Charlotte has just completed her eight-week junior technician internship at Theatre Royal Haymarket, where she had the opportunity to work on three shows: A View from the Bridge, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, and Farm Hall.

What did your internship include?

It’s a small team at the Royal Haymarket, with three people handling lighting and three managing carpentry. My internship involved both areas. In lighting, I've gained experience in rigging lights, managing the lighting board, adjusting channels, and working safely on the grid. In carpentry, I’ve helped with putting together and breaking down sets, as well as performing various rope work. The carpentry and lighting teams are also responsible for maintaining things around the theatre, like fixing seats in the auditorium and replacing bulbs in the foyer, so I’ve been working all over the building.

What skills did you develop during your internship?

I’ve learned loads over the last couple of months. I had some experience with lighting before starting this internship, but I’ve become much more confident in this area – I’m now regularly operating the lighting desk on shows and I’ve had the chance to learn more about programming and editing plots. Carpentry and Stage were entirely new to me, and I have been able to train on the job – I’ve learned so many knots! Because the backstage teams are very close to each other, I also had the chance to learn from the stage management and sound teams. I did some work on preparing mic packs and observed the Stage Manager operating the sound desk. I was lucky to be able to work on three different shows during the internship, which helped me to adapt to different working styles, depending on the specific show and crew. I've also noticed that I've become both physically and mentally stronger. All the lifting, raising, and lowering things on stage have noticeably increased my physical strength, and I feel more confident in my work and in myself.

What was your favourite part of the internship?

Firstly, it's how hands-on the experience can be. Compared to other things I've done, I definitely felt much more involved in the running of the show. For example, in A View From The Bridge, I was involved in the 'door slams', which was closer to the action than I expected to be. Secondly, it's the connections I've made here. I was really made to feel like a part of the team. At first, I was nervous about being in a new environment and meeting new people, which is only natural, but right from the start I felt welcomed and supported by everyone. Every single person in the backstage team has taken responsibility for my training and each one of them has spent time teaching me skills and tips in their area of expertise.

How much do you need to know about electricity to work as a lighting technician in a theatre?

Haha, that’s a great question. I’ve often heard people express an interest in backstage theatre or lighting but worry that their knowledge of physics isn't strong enough. While it's important to understand the basics of electricity, the hands-on aspects are best learned through practical experience. As for the more theoretical parts, you can always watch videos and study on your own during your free time. I’ve received a lot of guidance from my team, but personally I find it helpful to do some quiet independent study as well—it helps me retain the information better.

What is a piece of advice you would give to someone who is about to start their lighting internship or an offstage internship in general?

Be patient, but also be brave. Allow yourself the time to adjust and learn at your own pace without pushing yourself too hard. However, remember that some days you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve. Don't hesitate to try new things.

What’s next in your offstage career journey?

I had been applying for Stage Crew and Lighting roles, but just before my internship ended I was offered (and accepted!) the role of Lighting 3 at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. I couldn’t have imagined, eight weeks ago, that the internship would end as well as this. After I received my permanent offer, I went around the building to introduce myself, and the response was so warm and friendly. Everyone was genuinely happy for me, and I’m really looking forward to learning even more, and getting to know the other teams around the building.