Name Ioanna Pappa
Age 24
Hometown Leicester
Where did it all happen?
Leicester Haymarket Theatre, now called Leicester Theatre Trust
How did you make it happen?
I became a member of the part of the Young Blood Theatre Company (a Leicester theatre co for under 25s) and took part in three shows at the Haymarket studio theatre. The director, Daniel Clarke, had an idea for a show and asked me to be the assistant director.
Why did you do it?
Because I loved working with this director. I learned a lot from him and I saw this as an amazing opportunity to get into the directing world. It is something I would like to do eventually, so this was the perfect chance. Dan’s giving personality was the biggest advantage. He gave me an opportunity to work with a group of actors on my own and explore new ways of making theatre.
How did you get there?
Walking
How long did it last?
For three months we had weekly workshops, that each lasted for three to four hours. Three weeks of intense rehearsals then followed.
How old were you?
24
What did you do all day?
Took notes during the rehearsals, chased the actors to make sure they would be on time and worked on choreography and physical stuff while Dan worked on the script. It was a big and challenging group (14 in total) and we often had to divide them in two and work separately. I also made a lot of coffee and tea.
What did you learn?
1) To control my stress levels
2) To be diplomatic and nice, even if it is dress rehearsal and nothing is working
3) To make notes of everything. You never know when you might need them
4) To be confident that everything will be perfect on opening night
5) To listen and learn from people who have been in the business for years
6) To judge when to be strict and when to be flexible
7) To believe in the cast and the play! If you don’t, no-one else will.
What was the best thing?
The feeling I had on opening night. Knowing that what I saw on stage was partly my work was amazing – I can’t even begin to describe it. I learned a lot about myself and my limits, I met very interesting professionals with great experience and knowledge, and more than anything I had fun, whilst being creative.
Have you got any advice for someone who wants to do some work experience?
Join a youth theatre company, that’s what I did. Contact local theatre companies – I know a lot of people who have done so in Leicester. Sign up for newsletters from big youth theatre festivals; they will always email you interesting stuff.
What would you do differently if you did the same placement again?
Not get as stressed and be a bit more relaxed about things
