I am a 17-year-old student at Tarporley Sixth Form, currently studying Drama, English Literature and Psychology for my A-Levels.  I have a deep interest for film and theatre, and I hope to pursue a career in this industry in the future. However, I have always struggled to identify what specific field I want to pursue, whether it’s in the limelight on stage, or constructing and creating performances behind the scenes.  

When searching for a work experience placement, I contacted Unity Theatre, speaking to Eleanor Manson-Sawko, the Executive Director, over email, who responded positively and offered me a week’s work experience in March. We agreed that I would be observing rehearsals and creative development sessions for the Up Next festival and working with the marketing team throughout the week, and I was delighted as it was an opportunity to learn more about the extensive work that goes into creating and promoting  productions. 

 My first day was slightly daunting, as it was a new start, working alongside people I had never met before, but I was immediately made to feel welcome the moment I stepped into the building, as all the staff created a warm, friendly environment in which I immediately felt comfortable. I worked alongside two other girls on work experience, Louise and Heidi, who only made the experience more enjoyable. I met Elinor Randle, the Artistic Director, who introduced me to everyone in the office, including, Xania Bayer, the Technical Manager, who then took us on a tour of the theatre, describing the stage design and how they accommodate a wide variety of shows so regularly. This was a perfect start as it provided the perfect introduction and some insight into the technical side of theatre productions. I then returned to the office to start my first official task; we sorted through a wide variety of leaflets and adverts for unity theatre and its many productions in the past, the earliest dating back to 1983. This was incredibly fascinating, as we were able to see the development of advertisement and marketing styles through the decades. I then took a break and returned to observe a rehearsal for Muddle by Liam O’Brien, which was absolutely riveting, as I was able to see the creative process behind the development of characters and the performance itself. What I found particularly interesting was just how significant the positioning of the set was, and how the right staging elevates the production and flow of the piece.  

 My second day was filled with more excitement, beginning with sorting through more archives and advertisments. We were then given the opportunity to watch a run-through of My Dead Nan’s Box Set by Molly Hannah, of which would also be featured at the Up Next Festival. What I found to be incredibly beneficial was the opportunity to see multiple productions rehearsing, all of which were at various stages, as it helps to paint a picture of the process of creating a play. Up next was considerably the highlight of my week, where we were given the privilege of sitting in on a workshop audition for an upcoming piece. This was an incredible experience, as we were able to observe and it became clear who stood out, and who was best for the project. Even only being at the back of the room the environment and energy of the groups was exhilarating. 

Wednesday was a little different that the beginning of the week; we began with approaching local businesses in the area and asking to out up flyers for upcoming productions at Unity Theatre, mainly those featured in the Up Next festival, trying to promote the performances, which was successful. We then returned and were given the task of typing up scripts written in the 1930’s, as they had been created with typewriters so were rather difficult to read. We then took a break before going to the theatre to watch Folktales, a fascinating documentary about that follows teenagers at a folk high school in Norway, who learn survival skills in the arctic wild and the art of dog sledding, as well as a short film about a boy with Aspergers and the hardships he faced growing up, two incredible pieces, of which were shown in unity’s relatively new Documentary club.  

 Thursday was a day of rehearsals, observing the run-through and creative development of a hilarious comedy, Knickerbocker Glory, written and performed by Aidan Rivers and Laura Robinson. One of my favourite aspects of my work experience week, specifically when observing rehearsals, was the wide range of genres and themes that plays and productions here at unity cover.  

 On my final day of work experience at Unity Theatre, I had an exciting chance to observe a tech-run for Where Have All Our Women Gone? Of which the few snippets that I saw of the piece were breathtaking. We met Liz Barker, another Technical Manager, who showed us the box at the top of the theatre in which lighting and sound were controlled from, and the rigging system backstage. It was intriguing to watch the process of setting up each light and sound cue to each moment of the play, and how detailed and significant it would be for the final performance. We then watched a run through of a few scenes of Saint Jason, a gripping piece.  

 Reflecting on my week, I can safely say that my week at Unity has been nothing short of fantastic, as it has been such a welcoming community and team, and I am incredibly grateful to have had such a fabulous opportunity. For me it has sparked an interest in creating and writing, as well as being on the stage, and I have no doubt that I will be back before long. Thank you to everyone at Unity Theatre for making this week such an incredible experience! 

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