A recent school-leaver, Mia spent six weeks at the London Palladium doing a Backstage Internship organised by LW Theatres and Masterclass.

What did your internship include?

My internship was primarily focused on backstage work with the lighting team. I spent much of my time learning how to maintain, set up, and operate lighting equipment. I helped with tasks like ‘lamp rounds’ to check for any faulty lights, and spent time organising the LX run, which is where lighting tools and equipment are stored. I also gained hands-on experience during technical rehearsals, working with lighting and video design setups. Beyond lighting, I shadowed other departments such as stage management, automation, and flys, gaining a broader understanding of how backstage operations work.

What was your biggest challenge during the internship and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was grasping technical concepts like electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics, which were essential for working with lighting systems. These weren’t my strengths, so at first, I found it difficult to understand how certain systems operated. However, the lighting team was incredibly patient, explaining and demonstrating everything until I started to grasp the concepts. Their support and willingness to teach made the challenge more manageable, allowing me to slowly build confidence in my technical abilities.

What did a typical day look like?

A typical day often began with lamp rounds, where we’d inspect the entire building for any lights that needed replacement or maintenance. This was followed by time spent in the LX run, organising lighting equipment and coiling cables. During technical rehearsals, the day would be focused on setting up and dismantling lighting and video equipment. Sometimes, there were specific tasks, like working with the MA3 lighting desk or helping with the movement of set pieces. The schedule was demanding, but each day offered new learning experiences.

What was the highlight of your internship?

The highlight of my internship was definitely working on two concerts at the London Palladium. I helped with the load-in and load-out, including rigging the sound system. I even got the chance to light and busk1 my first concert for the support acts of Kid Creole. The hands-on experience with the MA3 lighting desk, experimenting with different lighting settings, and applying what I had learned was an incredibly rewarding and unforgettable moment.

What skills have you developed during your internship?

I developed a variety of skills during the internship. On the technical side, I learned about lighting design, equipment maintenance, and gained experience with lighting software like WYSIWYG and the MA3 lighting desk. I also improved my organisation skills while working in the LX run, coiling cables and managing equipment. In addition to technical knowledge, I developed problem-solving skills and learned to stay calm and focused in a fast-paced, demanding environment. Working closely with the team also helped improve my teamwork and communication skills.

What advice would you give to someone starting an offstage internship?

My advice is not to worry if you don’t have a deep technical background. The most important thing is to be enthusiastic and willing to learn. The backstage crew will guide you through the process step by step, so as long as you’re engaged and ask questions, you'll gain a lot of knowledge. Be prepared for long hours and sometimes physically demanding tasks, but remember that the experience is incredibly rewarding if you’re passionate about theatre.