Then think again...

Work experience is what you make it. Go in with the right attitude, and you can learn loads, have a great time and even make contacts that might help you get proper work one day.

Go in with a face on you, and you’ll end up being ignored or put to work on menial tasks just to keep you out the way.

If you haven’t done it already, most people will do some work experience through their school in Year 10 or 11. But don’t rely on your teacher to get you a placement in a theatre or with a theatre company. You could end up stacking shelves in Aldi, walking dogs with behavioural problems or filing papers in the council offices. Find out well in advance when your work experience is coming up and be prepared to organise your own. (See How to get it)

Many people who want to work in theatre will sort out extra work experience during their school, college or university holidays. Because they know that competition for jobs is so fierce, they want to make their CVs look as good as possible.

How to get it

Make work experience work for you

Work experience glossary