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 Nick’s story.
What motivated you to take part in work experience?
“I have been rather interested in tech for the past few years, and I’ve had a bit of experience in it, but I haven’t had proper sorts of ways where I can mess up in it and I can use more of the actual equipment and it’s been really great and I’ve also just loved Northern stage as a company. I’ve seen a couple of shows here and I did the Young Director’s course.”
Have you learned any of the helpful or transferable skills that you’ll use in the future?
“I think it really taught me a lot more confidence and a lot of courage. On the first day we did pyrotechnics and we also did bars and I was absolutely terrified. But you know, once I got on the ladder and I was up on the grid, I was like wow, I’m doing this. I’m here and worrying about it and agonising about it isn’t going to do anything, so I might as well just focus and I really enjoyed being there once I sort of got into it. Also, the pyrotechnics stuff…once I did that I was like well, I can do anything now, I can’t I? Like, I’ve just set off pyrotechnics. I’ve just done that, you know?”
What have you enjoyed the most?
“I really enjoy practically doing things and making something and being able to see an idea put into actuality, it’s been put into reality and it was because of me, because I’ve done that. And just the sort of feeling of actually operating something. You know the feeling that you get from making something like that. It’s cool when it all comes together.”
What do you feel has been an achievement for you this week?
“I guess maybe just realising sort of more confidently what I kind of want to do in theatre, which I think would probably be sound or sound design or just working with sound systems. I’m also interested in DSM’ing and writing as well, but I think it just made me realise how much I love sound and I love operating stuff like that and how passionate I am to do that in the future and more confident to take on that path.”
Did you come across any challenges this week and if so, how did you overcome them?
“My biggest challenge definitely was on that first day when I was climbing up the ladders and I was going up to the grid and I was absolutely terrified. But what I did to get past that was I just sort of like OK, I’m up here now. I might as well just go with it and try and keep my head on my neck and see what happens and just keep focused and keep in the moment because if I just keep on worrying about it and keep on looking down and worrying about the height, then I’m, you know, I’m not gonna be focused in this moment. So I was just like, OK, you know what? I’m just gonna try and keep as calm as I can. And it helped and I was fine. And honestly once I was up there, sort of halfway through there, I was like, wow, this is easy, this is amazing. Becks was really lovely about it and really understanding and also encouraging as well, which was amazing.”
Did anything about work experience surprise you? Or did you do anything you weren’t expecting?
“I actually didn’t know that the DSM role was a thing. I sort of knew a bit of what it was but I didn’t truly know what it meant. I honestly had so little understanding what the role actually was that me doing a practical sort of run through it and taking that role on really, really helped my understanding of it. And I’m so so glad that I’ve had that experience now.”
Do you feel like anything about the programme could be improved?
I wanted to do more of sound, but that wouldn’t be fair for everyone. But honestly like, I really don’t know what I could say. The staff were amazing because it felt like a very inclusive and comfortable space, especially with all the staff that were so lovely.
How would you summarise your time doing work experience at Northern Stage?
“Fun, very practical and inspiring.”
Do you feel that the work experience made it clear what careers are available in theatre and how to get into them?
“It’s giving some of the other pathways other than uni. It doesn’t just give guidance with technical roles, you also meet many people, you know, like you and all the other people and you get to ask them any question you want about how they got there which is so helpful for someone who is here sat like oh I’d like to do that, and they can actually figure out how they want to get in there. So, it’s not only helpful for technical roles, it’s helpful for so many avenues in theatre.”
Has work experience inspired you to explore careers in the arts in future?
“Absolutely. I’m interested in sound. That’s the thing I want to go into and this has made me basically realise that. Working in this I’m like wow, this is really cool and this is really fun. And this is the thing that I want to press on further with and I know how to do that and it’s just been great.”
Inspired by Nick’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.