going back to and of course the amazing South Oxford Adventure Playground. I’m going to be there a LOT this summer, and I can’t think of a better place I’d like to be working in the sun! 

What’s your favourite classic book or play?

Although it is currently Summer and I should probably  be thinking of something appropriate for this season , my favourite classic book has to be A Christmas Carol . It’s just a truly fantastic story. The language is so beautifully descriptive, and iconic!  My favourite classic play has to be something by Henrik Ibsen, his plays are shocking and dramatic – in the very best sense of those words. If I had to choose one Ibsen play to pick as a favourite, I would choose Hedda Gabler. I do love a good Shakespeare play and favourites change from time to time, I particularly like King Lear at the moment. 

See Michael’s hard work come to fruition and book tickets for Much Ado About Nothing this summer in Oxford and with our co-producing partners OVO in St Albans.