Name Lateisha Lovelace-Hanson
Age 18
Hometown Huddersfield
Where did you do it?
Yorkshire Women’s Theatre, Leeds
How did it happen?
It was organised through my college as part of a work-shadowing programme
Why did you do it?
I knew it would open up opportunities such as working with the company in the future. I also wanted to gain as much practical experience as possible within an established theatre company, as I aspire to collaborate and set up my own theatre company after going to drama school.
How did you get there?
I had to take two buses and a train
How long did it last?
Two weeks in the post AS-level exam period
How old were you?
16
What did you do?
I did quite a bit of admin work in the office. I also went out with the actors to a primary school as part of the tour for their Theatre in Education (TIE) play, Positive Step. I took part in theatre activities with the pupils and helped the actors organise the stage space.
What did you learn?
That you need a good company manager to run a successful theatre company. You need good organisational skills and good networking ability to sustain your company. I also learned that you need to be prepared to travel a lot and that you need to keep yourself fit and healthy as an actor.
What was the best thing about the experience?
The best thing was that I got behind-the-scenes knowledge of running a theatre company. I have gained a better understanding of how the industry operates and learned that it would benefit you to have good business and managerial skills.
It has also given me something extra to add to my CV. I met some cool people who have experience of being professional actors, so I got lots of tips from them.
How would you advise someone else to get themselves some work experience?
Not to be afraid to phone/email people and ask. Be prepared to learn and enjoy it.
What would you do differently if you did it again?
I’d probably ask more questions and be a little bit cheeky and ask for a job at the end of it. Why not?
