I was introduced to the National Theatre through their NT Live series. They record their productions and then air them in cities around the world. I only got to see two productions through NT Live but they were two of the most exciting and interesting pieces of theatre I have seen recently. Ever since then I have been incredibly excited to come to London and get the chance to see shows at the National actually live. This morning I got the chance, not only to step through those doors into the National, but to step behind the scenes.
My roommate and I took one of the guided tours of the National earlier today. It was kind of amazing. Along with seeing two of their three performance spaces we got to step into their carpentry shop, rehearsal room, hear about their amazing turntable lift and handle some props, all things that you might generally find on a tour of a big theatre. However the most incredible part of this tour was completely unexpected. Right now they are in tech for their new production The Veil. We actually got to sneak in the back of the theatre and watch a bit of their tech rehearsal. Now tech rehearsals contain hours of standing around while they correct light and sound cues and can often be quite tedious. We got lucky though and got to watch them actually working a scene. I could have stayed there all afternoon. It was really incredible.
Seeing that rehearsal, at walking through those spaces reinforced everything I love about theatre. It also reminded be about all the things I loved about working at ACT. Getting to be part of the process of new and exciting shows. Things that people hadnt seen before, or shows that get people talking, make you think. I love musicals and always will, but there is something incredible about the work that comes out of theatres like those.
The tour inspired me to start looking for a front of house staff job. Sadly the National just hired several people so they are no longer looking. And it seems that many theatres may be in the same position. I am going to spend some time polishing up my resume this week and spend next weekend pounding the pavement and hopefully end up with a job.
The job is something that needs to happen soon. I have been so wrapped up with keeping on top of course work and getting settled that it has taken a back seat so far. Also the idea of having to go back to a retail job is not one that I am enjoying. So hopefully something will turn up at a theatre. Plus I really miss being in a producing theatre day in and day out. It is amazing that I am getting to do so much work on my own craft, and really that is why I am here, but I miss the other side of things to.
It is a little intimidating to try and work my way into the theatre scene here. I was quite lucky to be where I was in Seattle, and it is hard to start over here without those connections. Well everyone has to start somewhere, so here I go.
Margaret, thanks for the tip about the tour, and for introducing me to The National in the first place. Our theatre outings were something that I always looked forward to in Seattle. Thank you for everything. Now we just have to coordinate seeing shows from across the pond. I believe One Man, Two Guvnors is the next NT Live show. I've missed it at the National but it moves to the West End in Nov, I can try and catch it there. What do you think?
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