As an Operations and Lettings Assistant at Parnassos, Fleur ensures that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. You can read how she does this in this interview.
What is your job role?
I’ve been working as a venue assistant since January 2026. Before that, I spent a year and a half as a hire assistant for both Parnassos and the UMU (Utrecht University Museum), and now I’m back working as a hire assistant on a temporary basis. I always say how much I enjoy working in a cultural centre where people sing, dance and make music, but also paint. There’s so much creativity in the building here, and we even have a theatre.
I used to dream about this as a little girl: imagine if I could one day do something to do with theatre. And now it’s actually a reality.
What makes your job enjoyable?
What makes working here so enjoyable is that visitors always come in looking so happy. You often hear things like: “It’s so cosy here” and “There’s always such a lovely atmosphere”. It’s really nice to hear that.
And to be honest: I feel that way myself. There’s just a lovely, relaxed atmosphere in the building. And of course, that’s also down to the lovely colleagues you’re working with.
People sing, dance, make music and paint here. As a little girl, I used to dream of doing something in theatre one day, and now I’m working right in the heart of that world.”
Do you take that lovely atmosphere home with you after work too?
Yes, for example, at the recent UUnited on Tour Birthday Party on 26 March, you really get a sense of how much fun it is. It’s great to see all the student music societies performing for each other on stage. When you’re in the audience yourself, you suddenly realise: this is why I do it. I really enjoy seeing the results like that.
I also went to Tivoli once for a performance by Dekoor, and the USBB sang along with the USKO. Those are really lovely glimpses into what goes on. You’re usually busy with day-to-day business, but it’s actually great fun to see everything that’s happening at Parnassos.
What are you proud of in your work?
I enjoy it when a hire goes smoothly, especially when there are larger groups. We regularly receive enquiries from Utrecht University itself, and some hirers come back again very often. When communication and coordination go well, it gives me a real sense of satisfaction.
On the day of a hire, unexpected things can sometimes happen. At first you think: how are we going to sort this out? But it always works out, often in consultation with the hirer. And when everything runs smoothly, I’m proud of that too.
Have you learnt anything in your role that you hadn’t expected?
Yes, here at Parnassos we have a storage room where music groups occasionally store their instruments and equipment. Recently, I thought I’d put everything away properly, but as a result, a group at the back couldn’t access their things. So I’ll have to do things differently next time.
I’ve noticed that taking a human approach really helps you gain understanding and cooperation. You might think everything has to be perfect straight away, but it’s actually very valuable to make direct contact, talk to people and put their minds at ease.
What are you most looking forward to now?
The Parnassos Presents have just taken place. I was actively involved in those. That’s when people get to show what they’ve learnt on the course and what they’re proud of.
Performances like that often attract a lot of visitors, and I really enjoy that: it’s a great way to showcase Parnassos as a venue and show what we do here.
We’ll also be doing some DIY in the building again this summer. Parnassos will be closed from 6 July, which gives us time to get stuck in. In room 206, we’ll be clearing out and rearranging everything. I enjoy doing that with my colleagues. A lot of stuff gets stored there throughout the year, so it’s good to have a proper clear-out once a year.
What do you do in your spare time outside of work?
I actually discovered singing through Parnassos. I really enjoy it, especially singing in a group. I’m not actively doing that at the moment; I used to do it at Parnassos and elsewhere, but that’s stopped now. Soon, I’m going to get together with two friends to see if we fancy taking it up again – just singing together for an evening every now and then. I’ve also been dancing all my life!
I also love being outdoors: going to the park or the woods, just getting out into nature and listening to the birds. I love that you can hear them everywhere again now.
I’ve been living in Utrecht for nine years now, but I’m originally from Friesland. We have a sailing boat there, and I love being out on the water there too.