Sixth form student experiences local theatre

Rosehill was delighted to welcome another young person to our team for a week's work experience. We hope you enjoy Olivia's report of her time spent with us!

My name is Olivia and I am a year 12 student at West Lakes Academy Sixth Form. I have recently completed a week of work experience at Rosehill Theatre which has been very beneficial going forward.

Studying A-level Media meant that when it came to work experience I was eager to look for positions in the media industry. I had heard of Rosehill prior but had never visited.

When I arrived the staff were welcoming and supportive, I felt that they cared about my experience here and wanted to provide me with knowledge and understanding of not only the theatre but also the industry as a whole. They were patient, enthusiastic and I learnt a lot in the week I spent there.

I learnt how the technical parts of operations worked as well as the importance of it to allow the business to run smoothly.

I discovered a lot about behind the scenes and how media products are produced, created and distributed, which is what I wanted to understand going into this experience.

Additionally, I was shown the business side of the theatre by sitting in on meetings and completing admin. I understood how truly important the audience is to organisations like this.

I also obtained knowledge on collaborations with catering firms and the dynamic there. Furthermore, I was shown the typical roles in theatre and what they do.

I was shown the projection system and learnt how it worked and also how the theatre transformed into a cinema. I learnt the importance of customer confidentiality and how to work the box office system.

I was walked through the roles of duty manager and shown how they would not only prepare for a show but the process during and after. I learnt how much office work a theatre really takes and how challenging and busy running the theatre is, even when there are no shows on.

I left the experience feeling confident about my knowledge of the industry and inspired to pursue a role in theatrical operations. I felt prepared for the world of work but sad to go as I enjoyed my time and the community at Rosehill.