I’ve had quite a unique theatrical experience here in London so far – not only have I been able to see five plays/musicals and intern at an actor’s agency, I’ve also been able to stage manage a professional show in London!
I got the opportunity through one of my CAPA professors, Mike Punter, who is a playwright and also teaches many classes at CAPA – mine is called “Witchcraft and Magical Performance in London.” Through getting to know me and my future career goals, he suggested me to the director of his new play, Wax, as the production was looking for a stage manager.
I got to work at Waterloo East Theatre, a venue that “champions new writing and offers a platform for new and undiscovered talent both on and off the stage” (waterlooeast.co.uk). It was so amazing working with British artists early in their career who were excited about bringing new voices to the London stage scene.
I learned so many things as stage manager for Wax, including time management (for both myself and the actors, whose schedules I had to make sure were on track for the opening of the show), technical theatrical skills, and interpersonal relations.
The play was about a murder, John Haigh, who’s condemned to hang for his crimes and a sculptress, Anna, who has been commissioned to make a wax figure of his for Madame Tussaud’s Chamber of Horrors. It takes place in the early 20th century and is based on real life, which makes it even creepier than it’s plotline suggests!
It’s so amazing that, through CAPA, I got to network and work with theatrical professionals, like my professors and like the team at Waterloo East. These connections will serve me, not only if I decide I want to come back to England, but also back in the States. This semester has allowed me to intern with theatrical professionals, take classes with them, and work on productions with them! My knowledge and my experience will make me a well-rounded candidate for whatever I choose to pursue after graduation. I never imagined my study abroad experience would help my professional life, but it has in amazing ways.