4 replies to this topic

[MissTheatre]

I've been reading these boards and numerous others for a while so I thought I'd post something resembling advice/information as I don't think there's enough out there.

Getting into theatre production/administration/marketing etc is tough. I think the only way in is to secure as much work experience as possible.  When I started this process a few years ago I wish someone had told me what I know now and pointed me in the right direction. So I thought I'd put this up to offer some advice to all those trying to break into theatre production and administration.

The following production companies/theatres/producers offer structured placements (usually 3 months). These are revolving internships and as soon as one intern finishes another one starts. Each one offers different experiences in different areas. For example some will offer Production internships, some Administration, some Marketing and Communications etc. Do your research. If you already know what area you want to go into then I'd recommend going for one that specialises from the start. If you don't know what area you want to go into I'd recommend one that will give you the broadest experience possible.

Start researching early on. Internships get filled up quickly. Also don't be afraid to drop the company an email asking them for more information about what the job will entail and what they will expect from you.

Most theatre internships are unpaid. But a lot will offer you travel expenses and some will offer you a small contribution to your lunch.

But do remember that if you have been claiming Job Seekers Allowance for more than six months you can do an Internship of up to 13 weeks and still receive JSA.  And if you are receiving income based JSA you can also claim Housing Benefit.

Structured Placements

ATG

Sonia Friedman Productions

Almeida

The Gate Theatre

Finborough Theatre

The Old Vic

Royal Court

Battersea Arts Centre

The Barbican

Headlong Theatre

Cock Tavern

Donmar Warehouse



Other companies also take people on an ad hoc basis, for differing amount of times and they include (but are not limited to) Mark Goucher, Act, Cameron Mackintosh and Bill Kenwright

Unpaid internships have got a lot of bad press recently but I think they are invaluable. Yes, you will spend a lot of time making cups of tea, fetching people lunch, photocopying, buying coffee and biscuits, photocopying, filing and running personal errands.  You will also spend your day at the very centre of some of the biggest west end produtions. You will get to sit in on the meetings where they decide what shows to produce next and who to cast, you'll get to see a production turn from a script and a few notes into a fully staged production, you'll get to sit in on castings, you'll get to give your opinion on what poster campaign makes the biggest impact, you'll be able to see the very first run through and the first closed dress. You'll be at the opening night, the press night and the gala night. And you'll  be surrounded by and interacting with some of the biggest theatre producers, directors and actors on a daily basis. No its not all glamour. In fact a lot of it isn't if I'm totally honest. But you gain experience and connections that are invaluable.

The other option that's open to you is the Stage One's New Producer Bursary which is an annual year long placement (split into 2 six month blocks) where you will be placed with a production company and work as a production assistant. You will receive a bursary of £15,000 which is non-taxable. Production companies which take part include Act, Sonia Friedman Productions, Mark Goucher, Act, Kenny Wax, Fiery Angel etc.

If anyones done any of these internships or knows or any others perhaps they could comment?