Staff Profile – Therese O’Hanlon, IT Systems Analyst

How long have you worked for Young Centre and tell us a little bit about what you do.

I moved over from Ireland in January 2011 and got the position as an IT System Analyst in the Young Centre in March of that year so I’ve been working here over a year and a half now.

I work as part of a small IT team, supporting the IT networks/systems for the Young Centre and Soulpepper. My role varies from day to day, involving everything from troubleshooting computer issues to customizing system applications.

What has your job consisted of lately?

Over the past number of months I’ve been busy setting up new and upgraded computers for all staff. In addition I’ve been involved in other project implementations such as the phone system upgrade & network hardware advancements.

During the recent Global Cabaret I provided some of the on-call IT support over the course of the weekend. It was a great opportunity to see the behind the scenes work that goes into creating a successful festival. I was also fortunate enough to be able to catch some of the shows – Jackie & Kim Richardson, Patricia O’Callaghan’s Heart of the Song and Bohemians in Brooklyn.

What kinds of shows/productions/events have you been involved in outside of work?

While in Ireland I was involved with a range of organizations – the Áras Chrónáin, Club na Múinteoirí & Conradh na Gaeilge which all promote Irish music, language and culture. I also supported the independent & local music scene in Dublin, attending gigs/festivals and photographing/laying-out a non-profit music magazine.

Since being in Toronto I’ve continued to support similar communities by attending local events in Dovercourt House, Tranzac and attending gigs of various bands that pass through the city.

When you’re not at work, what are you doing?

When I’m not at gigs or working, I’m in the apartment attempting to learn classical guitar and tenor banjo or I’m reading a book that I’ve ordered from Toronto’s amazing public library. In the past I’ve also studied film and art so I like to catch documentaries at Bloor cinema and check out random art exhibitions and craft fairs. Toronto has such a vibrant arts community that there is always something new to discover… someday I might even get to venture further than my Annex neighborhood!

What do you love about being a part of the staff at Soulpepper/Young Centre?

I love having the opportunity to work in a theatre where you get exposure to all aspects of the art form, from getting director’s insights at “meet and greets” to seeing the final production on stage and attending talk back interviews by the actors. The passion that staff, actors and directors have for the arts continuously reminds me of the positive contribution the organization makes to the local community and the wider Canadian Arts.