Featured Experience
Two featured experiences emphasise distinct but equally significant aspect of my professional development. I gained useful backstage skills as Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) on Mermaid, and more understanding of the value of coordination, precision, and collaboration in a large-scale production setting with Royal Ballet & Opera's Costume Logistics Department. These experiences represent my developing interest in collaborative techniques that support live performance.
Assistant Stage Manager - Mermaid
As Mermaid's assistant stage manager, I helped ensure that the show ran well throughout rehearsals and performances by keeping the stage management procedure structured, effective, and composed under pressure. To ensure all props were properly prepared and accessible at the appropriate time, my duties included blocking and rehearsal notes, and managing prop tracking. I also assisted in managing backstage communication between the actors and the stage management crew, ensuring that important information was sent clearly and efficiently. I also helped with the scene changes and maintained the backstage area organised and safe.
This position improved my attention to detail and ability to focus in a fast-paced practice and performance environment. It also provided me with excellent experience working closely with creative and technical teams, adapting to changes and responding calmly to production requirements. I also created detailed props tracking table that making sure I was following the procedure of the show. This experience helped me gain practical stage management abilities, which I could apply to future performances.
Image of Props-make
I have remade the white bedsheet on top of the bed.
This red velvet stanchion rope was made with a paper roll and sewn.
I have added sparkles into the bottle and decorated it slightly.
Work Experience Placement - Costume Logistics
During my work experience placement in the Royal Ballet & Opera's Costume Logistics Department, I learned a lot about how costume work is organised and managed in a large-scale professional production company. My responsibilities included sorting the costumes by performer name, character, and scene to ensure they were accessible in the correct place on the appropriate rack that should be sent back to the storehouse. Also, I participated in a shadowing night with the stage management team, which offered me insight into the work of an Assistant Stage Manager and the necessity of clear communication, cue awareness, and backstage coordination.
This placement helped me realise the value of concentrating on scheduling and strong communication in a hectic production setting. I discovered how stage management, wardrobe, and creative teams work closely with costume logistics to ensure a performance runs well. It also made me more aware of how much behind-the-scenes preparation and organisation are necessary to uphold excellent professional standards.
The experience was particularly beneficial since it increased my interest in the practical, team-oriented aspect of production and helped me gain confidence working in a significant arts organisation.