There have been definite highs and lows when it comes to interning here in London. Never before have I had the opportunity to experience working in a professional theatre environment like this. In the past, the only exposure I have had with professional theatre has been through any professional acting jobs I have booked in the past. So to spend the semester working in another aspect of professional theatre, I knew this would be a challenge but a great learning experience for me.
Through my internship at Diorama Arts Studios, I have the privilege to experience multiple things that have to do with theatre. From administration work, to marketing on social media platforms, to networking, and to being the tour manager of an upcoming production, there is a lot that I have to do each week. What is different, and sometimes a bit difficult, for me is that I am doing a lot of behind the scenes work, whereas back home I am more used to being on the stage with the spotlight on me. I have always had great respect for all the teams that help in the other areas of a production, but I thought very little of them for my main focus was always on my performances. Just from working as a tour manager for an upcoming production, I have discovered just how difficult it is to organize and schedule a whole production before it goes on the road. From meetings, rehearsals, and marketing and sales, all of these responsibilities are on me. I just want to do the best I can to make sure this production is a success.
What this internship does for me, is make me take a step back and take a closer work at all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, by giving me very important tasks. And let me tell you, it’s a lot of hard work! Through each project that I have been working on with my co-workers at Diorama, I find myself being humbled and more appreciative of all the work that they do. After all, if it wasn’t for their hard work then actors and actresses like myself, would be performing to an empty theatre and that is no fun.
I am very grateful to my internship, for it has opened many doors for me and I have been able to meet and network with people who are major supporters of the arts. On Valentine’s Day, I went to a garden party/art exhibit at the estate of Lady Bessborough and had the pleasure of dining with her and her family inside their home. (If you want to hear the full story, ask me when I’m next in town! ^.^) I have been extremely grateful for this opportunity to work in another aspect of professional theatre. It has made me so much more appreciative of the people who work behind the scenes to make what I love to do happen. This internship experience has just reconfirmed for me, that I am doing what I have been born to do. My place is on the stage, and having this time apart from it this semester, has made it all the more clear for me.