Two Charles Sturt University (CSU) theatre/media students gained invaluable professional experience when they were recently given the opportunity to stage manage a production at a leading Sydney theatre company.Ms Kate Smith, lecturer in theatre/media at the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst, said her students, Ms Romy Clugston and Ms Rebecca Keros, were ‘thrown in the deep end’ and coped admirably when she invited them to stage manage The Unspeakable Itch as part of the 2012 season of the Darlinghurst Theatre Company in Potts Point, Sydney.
Ms Smith co-wrote, directed and acted in The Unspeakable Itch with long-time collaborator Mr Drew Fairly.
“As much as we create authentic learning environments during the theatre/media course with our student-led live and mediated performances, nothing is ever the same as the real world,” Ms Smith said. “Internships are not simulated, they are real and give the students insight, experience and knowledge on-the-job, cementing their work-readiness in time for graduation.
"Watching third-year students make the transition into the industry using the internship program is an exciting period of transformation. The Unspeakable Itch was extremely technical, with the standard time for bump-in (set-up) prior to the show opening being about three days. This was high pressure and high stakes. Romy and Rebecca were then responsible for running the show six nights a week for five weeks.
“I helped them navigate their individual roles and how to communicate in the professional environment, and they made sure I was lit, dressed, and on time! It was fascinating observing their growth in confidence and direction throughout the production.”
Ms Clugston said, “I felt very privileged to have the opportunity to work with Kate Smith on The Unspeakable Itch. The chance to work in the hub of the theatre industry in Sydney and be involved directly with the running of the show was an invaluable experience.
“Not only did I learn how to operate professional lighting and sound equipment, but I also received mentoring from people in the industry. I began to fully understand what I would get myself into once I graduate. These types of opportunities, to work outside Bathurst and in the central area of my degree, are vital for understanding the industry.”
Ms Keros agreed. “My experience working on The Unspeakable Itch was amazing. I gained so much insight into the inner workings of the theatre industry in Sydney. As a student potentially entering this field, it was so valuable to have the opportunity to trial and see in advance what I want to do with my degree,” she said.
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