Work Experience atMasterclass, Alanah's Story

One can only dream of becoming an actress, director or costume designer! Luckily for me, I was able to gather some great insight into how much work really goes on behind those grand theatre doors! Masterclass at the Theatre Royal Haymarket allowed me to see just how complex the world of theatre really is. From intriguing office work to trying to usher, I got a great glimpse of life at the theatre…

To be completely honest, I did not know to expect as I walked through the door. I half expected to be twisted around and thrown through the doors of stardom, but on this day I realised that theatre is not only just about the end product but about the training and opportunities that arise before the ‘big break’. On this day I was guided by Programme Director Clare Annamalai, who lead me up an infinity amount of stairs to the Masterclass office. Here, I looked through archive pictures of workshops, looked at some of the interns applications and posted on the theatrecraft social media with the help of Marketing Officer Rosie Snell! This was great because I really felt as though I was a part of the organisation and I was given responsibilities which I hadn’t been given before.

Day 2 was my favourite day! I was honoured to be trusted enough to work in the royal circle where I guided viewers to their seats and greeted them and their children who were excited to see, The Tiger Who Came to Tea! I especially enjoyed this job because I was working with people in a similar age range to me and I managed slot into the busy life of an usher. From helping others and supplying booster seats for the little ones, to the frantic running to get to clean up punctually, I thoroughly enjoyed having a sense of independence and essentially taking charge of the customers’ experience.

I specifically chose to write about day 5 because it was a little different. On this day with the help of Operations Manager, Charlotte Wallis, I was able to watch a Masterclass production rehearsal! On the hottest day of the year, I warmed-up with a group of actors and saw how they co-ordinate and effectively use a rehearsal space. From this, I learned how warm-ups that I do at school, are in fact also used by actors as well! This rehearsal showed me how creative a rehearsal space can be, and how constructive the work environment is. I loved to see how they all built on each other’s proposals and praised all the good ideas. Despite the humidity, the warm atmosphere in the rehearsal was quite inspiring and it was great to see as a young person, adults be creative and light-hearted.

Go to Masterclass!

I had an incredible time working in the theatre! From the experience of working in Central London and feeling like an adult for a week, to laughing with the fun and accommodating staff! This work experience showed me the realities of theatre, but also the exciting and behind the scenes aspects of it!