Women Behind and Beyond the Spotlight
Women have long been a driving force in the creative industries, working in every capacity from technical production to performance and the preservation of our cultural heritage.
In this feature, we speak with alumni who have built successful careers both centre stage and behind the scenes. They give us an inside look at the reality of their work, the dedication it requires, and the unique paths they have taken since leaving School.
Clare Donegan (née Fenn-Villar) BEM
Ryetonian (1991) Military Artist
Anything is achievable if you’re prepared to work hard! I was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Art in 2023 - the first female military artist ever to be formally recognised.
Having left Rye in 1991, I studied General Illustration at Falmouth College of Arts. I discovered my niche in 2002 with a commission to produce a Roll of Honour depicting soldiers' names and Battle honours in hand-written calligraphy. This was a huge challenge as I’d never done anything like this before. However, I didn’t immediately start my career as a full-time artist until 2014, when I was offered voluntary redundancy from my work as a Public Protection Officer. This gave me the ideal opportunity to pursue my dream.
The challenges I faced were enormous. Not only did I have to break through a very male dominated military-art barrier, but I had to achieve this with no marketing budget. LinkedIn has been an incredibly powerful tool and by thinking outside the box I’ve managed to get press releases, newspaper and TV interviews and editorials. Discovering a niche-market is all well and good, but it has taken serious hard work, pure determination, drive and passion to make my business successful.
Today, I am a Multi-Award winning, internationally recognised military artist; creating bespoke Rolls of Honour for Armed Forces worldwide. My work has been presented to members of the Royal family, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and hangs in Regimental Headquarters, Museums and Palaces around the world.
Commissioned by Headmistress Alison Jones for Rye St Antony in 2017, showing the school motto, greyhound as taken from the mosaic in Langley Lodge, first line of the school song and lilies.
Maggie Drayton (née Cooper)
Headingtonian (2000) Mezzo – Soprano
I had a loud and unusual singing voice as a young child, and when I watched my first opera at the age of nine, I knew this was the path I wanted to follow. I immersed myself in music and remain deeply grateful for the support and opportunities I received while at Headington.
Choosing to focus on performance rather than academic study, I accepted an unconditional place and scholarship at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where I studied for five years, gaining a BMus and MMus.
In the early years of my career, I performed across Europe in wonderful venues for a wide range of events. I stepped back from touring outside the UK when I had my two children.
The term “portfolio career” perfectly describes my work today. I perform in opera, concerts and events, while also teaching singing. I teach in schools three days a week and privately from home, which keeps my schedule flexible. I love teaching as much as performing, and the two complement each other.
I am passionate about introducing new audiences to opera. In 2017, my husband and I co-founded Carshalton Opera to produce professional opera with orchestra for our local community and make it accessible to all ages. I am also a trustee for Arts Network Sutton, supporting collaboration between local artists and engagement with the wider community.
My advice to anyone considering a career in the performing arts is to remember that performance is only the tip of the iceberg. It demands dedication and discipline to keep the voice in shape along with the ability to market and promote yourself and be resilient. I consider myself very lucky to work in this industry and pursue a career I am passionate about.
Anna McGill
Ryetonian (1992) Line Producer at the Natural History Unit, BBC Studios
Television has taken me to extraordinary places and challenged me in ways I could never have imagined when I left Rye. After a gap year travelling, I read English Language & Literature at Oxford. Since then, I have spent almost 30 years working across a wide range of programmes.
I began at ITN, co-ordinating live news—an excellent introduction to fast-paced television. I joined the BBC in 2001 and have worked on Horizon, CBBC’s Broom Cupboard, live broadcasts such as Springwatch and Alaska Live, and favourites like Antiques Roadshow. Recently, I worked on the ambitious series The Americas and am currently a Line Producer for the Natural History Unit on Green Planet II.
For The Americas (2020 - 2025) my team managed production remotely during lockdown, organising the first tranche of 180 shoots across fifteen countries. From tracking pumas in Chile to filming whales off the American coast, every shoot presented unique challenges. I navigated these through organisation, clear communication and the support of my professional network and partner. The series was nominated for two Emmys, reflecting the dedication and creativity of everyone involved.
Adapting to a changing market means delivering high-quality productions while embracing new formats and workflows. To create technically impressive and visually striking programmes we use innovative filming techniques, cutting-edge equipment and careful planning to bring the natural world to life.
Mentorship has been central to my journey. Miss Harris, my English teacher at Rye, supported me through my Oxbridge exams; throughout my career, mentors and colleagues inspired me. Production is a huge team effort, and I now strive to provide that same mentorship.
Television is a challenging industry, but endlessly varied. If you are considering a similar career, then my advice is to work hard, remain flexible, be a team player, and make time to enjoy it along the way!
Gabrielle Heffernan
Ryetonian (2002) Director of Creative Engagement at the National Football Museum
After studying Egyptology at Cambridge, I balanced a PhD with part-time work as a Youth Worker, shop and Archives Assistant! Although I felt I was lagging behind friends in ‘the City’, I was determined to find a career I was passionate about. In 2013 I secured curatorial training at the British Museum. While I began as a specialist curator, I soon realized my skillset and interests (not least my poor concentration span!) aligned with management. I’m now the Director of Creative Engagement at the National Football Museum, overseeing learning, community, and volunteering, as well as leading on EDI.
Museums exist to share stories and enhance wellbeing. They are values-led, attracting professionals who are deeply passionate about their work. It can be hard to separate personal from professional, and I’ve worked hard to keep that balance, but I’m lucky to be able to enact real change: from overseeing an exhibition on footballers of Black heritage and leading my museum to march at Pride, to managing youth-led climate projects. It’s incredibly satisfying work, but, because of this, can be equally frustrating and often feels like holding back an unstoppable tide.
Throughout my career, my network of peers and mentors have been invaluable. While museum staff are predominantly women, they are less visible in senior roles; I’m incredibly grateful for the women leaders who supported me. I now support CPD for others and serve as a trustee at the Oxford Story Museum!
Find your passion and follow it. I’ve taken risks, fixed-term contracts, and moved cities to develop my career. Think about what risks you're willing to take and seek out opportunities. Heritage is not always an easy field, and is increasingly under-resourced, but you’ll find a community who challenges you to strive for better, shares your values and supports you. There really is nothing like it.
Indi Brodley
Headingtonian (2013) Music Producer and Sound Engineer
Whilst studying at Headington I always had a very strong passion for music, the arts and media. When I left in 2013, I went on to study for a degree in Audio Production in Oxford. I have always loved having the best of both worlds working in theatre and studios, and since graduating in 2015, I have pursued roles in both. These include setting up my own studio in Oxfordshire, offering services in recording, mixing, and sound design; serving as Head of Sound at a regional theatre; and, following a move to London, working in West End theatres as a Senior Sound Technician at the National Theatre, Head of Sound at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and my current role as Sound No. 1 at the Young Vic Theatre.
Throughout my journey I have been faced with many challenges, which always present themselves as a learning experience. I would not be where I am today without some very important mentors and people of influence. I will always lean on these for advice or to talk through scenarios, and some people I started my career with over 12 years ago are still very much present in my life. It’s important to stay grounded and I still love doing smaller community shows with companies who I started my career with. Building relationships has always been an important factor in my career and often work comes from people that I know or from a recommendation.
Working in a creative industry, specifically as a sound engineer in theatre, comes with long hours, very hard work but a lot of fun! Each day I am still learning and always will be. It’s important to always think that. Challenge yourself and listen to your gut. Being scared often shows that you care but know your limits and reach out to the people in your life for advice.
Alice Herring
Ryetonian (2004) Film Textile Artist
I studied Art Foundation at Wimbledon, and Design for Stage at Royal Central. I began as a dresser at English National Opera before entering the film and TV industry as a Costumier: responsible for fittings, continuity and maintenance. I then moved into Costume Buying: treasure hunting for fabric, jewellery and haberdashery for the sewing workrooms.
Through buying, I discovered the buzz and creativity of Costume Breakdown, where fabric is dyed, printed, and distressed with special effects like mud, blood, and sweat.
I realised I lacked creative fulfillment and was burning out. I decided to change direction and re-train. I was able to persuade a contact in the Breakdown department to train me. I found lodgers, took a pay-cut and slowly re-built myself as a textile artist. It was daunting returning to trainee level, but I'm so glad I took the leap of faith and I love it to bits. I've worked on Pirates of the Caribbean, Cruella, Napoleon, House of the Dragon, Rings of Power, Aladdin, Maleficent and Mission Impossible.
While AI is a concern, audiences still appreciate the mark of the human hand and creative connection. To balance the constraints of film briefs, I express my own creative voice through a home textile brand. I translate the British countryside into hand-drawn sketches and watercolours.
Networking is how you find work in film and TV. My Rye drama teacher, Mrs Boyd, helped build my resilience when the answer was no. Now it’s my responsibility to pass on that kindness and support and connect people where I can. Get trained up on a reputable, specific course. Take every opportunity and be kind. Be a team player, make the tea, be a pleasure to be around. People remember the ones who were helpful and positive. The industry is small, your reputation travels fast.
