Getting Experience
Many people looking to working in theatre find themselves in the very common Catch 22 situation - you need experience to get a job, but how do you get a job without experience? A popular way to overcome this problem is and to try to gain experience through work experience placements or voluntary work. Here are a few suggestions for people looking for paid or voluntary work or work experience.
Decide which theatres you would like to approach. You should be able to find The British Performing Arts Yearbook and Contacts in a good library. Both books list contact details of theatres around the country. Find out as much about the company as possible by visiting their building, seeing their work, picking up leaflets, researching them on the web etc. This should help you when applying to them and when deciding if they are the right place for you.
Telephone the theatre before writing. You need to find out the following:
- Can the theatre/company generally provide what you want?
- How and when should you apply - is there an application form or do they require a letter and CV?
- Do they only take applications at certain times of the year?
- What do they want to know from you?
When writing a letter, address it to the relevant person for dealing with work experience. It will go directly to the right place and create an initial good impression.
Keep your letter concise and relevant. List any relevant places you have worked and why they will be of benefit; list any skills and qualities you have such as IT skills and the ability to work with a range of people.
Mention why you are applying to the company. Why you like them, if you have seen their work. This will make your letter stand out from the hundreds of others they may also be receiving.
If you have fixed work experience or availability dates make sure you mention them in the letter.
Check your letter for mistakes before sending it.
