Across two weeks, Northern Stage welcomed 32 young people aged 14-18 through its doors to gain hands-on, practical insights into the world of technical theatre. Throughout the week, participants also worked together towards a final showcase where they could put their newly developed skills to practice.
We caught up with some of the participants to see what drew them to take part in our work experience programme and how they found their time learning the ropes of backstage theatre with us.
This is Narissa’s story.
What motivated you to take part in work experience?
“I have always enjoyed being in a theatre, performing in the theatre, but I’ve never actually understood the work that goes on backstage and I’ve never had the opportunity to do it. So, when Northern Stage offered this opportunity, I thought why not? And it was probably one of the best work experiences I’ve done, so I’m really grateful.”
Have you learned any other helpful or transferable skills that you’ll use in future so it could be something specific to a job role?
“Definitely technology. I’ve never really used a lot of the softwares that you guys have here in Northern Stage, so it was really useful to learn how to programme and learn how to use the lights. And because you can take them like the National Theatre – they have the same software as well – So if anyone ever wanted to go into tech, you know, they can come here and learn, and then they could go to all these different theatres and they can do it basically across the country. So that’s really cool.”
What have you enjoyed the most about the programme?
“Being part of the Northern Stage team here. Everyone here is so lovely and the work experience to put on the performance tonight, doing all the stage, managing and lighting and everything was just a lot of fun to do. So I’m really. I’m really thankful.”
What would you say has been your biggest achievement for the week?
“Today I was Stage Manager and I was a little bit nervous beforehand, but I got the cues on time. I managed to actually do the work that needed to be done, so I’m really happy about that. I’m really proud of myself.”
Did you come across any challenges this week and if so, how did you overcome them?
“I think everything with the work experience has been a challenge because it’s grappling something new and something I’m not entirely used to, but I had such a supportive team and very supportive colleagues as well as friends, so it just made it all more enjoyable.”
How would you summarise your time doing work experience?
“Highly recommended, definitely, but also if for anyone who wants to go into theatre, whether it be tech or on stage, I think it’s just such a fun week to do and just I highly, highly recommend it.”
Has work experience inspired you to explore careers in the arts in future?
“It’s definitely got me thinking about the other opportunities in theatre. I think people always assume that you just have to be a performer or you have to be like a musician or something, whereas this way you kind of see all the different other job opportunities that they have actually backstage as well. Even if you don’t want to be on stage, you can still be part of the theatre community.”
Do you have any final comments to add at all?
“I just really, really enjoyed this week, so thank you so much.”
Inspired by Narissa’s experience on our programme?
Work experience will be taking place again next summer, and you could be learning the ropes of technical theatre!
Applications for work experience in July 2026 will open in December. Keep a lookout on our website and social media to hear about when applications are opening along with other opportunities to get involved at Northern Stage. You can also sign up to our mailing list, and we will email you when applications are open.
If you have any questions and would like to know more about our work experience programme, you can email workexperience@northernstage.co.uk.